2014 Ram 1500 Slt on 2040-cars

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Stellantis will give its brands 10 years to prove they deserve to live

Formed by the merger of PSA Peugeot-Citroen and Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles, Stellantis has 14 brands under its roof, a number that makes it one of the largest groups in the industry. Rumors claimed not every brand would survive, with Chrysler often earmarked to get axed, but the firm said it will give them all a chance to shine. "We're giving each (brand) a chance, giving each a time window of 10 years and giving funding for 10 years to do a core model strategy. The CEOs need to be clear in brand promise, customers, targets, and brand communications," announced Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares during the Financial Times' Future of the Car event. His comments confirm Chrysler fans and dealers don't need to worry about the future — at least not yet. And, against all odds, Lancia enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief, too. Former FCA head Sergio Marchionne warned of the brand's demise on several occasions. Alfa Romeo is safe for now, too, as is Vauxhall, which are basically just Opels sold in the United Kingdom with a different badge. The engagement made by Tavares also means Stellantis won't divest any of its brands to raise capital until at least 2031. It's now up to each executive team to make a case for the brand they run, an unusual survival-of-the-fittest strategy in an era when cutting costs is more common than spending cash. Diving into the vast Stellantis parts bin should help even the most troubled brands turn their fortunes around on a relatively tight budget. It seems likely that survive Chrysler will need to look beyond the 300 and the Pacifica/Voyager, the only models in its range, and completely reinvent its image, which is currently nebulous at best. Lancia, once the champion of luxury, performance, and innovation, faces the same challenge. It's not starting quite from scratch, it's relatively popular in its home country of Italy, but it will need to think globally and expand outside of the city car segment to survive. Featured Gallery 2020 Chrysler 300 View 24 Photos Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM Citroen Lancia Opel Peugeot Vauxhall

Ram's newest Power Wagon looks even more outlandish for 2014 [w/video]

The newest Ram Power Wagon is arguably the most imposing vehicle to be shown at the 2014 New York Auto Show, boasting a number of new aesthetic features, as well as a new graphics package.
Ram added a 6.4-liter V8 as an optional engine for 2014, but in the Power Wagon, it's the sole powerplant, boasting 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. An equally robust six-speed automatic backs up the brawny engine, while 4.10 gearing, an 11.5-inch rear axle and electronically locking front and rear diffs come standard.
A new five-link coil rear suspension and Bilstein monotube shocks should deliver a pretty comfortable ride, while the Power Wagon's off-road ability is complemented by the new Articulink system on the front suspension, which offers electronic sway-bar disconnect. 33-inch Goodyear rubber comes standard.

Recharge Wrap-up: Ram 1500 EcoDiesel earns RMAP Truck of the Year, GM earns Energy Star awards

Jas Hennessy & Co, maker of Hennessy Cognac, has taken delivery of 45 electric vehicles from Renault at its headquarters in Cognac, France. The 23 Zoes and 22 Kangoo ZEs are to be used by employees traveling between the company's sites, and replace 80 percent of the company's internal combustion fleet. "For many years now, Jas Hennessy & Co has been actively working to reduce its environmental impact," says Hennessy Operations Manager Marc Sorin. Hennessy also recently bought an electric boat to take visitors across the Charente River to the company's aging cellars. Read more from Renault. General Motors has earned two Energy Star awards from the EPA. The automaker earned the Energy Star Partner of the Year award for Sustained Excellence for efforts in energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. For example, GM has achieved a global reduction of energy intensity by six percent, and has invested $34 million in energy, water and carbon reduction projects at its facilities. GM also earned the EPA Energy Star Climate Communications award for its outreach to employees, customers and stakeholders about energy efficiency and climate change. Read more from General Motors. The 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has been named Truck of the Year by the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association. The Ram truck beat out the Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty and GMC Canyon to earn the honors at the Denver Auto Show. The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel boasts a fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city, 29 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. Ram attributes the truck's efficiency to features like its eight-speed transmission, stop-start system and active aerodynamics. Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association Names 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 'Truck of the Year' and 2015 Chrysler 200 'Car of the Year' AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- - Denver-based journalist organization announces the awards at the Charity Preview for the Denver Auto Show - Winners are chosen from a field that includes every significant new car and truck introduced in the last year - Each eligible vehicle is evaluated and voted on by the members of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press - The 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, America's most fuel-efficient pickup, earned a 29 mpg rating from the U.S.