2024 Ram 5500 Tradesman on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Ram 2500 Off-Road Pack targets Ford's FX4, Chevy's Z71

If you were a Ford or Chevrolet customer looking for a heavy duty pickup with some improved off-road chops, the process is relatively simple: tick the box for the FX4 or Z71 packages and be on your merry way. These packages are simple affairs, adding upgraded shocks, underbody protection, and unique wheels alongside a slew of cosmetic improvements. Now, Ram is getting in on the game. Making its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, a new 4x4 Off-Road Package will be offered on the 2500 model regardless of engine, bed length, or trim level. The only restriction is cab size – you'll need to order the Crew or Mega Cab in order to get the new option pack. Despite being a new package, Ram's formula is more or less the same as that used by the FX4 and Z71. Mechanical changes are limited to new Bilstein monotube shocks (Ford turns to Rancho, while the shock absorbers on Chevy's Z71 are unbranded) and a standard limited-slip differential (also offered on the Big Horn and Lone Star trims). Firestone supplies the LT tires, which look to strike a balance between off-road ability and on-road comfort, while there's the normal array of underbody protection. And like Ford and Chevy, Ram has fit a prominent decal on the rear fender. Pricing isn't finalized yet, but Ram specifically calls the 4x4 Off-Road Pack "a value-priced option." That'd make a lot of sense, considering how Ford and Chevy have priced similar equipment packs. Neither the FX4 nor the Z71 pack are high-priced options, with the former ringing up at $295 on the F-250 and the latter maxing out at $620, depending on which Silverado HD you chose. Look for the Ram 2500 4x4 Off-Road Pack to hit dealers during the third quarter of 2016. Related Video: Ram Truck Brand Announces New Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Off-road Package New Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package designed for customers who need essential off-road upgrades combined with 3/4 -ton pushing, pulling and hauling capabilities Part of "America's Off-road Truck Leader" lineup Features stability control upgrades, all-terrain tires and rugged exterior appearance New package includes limited-slip differential, underbody protection and Bilstein shocks Available "RamBox Holster" rack accessory for RamBox-equipped trucks February 11, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Ram Truck capitalizes on a core piece of the 3/4 -ton segment with new Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package, which includes a list of must-have upgrades for the occasional off-roader.

Stellantis mega-merger gets approval from FCA, PSA shareholders

MILAN — Shareholders of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Peugeot decisively voted Monday to merge the U.S.-Italian and French carmakers to create worldÂ’s 4th-largest auto company. Addressing separate meetings, both PSA Peugeot CEO Carlos Tavares and Fiat Chrysler Chairman John Elkann spoke of the “historic” importance of the vote, which combines legacy car companies that helped write the industrial histories of the United States, France and Italy. Before the merger is finalized, shares in the new company, to be called Stellantis, must the launched. It will be traded in Milan, New York and Paris. The marriage of PSA Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is built on the promise of cost-savings in the capital-hungry industry, but what remains to be seen is if it will be able to preserve jobs and heritage brands in a global market still suffering from the pandemic. The deal will create the worldÂ’s fourth-largest carmaker, with the capacity to produce 8.7 million cars a year, behind Volkswagen, Toyota and Renault-Nissan, and create 5 billion euros in annual synergies.  “We are fully aware of the fact that together we will be stronger than individually,'' PSA CEO Carlos Tavares told a virtual gathering of eligible shareholders. “The two companies are in good health. These two companies have strong positions in their markets.” The new company will put together under one roof French mass-market carmakers Peugeot and Citroen, top-selling Jeep and Italian luxury and sports brands Maserati and Alfa Romeo - pooling companies that have helped define the industry in the United States, France and Italy. While the tie-up is billed as a merger of equals, the power advantage goes to PSA, with Tavares running Stellantis and holding the tie-breaking vote on the 11-seat board. Tavares is set to take full control of the company early this year, possibly by the end of January. Fiat Chrysler chairman John Elkann, heir to the Fiat-founding Agnelli family and Fiat ChryslerÂ’s biggest shareholder, will be the Stellantis chairman. Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley will head North American operations, which is key to Tavares' long-time goal of getting a U.S. foothold for the French carmaker he has run since 2014, and the clear money-maker for Fiat Chrysler. Such a deal was long wanted by Fiat ChryslerÂ’s long-time CEO Sergio Marchionne, who had predicted the necessity of consolidation in the industry. He was unable to find a deal before his sudden death in July 2018.

Fiat Chrysler posts record Q3 profit thanks to U.S. trucks and Jeep

MILAN — A rebound in car production in Fiat Chrysler on Wednesday reported record third-quarter earnings as production returned to nearly pre-pandemic levels. The Italian-American automaker, which is finalizing its full merger with French rival PSA Peugeot, reported a net profit in the three months ending Sept. 30 of $1.4 billion (1.2 billion euros). That compares with a loss of 179 million euros a year earlier. The carmaker reported adjusted earnings before tax and interest in North America of 2.5 billion euros. That offset deepening losses in Europe, Asia and at its Maserati luxury marquee. Latin America, the only other region to post a profit, saw it narrow by two-thirds to 46 million euros. “Our record results were driven by our teamÂ’s tremendous performance in North America,” CEO Mike Manley said in a statement. Overall, the carmaker said global earnings before tax and interest were a record 2.3 billion euros despite a 6% fall in revenues to 26 billion euros. Global shipments were down 3%, due largely to plant retooling in North American to produce the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer in the luxury SUV segment and the discontinuation of the Dodge Grand Caravan classic minivan. Fiat Chrysler announced earlier Wednesday that its merger with PSA Peugeot is on track to be finalized by the end of the first quarter of 2021, as planned. To meet regulatory concerns, the French carmaker is selling a small stake in a components maker to get below 40% ownership. The new automaker, to be called Stellantis, will be the fourth biggest producer in the world. Earnings/Financials Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM Citroen Peugeot