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FCA recalling 323,000 cars for wiring, software issues

The Basics: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is conducting a voluntary recall for an estimated 323,361 cars in the US. The affected vehicles were built after September 23, 2014 and include: the 2015 Chrysler 200, Ram ProMaster City, Jeep Renegade, and 2014 and 2015 Jeep Cherokees. The Problem: An insufficient crimp in the vehicles' wiring harness may result in a solenoid fault code, which could cause the engine to stop. The loss of power could lead to an accident. Injuries/Deaths: None reported. The Fix: FCA will update the affected vehicles' software and replace wire harnesses, as needed. According to FCA, owners that experience the problem can temporarily resolve the issue by restarting the vehicle. If you own one: FCA is reaching out to owners to schedule a service. Related Video: Statement: Wire Harness Crimp July 22, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 323,361 vehicles in the U.S. to update certain software and replace wire harnesses, as needed. An examination of warranty data led to an FCA US investigation that discovered an insufficient crimp in a wire harness. Such a crimp may lead to a solenoid fault code that can cause propulsion loss. The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. Most vehicles in the recall population will not experience this fault code over their lifetimes. However, should the condition occur, it can typically be temporarily resolved by stopping the vehicle and re-starting its engine. Accordingly, FCA US urges customers to heed the instructions on their recall notices. Affected are certain model-year 2015 Chrysler 200 midsize sedans, Ram ProMaster City small vans, Jeep Renegade and Cherokee SUVs. Certain model-year 2014 Cherokees are also affected. A change made in the harness-manufacturing process eliminates the need to recall any vehicle built after Sept. 23, 2014. An estimated 35,511 additional vehicles in Canada are included in the campaign; as are 7,067 in Mexico; and 43,927 outside the NAFTA region. Customers will be advised when they may schedule service. Those with questions may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403. News Source: FCAImage Credit: AOL Recalls Chrysler Jeep RAM FCA jeep renegade ram promaster city

2016 Jeep Wrangler to ditch solid axles to save weight?

Hey, Jeep fans. If you think the idea of a funky-looking, car-based Cherokee revival is offensive, have a listen to what might be in store for the next-gen Jeep Wrangler. Automotive News is reporting that as Jeep develops the 2016 Wrangler, weight reduction is a crucial target, and the Wrangler's rugged solid axles could be sacrificed in the name of better fuel economy.
We've already heard the next Wrangler will go on a serious diet using aluminum body panels and an air suspension system, so the idea of a four-wheel independent suspension setup for this OG SUV isn't all that surprising. Besides, it's not like an independent suspension would limit the Wrangler's off-road abilities - just check out the Hummer H1. In fact, it might be the aftermarket parts companies - not Wrangler enthusiasts - who would be most disappointed by such a drastic suspension change, as the article states that the Wrangler's solid axles and coil-link suspension make it the most popular SUV for customization.
There are probably still a couple years before we'll start hearing any concrete details about the 2016 Wrangler, at which time it will be interesting to see how stricter fuel economy and crash safety regulations have been balanced with traditional Wrangler cues like its removable doors and roof and folding windshield. Let us know in the comments below if a Wrangler sans solid axles is any less of a Wrangler.

Marchionne wants to nearly double Jeep sales by 2018

Jeep just keeps breaking its own sales records. A couple of weeks ago, the off-road brand announced its worldwide sales exceeded one million units for the first time, marking its third consecutive global record and the fifth straight year of sales increases here in the US. But FCA isn't about to stop there. TheDetroitBureau.com reports that chief executive Sergio Marchionne, speaking to the media at the Detroit Auto Show, has announced a new sales target for the Jeep division: By 2018, he wants to see Jeep sell 1.9 million units in a single year, nearly doubling its all-time record. The expansion will surely encompass new products, with the all-new Renegade just warming up, a next-generation Wrangler on the way and a reborn Grand Wagoneer in the pipeline, as well. But the focus of FCA's preparations to reach the new target is on production capacity. While it's not clear whether the Toledo, OH plant where half of all the Jeeps sold around the world are currently built will continue to host the next Wrangler, FCA is expanding production overseas. The Renegade is already being built alongside the Fiat 500X in Italy, where another 1,000 workers are being re-hired and where another factory is set to start producing Jeeps, as well. A Renegade-based variant for the South American market will soon be built in Brazil, and by the end of this year, Jeep aims to start local production in China.