Chrysler Puts A Halt On Cherokee Production *UPDATED

We know that Jeep is planning to replace the Compass and Patriot with one new model later this year, and we now have our first look at it undisguised. Brazilan outlet AUTOO got their hands of the new model before a photo shoot. 
We can't tell if the name is Compass or something else on the front door due to the poor quality of the pictures. Everyone seems to believe it is Compass so we're going with that. The design looks to be a mashup of Grand Cherokee in the front and Cherokee for the remainder. There is the iconic seven-slot grille up front, albeit somewhat narrow. 
AUTOO says the Brazilian-spec Compass will be offered with a 2.0L Tigershark four-cylinder or 2.0L Turbodiesel. Both engines will come paired with a nine-speed automatic and the choice of front or all-wheel drive. It would be safe to assume that the U.S. version will come with the 2.4L Tigershark.
Jeep will debut the next Compass at the at the São Paulo Auto Show in Brazil this November. Expect a debut for the U.S. sometime thereafter.
Source: AUTOO
Pic Credit: AUTOO

View full article

We know that Jeep is planning to replace the Compass and Patriot with one new model later this year, and we now have our first look at it undisguised. Brazilan outlet AUTOO got their hands of the new model before a photo shoot. 
We can't tell if the name is Compass or something else on the front door due to the poor quality of the pictures. Everyone seems to believe it is Compass so we're going with that. The design looks to be a mashup of Grand Cherokee in the front and Cherokee for the remainder. There is the iconic seven-slot grille up front, albeit somewhat narrow. 
AUTOO says the Brazilian-spec Compass will be offered with a 2.0L Tigershark four-cylinder or 2.0L Turbodiesel. Both engines will come paired with a nine-speed automatic and the choice of front or all-wheel drive. It would be safe to assume that the U.S. version will come with the 2.4L Tigershark.
Jeep will debut the next Compass at the at the São Paulo Auto Show in Brazil this November. Expect a debut for the U.S. sometime thereafter.
Source: AUTOO
Pic Credit: AUTOO

FCA US Reports August 2016 U.S. Sales Increased 3 Percent
Jeep® brand posts 12 percent sales increase in August compared with same month a year ago Five Jeep brand models up in August, led by 41 percent increase in Jeep Cherokee sales Dodge brand up 5 percent; six Dodge brand vehicles log year-over-year sales gains in August Ram Truck brand up 2 percent; Ram ProMaster and Ram ProMaster City vans each post double-digit percentage sales gains September 1, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC today reported U.S. sales of 196,756 units, a 3 percent increase compared with sales in August 2015 (190,887 units).
 
FCA US retail sales were 150,153 units in August, while fleet sales were 46,603 units. Retail sales represented 76 percent of total sales, while fleet sales were 24 percent.
 
The Jeep®, Dodge and Ram Truck brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in August, led by the Jeep brand’s 12 percent increase. Five of the six Jeep brand vehicles recorded sales increases in August, with the Jeep Cherokee turning in the largest percentage year-over-year gain.
 
The Dodge brand delivered higher year-over-year sales as the Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Durango and Dodge Viper all recorded sales gains in August, helping to propel the brand to a 5 percent increase. Likewise, the Ram Truck brand was up with the Ram ProMaster and Ram ProMaster City vans each recording year-over-year sales increases for the month.
 
Jeep Brand
Jeep brand sales were up 12 percent in August compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep Cherokee – the most capable mid-size SUV – posted a 41 percent sales gain, the largest percentage increase of any Jeep brand model in August. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass all turned in double-digit percentage increases for the month.
 
Dodge Brand
Dodge brand sales were up 5 percent in August compared with the same month a year ago, as Dodge cars and trucks had a strong sales month. The Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger each posted year-over-year sales gains in August. Charger sales were up 24 percent, while the Challenger turned in a 5 percent sales gain in August. Sales of the Dodge Durango full-size SUV, the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan, the Dodge Journey crossover and the Dodge Viper were all up in August as well. The Dodge brand last month used the famed Woodward Dream Cruise to debut its new 2017 Challenger T/A and Charger Daytona – two performance-upgraded models infused with heritage style. Production for both models will begin this fall with Charger Daytona models available for order in September, followed by Challenger T/A models this October.
 
Ram Truck Brand
Ram Truck brand sales, which include the Ram pickup, Ram ProMaster and Ram ProMaster City, were up 2 percent in August versus the same month a year ago. Both the ProMaster and ProMaster City vans turned in double-digit percentage sales gains in August, led by the ProMaster City’s 32 percent increase. The ProMaster City – America’s most efficient work van – is the newest addition to the brand’s commercial vehicle lineup and contributes to the expanding, purpose-built van segment with a number of best-in-class, functional elements tied directly to commercial customer demand. Sales of the Ram pickup truck were flat in August.
 
