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Fiat Chrysler is bringing a slew of concepts to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that all feature some sort of electrification. The centerpiece of their display will be the 2020 Airflow Vision concept. While not specifically branded as a Chrysler, the Airflow Vision does take the name of a full-size Chrysler model produced from 1934 - 1937. FCA calls it a "sculptural design concept" that envisions the next generation of premium transportation. The interior user experience is designed to be captivating. FCA put a lot of work into showing a sophisticated appearance that can be personalized and customized to individual needs. The cabin offers multiple interfaces, one behind the steering wheel, two on the center console, one for the front passenger, and two more for the rear passengers. Information can be shared between the screens by swiping. The interior is said to be the same size as the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in and has a flat load floor. In spite of all that room, it only has 4 seats set up in a lounge chair fashion to maximize legroom, shoulder room, and storage space for each passenger. Premium suedes and leathers, along with ambient lighting make the ride a first-class experience. The exterior of the Airflow Vision has an aggressive stance with bodywork reaching almost to the ground. The wheels hint at the use of electric motors, but no powertrain information was provided. View full article

In a discussion about their pending merger, Fiat Chrysler revealed that the combined company's future vehicles in the small to mid-size range will be built on two of PSA's platforms. The reasoning behind it is that PSA's platforms are more modern than FCA's which first debuted in 2003. They are also capable of a wider range of propulsion methods like electrification that are harder to incorporate into the aging platform that FCA is using. The smaller of the two platforms, PSA's CMP, launched last year is found under the Peugeot 208, 2008, DS 3 Crossback and the new Opel Corsa. The larger platform is called EMP2 and launched in 2016. It underpins the Peugeot 3008, 5008, 508, DS7 Crossback, Citroen C5 Aircross, and Opel Grandland. Both of these platforms could become the basis for new Jeep, Dodge, and Fiat models. The first possible FCA model to debut on one of these platforms is likely to be a small crossover for Alfa Romeo, due out in 2022. On the other hand, the Ram trucks and larger Jeep models will continue to use technology developed by FCA. The next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is already well into development and the forthcoming Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are set to go into production in early 2021. The primary question mark remains around the larger Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger, and Chrysler Pacifica. View full article

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot S.A. have signed a binding agreement to a 50/50 merger of their businesses. Once the merger is complete, the combined company will be the fourth largest automobile producer in the world. Based on 2018 numbers, the business will sell roughly 8.7 million vehicles annually and have revenues near €170 billion. There will be a strong balance sheet that will allow the new entity headroom to execute strategic plans. Geographically, 46% of revenue will come from Europe and 43% from North America. A number of operational efficiencies will be gained by the sharing of platforms and engine technology. The number of platforms will be reduced with approximately 6 million cars a year concentrated on just two platforms.The platform consolidations will account for approximately 40% of the estimated €3.7 billion in savings expected from the merger. Peugeot CEO Carlos Tavares will be CEO of the new company and a board member, while John Elkann of FCA will be Chairman of the Board. The completion of the combination is expected to take 12 to 15 months during which time they will be completing items to the satisfaction of antitrust and other regulatory requirements. View full article

The United Auto Workers membership has ratified the new four-year agreement with FCA. The agreement covers 47,000 employees at FCA's manufacturing facilities and parts distribution centers. FCA will expand manufacturing in the US including a new assembly line in Detroit that will produce two new Jeep models as well as the next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee as well a some electrified models. The four year contract includes: Signing bonus of $9,000 for full-time employees, $3,500 for temporary workers. Full-time workers can now reach the top pay bracket in four years rather than the current eight. FCA will create 7,900 jobs through 2023 which includes the 6,500 jobs already announced for a new plant in Detroit. $9 Billion in U.S. manufacturing investments. Dissolution of the jointly-run National Training Center, the focal point of a federal corruption investigation. An increase in profit sharing from $800 per percent of N.A. profit margin to $900 per percent. "In-progression" employees will now get the same healthcare as senior hourly employees. View full article

The United Auto Workers and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have reached a tentative labor agreement for a four-year contract the union and FCA said today. While details were not provided, the main framework of the deal is expected to mirror that of the deals made with Ford Motor Company and General Motors. Those deals include signing bonuses of at least $9,000, no changes for healthcare, and a clearer way forward for temporary employees to become permanent status. On December 4th, a council of the heads of UAW locals will meet and review the agreement and must approve it prior to sending it to members to ratify. Some media reports say that negotiators secured promises of another $4.5 billion in investments on top of the previous $4.5 billion to open a new assembly plant in Detroit. Other facilities in Southeast Michigan would receive upgrades. Further, the company has promised not to close any plants, and will allocate a new product to an Illinois assembly plant. View full article

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group have agreed to the terms of a merger just after it was announced they were talking just yesterday. PSA's board has already agreed to the deal and is awaiting approval from FCA's board which is meeting later tonight. The merger, if approved, would create the 4th largest automotive company in the world with nearly $50 billion in value. FCA Chairman John Elkann would retain his chairmanship of the new company while Peugeot CEO Carlos Tavares would stay on as CEO. The board would be comprised of six appointees from Peugeot while FCA would get five. Both companies would pay dividends to their shareholders, €3 billion from Peugeot and €5 billion from FCA plus an additional €250 million from the sale of its Comau unit. Peugeot will sell its stake in auto parts make Faurecia. Where the new company would be based has not yet been decided. Both the French and U.S. governments have been briefed on the deal. View full article

