2014 Ram 2500 Laramie 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.

Stellantis is official: FCA and PSA merger finally sealed

MILAN — Fiat Chrysler and PSA sealed their long-awaited merger on Saturday to create Stellantis, the world's fourth-largest auto group with deep enough pockets to fund the shift to electric driving and take on bigger rivals Toyota and Volkswagen. It took over a year for the Italian-American and French automakers to finalize the $52 billion deal, during which the global economy was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. They first announced plans to merge in October 2019, to create a group with annual sales of around 8.1 million vehicles. "The merger between Peugeot S.A. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. that will lead the path to the creation of Stellantis N.V. became effective today," the two automakers said in a statement. Shares in Stellantis, which will be headed by current PSA Chief Executive Carlos Tavares, will start trading in Milan and Paris on Monday, and in New York on Tuesday. Now analysts and investors are turning their focus to how Tavares plans to address the huge challenges facing the group – from excess production capacity to a woeful performance in China. Tavares will hold his first press conference as Stellantis CEO on Tuesday, after ringing NYSE's bell with Chairman John Elkann. FCA and PSA have said Stellantis can cut annual costs by over 5 billion euros ($6.1 billion) without plant closures, and investors will be keen for more details on how it will do this. Marco Santino, a partner at consultants Oliver Wyman, said he expected Tavares to disclose the outlines of his action plan soon, but without divulging too many details at first. "He has proven to be the kind of person who prefers action to words, so I don't think he will make loud statements or try to over-sell targets," he said. Like all global automakers, Stellantis needs to invest billions in the years ahead to transform its vehicle range for the electric era. But other pressing tasks loom, including reviving the group's lagging fortunes in China, rationalizing its huge global empire and addressing massive overcapacity. "It will be a step by step process, also to allow the market to better appreciate every single move. I don't think we will have all the details before one year," Santino said.

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.