FIAT Brand
FIAT brand sales, which include the Fiat 500, Fiat 500L, Fiat 500X and Fiat 124 Spider, were down 21 percent in August. In its second month on sale, the all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider logged 460 sales in August. Last sold in the U.S. in 1985, the 124 Spider brings classic Italian styling and proven performance to a new generation of buyers. The all-new 124 Spider delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic design.
Chrysler Brand
Chrysler brand sales were down 22 percent in August compared with the same month a year ago. Sales of the Chrysler 300 full-size sedan were up 22 percent compared with the same month a year ago. The all-new Chrysler Pacifica logged 7,459 in sales in August. The Pacifica reinvents the minivan segment with its unprecedented level of functionality, versatility and technology. With nearly 40 innovations not offered by any others in its class, the Pacifica is the new benchmark in the segment that Chrysler invented more than 30 years ago.
FCA US LLC Sales Summary August 2016
Reflects Restated Sales
                       Month Sales
Vol %
CYTD Sales
Vol %
Model
Curr Yr
Pr Yr
Change
Curr Yr
Pr Yr
Change
Compass
8,867
6,891
29%
69,462
40,418
72%
Patriot
11,789
10,690
10%
86,632
80,328
8%
Wrangler
15,290
18,264
-16%
135,338
139,536
-3%
Cherokee
23,932
17,014
41%
142,498
139,582
2%
Grand Cherokee
18,409
16,477
12%
134,135
125,653
7%
Renegade
8,181
7,941
3%
71,328
27,861
156%
JEEP BRAND
86,468
77,277
12%
639,393
553,378
16%
200
4,210
12,538
-66%
45,983
128,673
-64%
300
5,275
4,339
22%
39,291
33,069
19%
Town & Country
1,809
7,255
-75%
56,607
53,469
6%
Pacifica
7,459
0
New
26,893
0
New
CHRYSLER BRAND
18,753
24,132
-22%
168,774
215,211
-22%
Dart
2,898
6,343
-54%
34,540
61,102
-43%
Avenger
0
45
-100%
0
1,197
-100%
Charger
8,614
6,964
24%
67,402
67,802
-1%
Challenger
5,262
5,014
5%
45,489
47,346
-4%
Viper
58
37
57%
406
456
-11%
Journey
11,732
8,351
40%
66,415
70,359
-6%
Caravan
10,572
10,330
2%
93,349
56,218
66%
Durango
5,204
5,111
2%
49,059
41,416
18%
DODGE  BRAND
44,340
42,195
5%
356,660
345,896
3%
Ram P/U
40,202
40,341
0%
308,970
295,243
5%
Cargo Van
0
29
-100%
21
2,144
-99%
ProMaster Van
3,234
2,587
25%
23,206
16,812
38%
ProMaster City
990
752
32%
11,832
4,434
167%
RAM BRAND
44,426
43,709
2%
344,029
318,633
8%
Alfa 4C 
37
97
-62%
376
451
-17%
ALFA BRAND
37
97
-62%
376
451
-17%
500
1,243
2,102
-41%
10,095
17,982
-44%
500L
131
314
-58%
2,687
6,334
-58%
500X
898
1,061
-15%
8,348
2,279
266%
Spider
460
0
New
885
0
New
FIAT BRAND
2,732
3,477
-21%
22,015
26,595
-17%
TOTAL FCA US LLC
196,756
190,887
3%
1,531,247
1,460,164
5%
                  Total Car & MPV
48,028
55,378
-13%
424,003
474,099
-11%
    Total UV's
104,302
91,800
14%
763,215
667,432
14%
    Total Truck & LCV
44,426
43,709
2%
344,029
318,633
8%
             

