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Move over Audi, now Chrysler has a beef with Tesla's claims

In the same week that Audi said "not so fast" to some claims from Tesla, Chrysler has responded to a new press release from the California-based EV-maker by saying "not exactly, Tesla." The statement, released through the company's blog, comes in response to Tesla claiming it was "the only American car company to have fully repaid the government." Chrysler notes that it, too, recently paid back Uncle Sam from its 2008 bailout. Similar to Audi's recent press release, which was eventually and mysteriously deleted from the German automaker's site, Chrysler is both right and wrong in its statement.
Tesla specifically said that it had paid back the Department of Energy loans that many automakers received - including Fisker and VPG Autos - while Chrysler's retort argues Tesla is "unmistakably incorrect" since it repaid the government in 2011 a full six years early. Technically, the statements from both automakers are correct, but Tesla's startup loan originated from the DoE, while Chrysler's loan came in bailout form from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Further, as The Detroit News notes, Chrysler's loan still cost taxpayers well over a billion dollars after all was said and done - those negative assets tied to "old Chrysler" in the bankruptcy did not require repayment.

Chrysler develops fix for Pacifica PHEV minivan fires

In February, Stellantis recalled 19,808 examples of the 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivan due to reports of fires in 12 vehicles. The minivans were manufactured between August 12, 2016, and August 7, 2018. All were parked and turned off when they caught fire; eight of them were plugged in and charging. While engineers worked to isolate the source of the fires, Chrysler advised what's become standard practice in the case of electrical-related fire risks: For owners to park outside away from other objects that could catch on fire. Since then, there have been two more fires in Pacifica PHEVs and the first report of a minor injury because of a fire. Chrysler says it's developed a solution to return the minivan to normal operation and is notifying owners now. The fix is a trip to the dealer to have upgraded software installed for the High Voltage Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) that manages the 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. Dealers will also inspect the battery pack and replace it if necessary. Of note, Chrysler says it hasn't definitively pinned down the cause of the fires, but it understands the conditions that can lead to the fires. The software's been updated to address these preconditions, the automaker telling Green Car Reports it "has validated its remedy." Owners should continue to park outside and away from structures and refrain from plug-in charging until their vans are fixed, after which they can "resume vehicle operation as outlined in their owners’ manuals." The repair will take from 1.5 to two days; a rental or courtesy car will be provided free of charge.  Stellantis has already begun sending letters to owners. Those with questions can contact their Chrysler dealerships, or get in touch with Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403 and refer to recall number Z11. They can also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) and mention campaign number 22V077.   

Consumer Reports says Ram 1500 tops fuel economy fight [w/video]

Consumer Reports takes its independent vehicle testing procedures seriously. In an era when we have to question the EPA's official ratings thanks to recent re-evaluations from Ford and Hyundai, an independent voice is important. So, when CR says something is the best, it's worth paying attention to. The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has "about the same fuel-economy numbers that we typically see in a midsized SUV." – Jake Fisher In this case, CR took a look at the fuel economy of the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and found that it came out on top of the fullsize pickup truck pack. The Ram did so with 20 miles per gallon overall and 27 mpg on the highway. CR gave the truck a total road test score of 82. The EPA says that the EcoDiesel 1500 gets 28 mpg on the highway, 20 mpg city and 23 mpg combined. Comparing official EPA numbers, the Ram is also the best among trucks in its class. It's nice when people agree on something. As we know from first-hand, long-distance experience, you can push the 1500 EcoDiesel to 38 mpg. CR found in its own testing that the truck had, "about the same fuel-economy numbers that we typically see in a midsized SUV," said Jake Fisher, CR's director of automotive testing, in a statement. Speaking of midsized SUVs, CR also announced this week that the new Toyota Highlander Hybrid got the top spot in CR's ratings in that category. CR liked pretty much everything about the SUV, saying that the "transitions between electric power and the gas engine are seamless" and that, "the new Highlander also handles better, with a steadier ride and reduced body lean in corners." You can find more at the CR website, in the October print issue of Consumer Reports or in the video and press release below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. RAM ECODIESEL 1500 TOPS CONSUMER REPORTS FULL-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK RATINGS Redesigned Toyota Highlander Hybrid Climbs to Top of Midsized SUV List Yonkers, N.Y.- The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel climbed to the top of Consumer Reports' full-size pickup truck ratings with an impressive performance in the organization's fuel economy tests. The EcoDiesel (82 point overall road test score) turned in a best-in-class fuel economy of 20 mpg overall and 27 mpg on the highway, to help it score better than the previously tested Ram 1500 V8 (81) regular gas version and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT (80).