2014 Ram 1500 Tradesman/express on 2040-cars

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Ram recalling 65k trucks for rear-axle heat treating

A problem with the rear axle has promoted Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to recall a selection of Ram trucks. The campaign affects 2015-16 Ram 1500 series trucks – specifically those manufactured between June 17 and September 28, 2015. All told, that amounts to over 65,760 units across the United States. The issue stems, according to the statements below, from the rear axle shaft. Some of those trucks may have not had those axle shafts properly heat-treated, which could cause them to fracture and separate from the wheel. And that, it should go without saying, could lead to a crash. FCA states that most of the vehicles in question are in dealer hands, but while the manufacturer says it is aware of one accident to have resulted from the issue, no injuries have been reported. The owners of the affected vehicles will be notified to bring their trucks in to their local dealership to have them inspected. If necessary, the dealership with replace the rear axle assembly. This recall follows three prior (but unrelated) ones, also issued for Ram pickups, that between them affected well over a million units. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Incorrectly Heat Treated Rear Axle Shaft Report Receipt Date: OCT 15, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V661000 Component(s): POWER TRAIN Potential Number of Units Affected: 65,760 Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) SUMMARY: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated. CONSEQUENCE: If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R59. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. ### Statement: Heat-treating October 27, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 65,760 U.S.-market trucks – most of which are in dealer hands – to inspect and replace, as required, their rear axle shafts or rear axles.

Ram ProMaster City getting facelift courtesy of Fiat Doblo?

Our intrepid spy photographers have caught prototypes for a new Fiat Doblo. Now we know what you might be thinking (particularly if you didn't take note of the headline): why would we care about an automaker conducting a facelift on a European cargo van? Normally we wouldn't, only the Fiat Doblo has another name, under which it will be shortly be sold here in America: Ram ProMaster City.
Announced just months ago, the ProMaster City is the smaller counterpart to the Ram ProMaster, which itself is also a rebadged cargo van from Fiat Professional. Think of it as a Chrysler version of the Ford Transit and Transit Connect lineup - European vans being brought Stateside by automakers that operate on both sides of the Atlantic.
But despite the official announcement of the vehicle's pending arrival, we still haven't seen the PMC yet. The disguised Doblo prototypes pictured here appear to be wearing a completely new front end and some cosmetic revisions to their tail ends, too. We can't see anything in the interior, but the fact that it was completely covered up suggests that Fiat is working on overhauling that, as well.

FCA looking into Ram-based SUV, midsize pickup

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is looking into manufacturing a large SUV based on the Ram 1500 pickup truck's current platform, reports USA Today. If built, the SUV would compete against the Chevrolet Tahoe and could even spawn a smaller pickup. Ram already has most of the bases covered with its current lineup, but a smaller pickup truck would allow it to enter the booming midsize pickup segment where it would compete with the segment-leading Toyota Tacoma along with the Chevy Colorado and GMC, which are the newest entries. Mike Manley, head of Fiat Chrysler's Jeep and Ram brands, told USA Today that the current platform found in the Ram 1500 could be utilized for a body-on-frame SUV. With a large SUV, FCA would be able to capitalize on the ever-growing SUV market and go toe-to-toe with General Motors (GM) and Ford. The next-generation of Ram pickup trucks is expected to go on sale in early 2018, which would put a large SUV close behind. In an attempt to increase the automaker's production capacity, FCA also plans to move Ram's current production facility from Warren to Sterling Heights, MI. With Jeep continually posting healthy numbers, it makes perfect sense for FCA to build more SUVs. GM currently uses the same platform on a plethora of its SUVs with good results, which makes FCA's proposed plan a viable option. Related Video: News Source: USA Today, Scott Olson/Getty RAM Truck SUV