Fiat
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Fiat Chrysler Automobile has quietly ended production of right-hand drive models from Chrysler and Dodge. According to South Africa's Wheels24, the announcement comes as FCA drops Chrysler and Dodge from their South Africa lineup. "FCA will say a fond farewell to two of the mainstay car brands, with the Chrysler and Dodge vehicle ranges no longer being available locally. This unfortunate situation has arisen from our principals in the USA no longer building Chrysler or Dodge vehicles in Right Hand Drive configuration," the company told Wheels24. According to Allpar, FCA built RHD variants of 300 and Charger in Brampton, Ontario, and Pacifica and Grand Caravan in…
Last reply by Stew, -
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If there is one thing the Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has been consistent on aside from changing his mind on a number of things is his dislike on electric vehicles. Speaking to reporters this week at the New York Stock Exchange, Marchionne said there isn't a viable economic model for electric cars. "We still don't have a viable economic model for delivering an electric car. As much as I like Elon Musk, and he's a good friend and actually he's done a phenomenal job of marketing Telsa, I remain unconvinced of a ... economic viability of the model that he's pitching," said Marchionne. Marchionne believes the costs for batteries and the various technolo…
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Only a month ago, the automotive world was abuzz when a rumor came out that a Chinese automaker had a put in a bid for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. We also learned about four possible Chinese automakers that were supposedly interested. But after this rumor came out, most of the Chinese automakers stepped back and said they were not interested. The only one that expressed some interest was Great Wall, but only for Jeep. Since then, they have taken a few steps back. It seems no one is interested in FCA, a fact that was confirmed by CEO Sergio Marchionne. According to Reuters, Marchionne said no when asked about if FCA was approached by someone or there was an offer …
Last reply by surreal1272, -
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The relationship between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Volkswagen has been frosty, to say the least when it comes to a possible merger - Volkswagen has said no to this idea. But it appears the two have been talking about possible alliance when it comes to certain light utility vehicles. The Wall Street Journal has learned from a source that the two companies held discussions on producing some light-duty vehicles such as the Caddy van (Transit Connect and ProMaster City sized) and Amarok pickup. The source said the talks are still at an early stage. "It's still very vague, we have to see if this will be pursued," said the source. If these discussions do go s…
Last reply by Robert Hall, -
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Ever since the rumor of a major Chinese automaker possibly buying Fiat Chrysler Automobiles broke earlier this week, a number of them are coming out and saying it's not us. Geely was the first to come out on Wednesday and we have learned about two others. Yesterday, a spokesperson for Dongfeng told Reuters the company has no plans to buy FCA. Then today, Guangzhou Automobile told Reuters the same thing. "Currently, we don't have plans to acquire Fiat Chrysler," said Wu Yunchong, spokeswoman for Guangzhou Automobile. That now leaves Great Wall and other Chinese automakers that we don't know about. Source: Reuters, 2 View full article
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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It is no secret that Sergio Marchionne has been looking for a buyer to take on Fiat Chrysler Automobiles for the past two years. But no one seemed seriously interested. That has changed. Automotive News has learned from various sources that a number of Chinese automakers are conducting appraisals into FCA, with some meeting with representatives of U.S. retail groups about a potential acquisition last week. One source revealed that FCA executives have traveled to China to meet with Great Wall Motor Co. and that Chinese delegations were at FCA's HQ. AN also reports that a well-known Chinese automaker has put forth an offer this month for the company, but was turne…
Last reply by daves87rs, -
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Monday saw a major bombshell report come out stating that multiple Chinese automakers were considering buying Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. In fact, a well-known automaker put out a bid earlier this month, which was subsequently turned down. Today, one of the Chinese automakers rumored to buy FCA said they did place an offer on the table. According to Reuters, Geely Automobile’s executive director Gui Shengyue rebutted claims that his company was the one to place the bid. "We don't have such plan at the moment," said Shengyue. He would go on to say that "a foreign acquisition would be complicated," but did not elaborate. Sources tell the news service some of t…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Last month, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced that it had submitted certification paperwork for the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. The 2017 models come with new software that should hopefully get the approval of the EPA and be installed on older models. But at a court hearing yesterday, the brakes were put on FCA's hopes of a quick approval. Leigh Rende, a Justice Department lawyer, said at a hearing in San Francisco federal court hearing "there is uncertainty" about whether the fix will be approved by the EPA. "It could be weeks or months away. This is really a technical decision," said Rende. FCA's lawyer Robert Giuffra told the court …
Last reply by daves87rs, -
