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2014 Jeep Cherokee facing production delay

Jeep's bold-faced new direction spearheaded by the 2014 Cherokee is facing some teething issues. According to a report by the Detroit Free Press, production start-up of the controversial new utility vehicle at its Toledo North facility is running about a month behind schedule "due to a wide range of issues." That's according to Mark Chernoby, senior vice president of engineering at Chrysler.
Chernoby maintains that the issues being encountered aren't unusual for the launch of a new vehicle - particularly one with a new powertrain - and he downplayed the delay, telling Jeep dealers that they "will have ample inventory of the midsize SUV by fall." Among the kinks being worked out? Calibrating the Cherokee's cutting-edge ZF nine-speed automatic transmission and refining assembly line tasks to make the process more efficient.
Chrysler expects to start building retail-ready versions of the Cherokee around mid-June, with official sales slated to start in September.

2014 Jeep Cherokee dreams of Moab, crawls on stage [w/video]

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee inched its way onto the stage at the New York Auto Show today, proving that at least the "Trail Rated" version of the SUV is more than just a controversial unique odd fresh face in the mid-size segment. After the short, simulated Moab run by the Trailhawk model, the gray four-door was joined on the stage by a burgundy Limited model - the luxurious highway variant.
As a recap, the all-new 2014 Cherokee rides atop a modular Alfa Romeo-derived platform (we know it from the Dodge Dart) and will be offered in both front- and all-wheel drive models with a choice between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (rated at 184 horsepower) and a new 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 (developing 271 horsepower) engine. A nine-speed automatic is standard and no less than three different all-wheel drive systems are available.
Of the four different models (Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk), we like the rugged looks and capabilities offered by the Trailhawk the best. Overlook the red tow hooks and check out its more aggressive wheel/tire package, flared fenders, reduced breakover angle and lack of brightwork in our gallery of live images from the New York show. Skid plates and off-road capable tires round out the package. Read all the details in the official press release below.

25,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango SUVs recalled over brake feel

Chrysler has announced that it is recalling over 25,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs from several markets over concerns about brake feel under hard braking. The affected models are from the 2012 and 2013 model years, although the actual dates of production aren't available. 18,700 are in the US, while 825 are in Canada, 530 are in Mexico and a further 5,200 outside of North America.
According to a statement, Chrysler was informed of the issue by a component supplier for the Ready Alert Braking system, which primes the brakes in anticipation of an emergency stop. A component in the system was restricting the flow of brake fluid too much.
As Chrysler is quick to point out, the way the brakes functioned was in compliance with regulations and there are no reported cases of drivers losing braking power. Instead, the issue rests with what Chrysler calls a pedal feel that "was not consistent with customer expectations." So it would seem Chrysler is being proactive and fixing a problem not because there's a legal issue at work, but simply because it doesn't feel the way the manufacturer wants it to. Well done.