FCA US Reports Increase in July 2016 U.S. Sales  Jeep® and Ram Truck brands both up 5 percent year-over-year Sales of Jeep Renegade up 57 percent in July versus same month in 2015 Ram ProMaster and Ram ProMaster City vans drive brand increase in July All-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider posts 480 sales in its first full month in the marketplace Sales of all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica up month-over-month as launch momentum continues to build  August 2, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC today reported U.S. sales of 180,727 units, up 0.3 percent compared with sales in July 2015 (180,124 units).   FCA US retail sales of 155,885 were down 2 percent in July, while fleet sales of 24,842 were up 22 percent year-over-year.   Both the Jeep® and Ram Truck brands were up 5 percent in July compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep Renegade, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot posted sales gains in July versus July 2015, as did the Ram pickup truck and the Ram ProMaster and Ram ProMaster City vans. Two Dodge brand models – the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Dodge Challenger – also turned in year-over-year sales gains in July. Sales of the Fiat 500X were up year-over-year as well.   Jeep Brand Jeep brand sales were up 5 percent in July versus the same month in 2015. The Jeep Renegade’s 57 percent increase was the largest percentage increase of any Jeep brand model in July. In addition, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Compass and the Jeep Patriot each logged a year-over-year sales gain. Last month, the Jeep Grand Cherokee – the most awarded SUV ever – won AutoPacific’s Ideal Vehicle Award for the Mid-Size SUV segment for the sixth consecutive year.   Ram Truck Brand Ram Truck brand sales, which include the Ram pickup, Ram ProMaster and Ram ProMaster City, were up 5 percent in July versus the same month a year ago. The increase was driven in part by double-digit percentage increases by the Ram ProMaster and the Ram ProMaster City vans. In addition, sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 2 percent compared with the same month a year ago. FCA US announced in July that it will invest $1.48 billion in its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Mich.) to retool it to build the next-generation Ram 1500 and support the future growth of the Ram Truck brand.   Chrysler Brand Chrysler brand sales were down 4 percent in July compared with the same month a year ago. The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica continues to build momentum in the marketplace. Sales of the Pacifica were up 1 percent in July compared with the previous month of June. July was the minivan’s fourth month in the marketplace. The Pacifica earned an Editor’s Choice pick in July from Roadshow by CNET, in part for the “nicest interior and smart, family-minded technology.”   Dodge Brand Dodge brand sales were down 10 percent in July compared with the same month a year ago. The Dodge Grand Caravan and the Dodge Challenger each posted year-over-year increases in July versus the same month a year ago. Sales of the Grand Caravan were up 28 percent, while sales of the Challenger muscle car increased 7 percent in July. For the fourth year, the Challenger won AutoPacific’s Ideal Vehicle Award in the Sporty Car segment, having the “Most Ideal Sporty Car” in its segment.    FIAT Brand FIAT brand sales, which include the Fiat 500, Fiat 500L and 500X, were down 14 percent in July. In its first month on sale, the all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider posted 480 in sales in July. The 124 Spider revives the storied nameplate, bringing its classic Italian styling and performance to a new generation. Paying homage to the original 124 Spider nearly 50 years after its introduction, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic design. In July, sales of the Fiat 500X were up 1 percent compared with the same month a year ago.    FCA US LLC Sales Summary July 2016
Reflects Restated Sales
                Month Sales
Vol %
CYTD Sales
Vol %
Model
Curr Yr
Pr Yr
Change
Curr Yr
Pr Yr
Change
Compass
7,005
5,359
31%
57,565
33,527
72%
Patriot
11,288
10,211
11%
71,926
69,638
3%
Wrangler
18,741
19,828
-5%
119,042
121,272
-2%
Cherokee
15,451
17,460
-12%
116,424
122,568
-5%
Grand Cherokee
16,704
16,191
3%
116,850
109,176
7%
Renegade
10,057
6,410
57%
61,907
19,920
211%
  JEEP BRAND
79,246
75,459
5%
543,714
476,101
14%
200
5,474
9,526
-43%
41,676
116,135
-64%
300
2,369
3,820
-38%
33,154
28,730
15%
Town & Country
3,341
6,561
-49%
54,826
46,214
19%
Pacifica
7,911
0
New
18,742
0
New
  CHRYSLER BRAND
19,095
19,907
-4%
148,398
191,079
-22%
Dart
3,341
5,797
-42%
31,602
54,759
-42%
Avenger
0
90
-100%
0
1,152
-100%
Charger
4,949
5,936
-17%
57,852
60,838
-5%
Challenger
5,619
5,241
7%
39,998
42,332
-6%
Viper
49
57
-14%
350
419
-16%
Journey
6,376
9,255
-31%
54,051
62,008
-13%
Caravan
10,055
7,846
28%
84,140
45,888
83%
Durango
5,131
5,270
-3%
43,665
36,305
20%
  DODGE  BRAND
35,520
39,492
-10%
311,658
303,701
3%
Ram P/U
39,827
39,159
2%
270,637
254,902
6%
Cargo Van
0
59
-100%
21
2,115
-99%
ProMaster Van
3,055
2,167
41%
20,527
14,225
44%
ProMaster City
1,187
636
87%
10,897
3,682
196%
  RAM BRAND
44,069
42,021
5%
302,082
274,924
10%
Alfa 4C 
43
49
-12%
338
354
-5%
  ALFA BRAND
43
49
-12%
338
354
-5%
500
1,097
1,940
-43%
8,857
15,880
-44%
500L
227
314
-28%
2,527
6,020
-58%
500X
950
942
1%
7,481
1,218
514%
Spider
480
0
New
481
0
New
  FIAT BRAND
2,754
3,196
-14%
19,346
23,118
-16%
  TOTAL FCA US LLC
180,727
180,124
0%
1,325,536
1,269,277
4%
                    Total Car & MPV
44,955
47,177
-5%
374,543
418,721
-11%
      Total UV's
91,703
90,926
1%
648,911
575,632
13%
      Total Truck & LCV
44,069
42,021
5%
302,082
274,924
10%
 