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It seems the EPA has had its eye on Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and their EcoDiesel V6 for quite a while. Jalopnik and Reuters obtained emails from the EPA via the Freedom of Information Act that revealed the government agency had suspicions about possible cheating at FCA back in November 2015 - almost two months after the EPA announced Volkswagen's cheating with its diesel engines. In an email sent on January 7, 2016 to Vaughn Burns, FCA North America’s head of vehicle emissions, certification, and compliance, director of the EPA's Transportation and Air Quality compliance division Bryon Bunker expressed concerns about FCA's slow response to explaining why their …
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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The university that first uncovered excess emissions coming out of Volkswagen's diesel models has turned their attention to Fiat Chrysler Automobile's 3.0L EcoDiesel V6. Their results show that models equipped with this engine spew as much as 20 times the legal limit for emissions. Bloomberg reports the West Virginia University’s Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions tested five Jeep Grand Cherokees and Ram 1500s from the 2014 and 2015 model years in the lab and out on the road. Why 2014 and 2015 model year vehicles? According to the Wall Street Journal, this is due to another emission issue dealing with 2014 models having their catalytic converter repla…
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles finds itself in hot water once again. Today, the U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the company in Federal Court for using a “defeat device” on 104,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 models equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 from the 2014 to 2016 model years. This follows news from last week that FCA applied for certification the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 EcoDiesel as they feature new emission software. "The complaint alleges that FCA equipped nearly 104,000 Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles (Model Years 2014-2016) sold in the United States with at least eight software-based features that were no…
Last reply by surreal1272, -
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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is hoping to get back in the good graces of the EPA after it was alleged the company violated diesel emission standards by failing to disclose eight different software programs used on the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6. On Friday, FCA announced that it had submitted a diesel emissions certification application for the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500. These models feature new emissions control software that should hopefully get them approved. FCA says if the 2017 models get the green light, it will update 2014-2016 models with the updated software. "The filing is the result of many months of close collaboration between FCA US and EPA and CARB, i…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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As if Fiat Chrysler Automobiles didn't have enough things on its plate, there is talk about the U.S. Justice Department readying a lawsuit over alleged violations of U.S. clean-air rules with their diesel vehicles Bloomberg learned from two sources that the Justice Department is preparing a lawsuit against FCA alleging the company used illegal defeat devices on models equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6. The defeat devices in question disable emission controls to improve performance. Sources go on to say the lawsuit could be filed this week if negotiations between FCA and the U.S. Government fail to resolve the differences. Back in January, the EPA accused FCA o…
Last reply by FAPTurbo, -
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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' CEO Sergio Marchionne has a track record of saying things that make jaws drop everywhere. Case in point comes to us from The Detroit Free Press. During the company's first-quarter earnings call, Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas asked Marchionne if there was a possibility of spinning off Jeep and/or Ram Trucks into a separate, standalone company. "Yes," said Marchionne. The Free Press notes that Jonas dropped this subject and moved on to another question. It needs to be noted that this isn't the first time that Jonas has brought this idea up. Back in January, Jonas estimated Jeep's value on a standalone basis would be $22 billion. Ram …
Last reply by regfootball, -
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You have to admire Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' CEO Sergio Marchionne for still hanging onto the dream of FCA and General Motors merging, despite being told repeatedly that isn't going to happen. At the Geneva Motor Show this week, Marchionne put out there that he is still interested in getting together with GM. "I never close any doors. I may shamelessly try and knock again ... on the GM door or any door if I thought it was a good thing for the business. Absolutely, without even blinking. The desirability of GM as a potential merger candidate remains untouched," said Marchionne. Unsurprisingly, GM shot down Marchionne's dreams. "We weren't interested before …
Last reply by Stew, -
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From the 'how does this make sense' file, Fiat Chrysler Automobile is planning to expand its dealer network in the U.S. by adding around 380 new dealers. This news first came to light last week as Automotive News learned from two dealers and a source at FCA about the plans. The goal of this expansion is to try and expand market share. But there are a number of issues. For one, FCA has been seeing its sales and market share drop in the past few months due to a thinner product lineup. Second, some of the locations that FCA is planning to put new stores are within a few miles of existing stores. For example, two dealers in Louisana have filed protests with Louisiana Mot…
Last reply by Suaviloquent, -
The relaunch of Alfa Romeo has cost Fiat Chrysler Automobiles dearly. Speaking with analysts during the company's fourth-quarter earnings call, CEO Sergio Marchionne said the relaunch cost "in excess" of 2.5 billion euros (about $2.7 billion) so far. Back in 2014, FCA said it would invest 5 billion euros through 2018 to relaunch Alfa, though the timeframe has been pushed back to 2020. Alfa Romeo has also been losing money and will continue to do so until the full benefit of the Giulia and Stelvio hit. To help curb costs, Marchionne told analysts that Alfa's Giorgio platform will be shared with other FCA brands; primarily Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati. "The investme…
