1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo on 2040-cars

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Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X finally on the way to dealers

After a brief pause, the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X are on their way to dealers again. While initially reported as a software bug, the issue had nothing to do with the models themselves. According to a statement from FCA US to Autoblog, the "vehicles were built with an atypical Vehicle Identification Number that may not be recognized as valid by some computer systems." That problem has now been fixed. FCA US held the compact crossovers back from dealers until the company could rectify the bug. If the CUVs had been delivered, there would have been difficulty registering the vehicles, according to Automotive News. Before discovering the situation, about 20 of these Renegades were sold to customers. FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne originally discussed the predicament in late May. "I'm having a very bad engineering day," he said. "It's a combination of attributes of that vehicle that is making my life horrible." While the boss predicted the problem would be fixed as late as mid-June, the company apparently got things working much quicker than that. Related Video: FCA US Statement A limited number of 2015 Jeep Renegade and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles were built with an atypical Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that may not be recognized as valid by some computer systems. This VIN issue has been resolved. FCA US has been working with governmental agencies, insurers and financial institutions with whom customers may interact to ensure successful registration, financing and insurance coverage. Renegade and 500X vehicles are being shipped and are in stock at dealerships for purchase. The VIN issue is entirely separate from the operation of the vehicle.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee spied looking refreshed

Jeep is preparing another facelift for the Grand Cherokee. Spied here undergoing testing, the updates to the upscale SUV look like they'll be fairly limited in scope. The current WK2-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee was introduced in 2010 as a 2011 model, replacing the round-eyed WK model that had been around since 2005. It underwent a mild update last year and is now gearing up for another round. This refresh appears to have a new front fascia with wider-spaced grille slats, and though hidden from view, will likely incorporate a restyled bumper with new fog lights. Expect some revisions inside the cabin to accompany the new face, and some updated engines, too. The current base model's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is anticipated to offer more power and get better fuel economy, plus offer flex-fuel capability. Of course, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 will also likely be offered, and if we're lucky, an even more powerful SRT performance model, too. The updated JGC is expected to arrive in the first quarter of the new year. Jeep will be marking its 75th anniversary then, so expect some special editions of this and other models in the portfolio to arrive in true Jeep style. In the meantime, you can check out the spy shots in the gallery above. Related Video:

Jeep follows up Super Bowl spot with call to help the USO

Once again, Chrysler had one of the most talked about Super Bowl commercials with its two-minute Whole Again Jeep spot, which was used to highlight its Operation SAFE Return program for US military personnel returning home from active duty. As part of this campaign, Jeep announced today that it will be donating up to $300,000 to the United Services Organizations (USO), and you can help.
Simply tweet using the #joinOSR hashtag on Twitter, visit the Yahoo! homepage or go to the Jeep Operation SAFE Return website, and Jeep will donate $1 to a fund that provides returning troops things like employment assistance and incentives to buy new vehicles. Jeep is also donating to this charity to the tune of $250 for each Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (including the Freedom Edition model) and Jeep Patriot Freedom Edition model sold.