 

Subcompact crossovers are the hot thing at the moment and automakers are trying to make their models stand out. Whether it is using sleek styling, sporty driving dynamics, or value for money, every automaker is trying their best to get their vehicle noticed. For Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, they’re going for a two-prong attack in the class with models from Fiat and Jeep. The Jeep Renegade is aimed at those who want a subcompact that can tackle a trail, and the Fiat 500X provides some chicness for the class. We spent some time in both models to see if they can make some end roads in this growing class.
 




While the 500X and Renegade may share a fair amount of mechanicals, the design of the two is worlds apart. The Renegade is classic Jeep with a square body, seven-slot grille, and a set of large headlights. The Renegade also features a fair number of Easter eggs throughout the exterior. The head and taillights feature little Jeep grille-and-headlights logos, and a small Willys MB on the bottom of the windshield. This is basically the vehicle equivalent of a hidden object puzzle you might have done back in school. 
Remember the first commercial for the Fiat 500X where a blue pill falls into the fuel filler of a standard 500. The owner turns around and somehow his vehicle has engorged into something bigger. That’s how you can summarize the design of the 500X. Compared to your standard 500, the 500X is 28.6 inches longer and 15.6 inches wider. A lot of the design traits from the 500 such as the round headlights, long chrome bar holding the emblem, and rectangular taillights are present on this crossover.
 
Moving inside, the Renegade takes some inspiration from the Wrangler with a rugged dash design and a grab bar for the passenger. Higher trims such as our Limited tester feature a decent amount of soft-touch materials. Like the exterior, the Renegade’s interior has Easter eggs strewn about. The tachometer with has a splash of mud to illustrate the redline, a seven-slot grille design for the speaker grilles, and the frame around the radio having ‘Since 1941’ stamped. The only complaint we have with the Renegade’s dash is the placement of the climate controls. They are mounted a bit too low to reach easily.
 




 
The 500X’s interior is Fiat’s best effort to date. The overall look has some traits of the standard 500 such as a retro design for the dash. But where the 500X stands out is in the material choices. Fiat went all out with adding soft-touch materials on the dash and door panels to help make the model feel very premium. Our Trekking Plus tester came upholstered in brown leather that added a touch of class that’s nonexistent in other competitors.
 
Both models offer plenty of head and legroom for passengers sitting up front. In the back, headroom is decent for most passengers even with the optional sunroof fitted. Legroom ranges from decent for most folks to almost nonexistent depending on how tall the person sitting up front is. The seats themselves are lacking sufficient support for long trips. If cargo capacity is a priority, then consider the Renegade as it offers 18.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up. The 500X is towards the bottom of the class with only 12.2 cubic feet mostly due to the design of the vehicle.
 
For your infotainment needs, Fiat and Jeep offer a lineup of Uconnect systems from three to 6.5 inches. Our test vehicles featured the optional 6.5-inch system. Uconnect is still one of the easiest systems to use thanks to a simple interface and very fast performance. We hope FCA considers adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility in the future.
 




In terms of engines, both the 500X and Renegade come standard with a turbocharged 1.4L with 160 horsepower. The downside to this engine is that it is only available with a six-speed manual. If you want an automatic, then you’ll need to get the engine found under the hood of our test models; a 2.4L four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. We’re not fans of the 2.4L in the any of the FCA vehicles we have driven and this trend continues with the 500X and Renegade. Leaving a stop, there is plenty of oomph to get up to speed in urban environments. Out on the rural roads and highways, the 2.4L struggles to get up to speed at a decent clip. Not helping matters is the engine sounding unrefined. The engine noise during hard acceleration could actually drown out the radio. 
The one bright spot for the powertrain is the nine-speed automatic. This transmission has been a sore point in a number of FCA vehicles for sluggish shifting and not feeling refined. With the 500X and Renegade, it seems FCA has been able to fix many of the wrongs of the nine-speed. Gear changes are much faster and smoother than in previous models.
 