Last reply by Stew, -
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A few weeks after the EPA accused Fiat Chrysler Automobiles of violating the Clean Air Act with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, CEO Sergio Marchionne said they hope to resolve this issue very soon. The Detroit Free Press reports FCA has been in discussions with the EPA and California Air Resources Board over this issue. Part of those discussions includes a possible fix - reflash the EcoDiesel's ECU to make them legal. “I think discussions are proceeding well, and I think they are a confirmation of the, certainly the goodwill that’s been established with the regulatory agencies now for a number of years, and it's something I expect that will continue," said Marchionne. …
Last reply by Stew, -
A day after the EPA announced an investigation into possible emission violations with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, the Department of Justice has now opened its own investigation. Bloomberg has learned from sources that the U.S. Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into FCA's possible violations of the Clean Air Act. As we reported yesterday, the EPA said FCA did not disclose eight different software programs used on the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6. In lab tests, the engine used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 exceeded more emissions when driven at high speeds or for extended periods. We should note this isn't the only investigati…
Last reply by hyperv6, -
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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles finds itself in hot water, this time with the EPA. During a conference call this morning, the agency accused FCA of violating diesel emission standards on 104,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 models equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel from 2014 to 2016. They are also accused of failing to disclose eight different software programs. The EPA alleges the software used on these models allowed them to produce excess pollution. At the moment, the EPA isn't calling the software a defeat device as FCA haven't explained the purpose of this software. “Failing to disclose software that affects emissions in a vehicle’s engine is a serious violation of t…
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Sales of Fiat vehicles in the U.S. have been tanking and FCA is making a drastic change to try and reverse this. Automotive News got their hands on documents revealing a new pricing structure that will see Fiat cut the prices on some of their models. The base 500 will see a price cut of $2,000 ($14,995 from $16,995). The price doesn't include a $995 destination charge. The big price cuts will come to the 500C lineup as there will now be a $1,495 difference between the cabrio and regular hardtop. A key example is the 500C Abarth which sees its price drop from $26,695 to $21,490 for 2017. Prices for the 124 Spider and 500X remain unchanged. A Fiat spokesman declin…
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
If you think the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' sales probe couldn't take an unexpected turn, then you would be wrong. The Wall Street Journal reports that federal investigators are asking questions about a phrase that was used by various executives to dealers and regional sales managers. According to sources, executives at FCA would use the phrase “unnatural acts department” during conference calls and one-on-one conversations. This phrase was to convey to dealers and regional sales managers to get more sales before the end of the month. Such solutions included selling vehicles at a loss or asking dealers to buy a number of vehicles that would be used for test-drives wi…
Last reply by oldshurst442, -
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Fiat is possibly adding another derivative of its Miata-based 124. Autocar has learned from sources that the Italian automaker is working a coupe variant. Unlike the retractable hardtop used on the MX-5 Miata RF, Fiat is keeping it simple by designing a regular coupe. It would also give a bit more differentiation between the 124 and Miata. We have a possible idea of where Fiat could go with the 124 coupe by looking at Abarth 124 Rally concept that appears to have a hardtop fitted permanently. Some sources say Fiat could change the design of the rear to better integrate the coupe roofline. Power is currently undecided at the moment. Certain markets could get a 1…
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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Sergio Marchionne is the biggest critic of electric vehicles in the automotive industry. But he seems to be changing his tune (to a point). "I’m not as convinced as some others are about the fact that electrification is the solution for all of man’s ills. We need to experiment as we are doing now with connected cars and mobility as electrification is one of the potential answers," said Marchionne to Bloomberg. Marchionne said the company is contemplating adding full electric vehicles to their lineup including a small city car for Europe and a version of the upcoming Maserati Alfieri coupe. The latter model could be positioned as a rival to Tesla. "I’ve always …
Last reply by David, -
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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles surprised everyone last month when they announced a partnership with Google concerning autonomous vehicles. It seems that FCA wants to do something similar with another company. Bloomberg has learned from sources that FCA is currently in talks with Uber Technologies to strike a similar partnership concerning autonomous vehicles. At the moment, the talks between the two companies are at the preliminary stage. Unsurprisingly, both FCA and Uber declined to comment. Another source tells Bloomberg that Uber is in talks with other automakers. Not a big surprise as Uber already has announced a partnership with Toyota concerning the ride-service …
Last reply by William Maley,
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