Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel 4x4 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

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

2016 Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcats see doubled production

The launch of the Hellcat supercharged V8 in the Dodge Challenger and Charger for the 2015 model year was a massive success. The one-two punch of muscle cars probably grabbed the brand more headlines than it had seen in ages by offering a world-beating 707 horsepower from the growling engine under the hood. The only real wrench in the works was keeping up with all of the orders. For 2016, Dodge might have fixed that little problem with plans to make more than twice as many of these mean machines Despite production seeing a massive boost, a few customers with orders for 2015 examples will need to wait just a little longer to experience those 707 ponies. The automaker will cancel any unscheduled, sold orders for the current model, but those buyers will receive a discount on the 2016. Similar to last year, dealers will earn their allocation of the muscle cars based on Dodge sales and how long the Hellcats stay on their lots. There are some very tiny changes for any buyers who are holding out for the 2016 Hellcats, too. Mechanically, they are identical to the 2015s with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 and eight-speed automatic. The interiors see some improvements, though. Both the Challenger and Charger now receive standard Laguna Leather upholstery and an improved 8.4-inch Uconnect system with navigation, an HD radio, and five years of SiriusXM Travel Link and Traffic. Orders for both open in the second week of August, and production actually begins in September in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

Chrysler recalling nearly half a million Durangos and Grand Cherokees

Rule number one of public relations – save the bad news for Friday. Fiat Chrysler has adhered to that, announcing today that it'd be voluntarily recalling 467,480 SUVs. This latest recall could actually be thought of as a continuation of a September 2014 recall, relating to the fuel-cell relay. In that case, some 188,723 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee CUVs from model year 2011 were recalled. And this time, it's the Durango and GC in trouble again. FCA is adding crossovers from model years 2012 and 2013 to the fuel-pump recall, although only diesel-powered Jeeps with the 3.0-liter V6 that were sold outside of North America are affected this time around. As with the previous recall, deformities in the fuel-pump relay, which could affect its functioning. In most cases, FCA reports that the affected vehicles simply won't start, although they also could be prone to stalling. A new relay circuit will be installed that promises increase durability. Of the 467,480 vehicles being recalled, 338,216 were sold in the US market, 18,991 went to Canada and 10,829 were shipped south of the border, to Mexico. Outside of the NAFTA region, FCA is recalling 99,444 vehicles. No injuries or accidents have been associated with this recall. Statement: Fuel-Pump Relay February 27, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 467,480 SUVs worldwide to install new a relay circuit that improves fuel-pump relay durability. FCA US engineers have determined a condition identified in a previous investigation may extend to additional vehicles. The previous investigation, which led to a recall, traced a pattern of repairs to fuel-pump relays that are susceptible to deformation. This may affect fuel-pump function, preventing a vehicle from starting, or leading to engine stall. Of the two scenarios, the no-start condition is the more common. FCA US is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. The fuel-pump relay is located inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which also helps manage other vehicle functions. None of these other functions, including air-bag deployment, is affected by the fuel-pump relay. The new campaign affects an estimated 338,216 vehicles in the U.S.; 18,991 in Canada; 10,829 in Mexico and 99,444 outside the NAFTA region. Covered are model-year 2012 and 2013 Dodge Durango full-size SUVs and non-NAFTA 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee mid-size SUVs equipped with 3.0-liter diesel engines.