Both models can be equipped with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Both models came equipped with all-wheel drive. This system primarily works in front-wheel drive to help improve fuel economy. But if the system detects slip, it will hook up the rear axle and start sending power for better traction. The Renegade has the more advanced all-wheel drive system known as Jeep Active Drive. This system gives the driver the choice of various drive modes (Auto, Snow, Sand, and Mud) that adjusts the all-wheel drive, steering, and transmission to provide the best settings for the conditions at hand. There’s also a 4WD lock that splits power 50:50 to provide added traction. Thanks to a freak snow storm in April, I was able to put the system to the test. Driving on some snowy roads, the system was able to keep the Renegade moving without the tires spinning.
 
The Renegade Trailhawk takes the system a step further with Active Drive Low. As the name suggests, this system features low range via a two-speed transfer case. This allows the Trailhawk to tackle more difficult obstacles such as rocks.
 
Fuel economy is terrible for the class. The Fiat 500X is rated at 21 City/30 Highway/24 Combined. The Renegade matches the 500X in city and combined fuel figures but is only rated at 29 for the highway. Our average for the week was a very disappointing 22.1 MPG in both vehicles. This is a figure you would expect in a larger crossover, not a subcompact.
 




 
The ride in both vehicles is on the firm and harsh side. You’ll be able to tell how bad the roads around you are as bumps and road imperfections are transmitted to the seats. Interestingly, both the 500X and Renegade are quite fun around corners. The vehicles feel agile and the steering has some decent weight. But as the Mazda CX-3 has shown, you can have excellent handling characteristics and a decent ride in a crossover. On the highway, the Renegade is the noisier of the two with a large amount of wind noise coming inside.
 
As for pricing, the 500X and Renegade get off to a good start. The Renegade starts at $17,995 and the 500X comes in at $20,000. Where it falls apart comes in the higher trims. Our two testers had price tags of just under $32,000 - $31,695 for the Renegade Limited and $31,800 for the 500X Trekking Plus. For that same amount of money, you can get into a well-equipped or even a loaded compact crossover. Neither one of these models is worth their high price tags.
 
The subcompact crossover class has become a hotly contested class in only a couple of years and you have to show up with your a-game if you want to make an impact. In the case the 500X and Renegade, FCA dropped the ball. The larger four-cylinder engine should be shown the door for its issues in terms of refinement and fuel economy. The ride characteristics need a rethink and the value for money argument is tough when dealing with the higher trim models. This is very disappointing as the two models have some characteristics that should put them a bit higher in the class. The Fiat 500X’s interior looks and feels like something you would find in a luxury model. The Jeep Renegade can go into places that other subcompact crossovers not even dare try thanks to a clever all-wheel drive system and Jeep’s off-road know-how.
 
But these positive points cannot overcome the numerous issues both of the vehicles have. It would be best to avoid them.
 
Cheers: Off-Road Ability (Renegade), Interior Styling and Features (500X), Nine-Speed Automatic Is Much Better
Jeers: 2.4L Is Terrible, Rough Ride, Pricing for Higher Trims
 

Album: Review: 2016 Fiat 500X Trekking Plus AWD
10 images 0 comments

Album: Review: 2016 Jeep Renegade Limited 4X4
10 images 0 comments

Disclaimer: FCA Provided the 500X and Renegade; Insurance, and One Tank of Gas 
Year: 2016
Make: Fiat
Model: 500X
Trim: Trekking Plus AWD
Engine: 2.4L Multi-Air Four-Cylinder
Driveline: Nine-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 180 @ 6,400
Torque @ RPM: 175 @ 3,900
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 21/30/24
Curb Weight: 3,278 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Melfi, Italy
Base Price: $29,000
As Tested Price: $31,800 (Includes $900.00 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
Trekking Plus Collection 1 - $1,900
 
Year: 2016
Make: Jeep
Model: Renegade
Trim: Limited 4X4
Engine: 2.4L Multi-Air Four-Cylinder
Driveline: Nine-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 180 @ 6,400
Torque @ RPM: 175 @ 3,900
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 21/29/24
Curb Weight: 3,348 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Melfi, Italy
Base Price: $26,995
As Tested Price: $31,695 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
6.5-inch Navigation Group with Uconnect - $1,245
Advanced Technology Group - $995
Beats Premium Audio System - $695
Safety and Security Group - $645
Passive Entry Keyless Enter n' Go Package - $125


Click here to view the article