Details emerged Wednesday of the labor agreement between the United Auto Workers and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The overall contract is similar to the one agreed to by Ford last month. The four year contract includes: Signing bonus of $9,000 for full-time employees, $3,500 for temporary workers. Full-time workers can now reach the top pay bracket in four years rather than the current eight. FCA will create 7,900 jobs through 2023 which includes the 6,500 jobs already announced for a new plant in Detroit. $9 Billion in U.S. manufacturing investments. Dissolution of the jointly-run National Training Center, the focal point of a federal corruption investigation. An increase in profit sharing from $800 per percent of N.A. profit margin to $900 per percent. "In-progression" employees will now get the same healthcare as senior hourly employees. FCA will also offer $60,000 retirement packages to eligable workers in Belvidere Assembly, Marysville Axle, Mount Elliot, and a parts-distribution center in Wisconsin. UAW leaders from the various plants are meeting in Detroit to review the deal and decide whether to send it to the rank-and-file membership as a whole for ratification. If approved for voting, it will likely start on Friday and take a week to complete. FCA is the final of the domestic auto manufacturers to complete their deal with the UAW. View full article

PSA CEO Carlos Tavares said on the BFM Business radio station none of the brands would be let go after the merger of PSA and FCA is complete. He said it will be a challenge to manage all of the brands to cover the market, but that he sees "that all these brands, without exception, have one thing in common: they have a fabulous history." While acknowledging that the combined companies would have a significant number of brands, it would still be lower than the number Volkswagen manages. The combined companies would field Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Fiat, Opel, Vauxhall, Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Alfa-Romeo, Maserati, and Lancia. Both companies will aim for efficiencies of scale and are are willing to make concessions to the European Union in order to get the okay to merge. View full article

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA are in merger talks. This after the failed merger negotiations last spring between FCA and Renault. The merger is reportedly an all-share merger of equals with PSA CEO Carlos Tavares at the helm as CEO and FCA Chairman John Elkann retaining his position in the new company. The "talks are fluid" and the paper reported that "no guarantee that any final agreement will be reached". FCA had previously turned down a merger offer from PSA back in March. PSA is still digesting their acquisition of Opel from General Motors. View full article

Some Jeep Wrangler drivers have been experiencing a frightening phenomenon commonly known as the Jeep "Death Wobble". While the term is dramatic, FCA says they know of no injuries or deaths caused by this experience. After the vehicle hits a bump at highway speed, the steering wheel can vibrate back and forth by up to five degrees. Drivers claim that the only way to correct the wobble is to speed up or slow down. FCA says that the cause of this is a resonance in the front axle and dampers containing air bubbles. Cold weather makes the oil in the dampers less viscous and air bubbles won't dissipate quickly enough. Jeep will remedy the issue by installing a new damper free of charge to any customer who wants one, but it is not recalling the vehicle. All new Wranglers come with the new damper. There is currently a class action lawsuit pending that hopes to force FCA to recall the vehicle and calls the addition of a damper a band-aid. View full article

FCA Reports June 2019 U.S. Sales FCA US reports best June retail sales in 18 years; best total sales in 14 years Ram pickup trucks notch record as sales jump 56 percent to 68,098 vehicles sold Jeep® Gladiator captures an estimated 7 percent of the mid-sized truck market in its first full month in dealerships Dodge Charger posts highest June sales in 12 years FCA ends monthly sales reporting; first quarterly report to occur Oct. 1 July 2, 2019 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC reported its best June in 14 years as total sales climbed 2 percent to 206,083 vehicles, driven by Ram pickup trucks which had its highest month of sales since the brand was detached from Dodge and launched as a standalone division in 2009. Sales of Ram pickups for June rose 56 percent to 68,098 vehicles. For the quarter, Ram pickup truck sales finished at 179,454 vehicles. Jeep® Gladiator sales reached 4,231 vehicles sold, which helped the nameplate capture an estimated 7 percent of the mid-sized truck market after only one full month on dealership lots. The Dodge Charger also reached its highest level since 2007 with sales of 9,034 vehicles. Overall, June retail sales for FCA US hit the highest level in 18 years with 156,588 vehicles sold. Fleet sales totaled 49,495 vehicles and accounted for 24 percent of total sales. "For the first-half of 2019, Ram has been on a tear since we made the strategic decision to enter the year with a three-truck strategy. The new Ram 1500, Ram Classic and Heavy Duty are all generating a huge response from customers and critics alike,” Head of U.S. Sales Reid Bigland said. “This is now the third month Ram pickup sales have surpassed 60,000 since December. Our dealers had a steady stream of customers all month long.” June results also mark the end of monthly sales reporting by FCA US LLC. The first quarterly sales report will occur on Oct. 1, covering the months of July, August and September. See the attached table for the breakdown of brand and nameplate sales. FCA US LLC Sales Summary June 2019 Model Month Sales Vol % Change CYTD Sales Curr Yr Pr Yr Vol % Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Compass 10,976 15,142 -28% 75,513 87,510 -14% Patriot 1 47 -98% 13 549 -98% Wrangler 20,055 23,110 -13% 116,985 133,492 -12% Gladiator 4,231 0 New 7,252 0 New Cherokee 15,826 22,433 -29% 97,210 113,719 -15% Grand Cherokee 19,660 17,724 11% 123,272 109,313 13% Renegade 6,077 8,533 -29% 36,036 50,439 -29% JEEP BRAND 76,826 86,989 -12% 456,281 495,022 -8% Ram P/U 68,098 43,542 56% 299,480 233,539 28% ProMaster Van 5,937 6,996 -15% 26,712 20,362 31% ProMaster City 1,192 1,191 0% 6,976 6,440 8% RAM BRAND 75,227 51,729 45% 333,168 260,341 28% 200 0 52 -100% 35 894 -96% 300 2,904 4,318 -33% 15,857 24,707 -36% Town & Country 0 0 3 5 -40% Pacifica 10,037 9,114 10% 48,527 63,024 -23% CHRYSLER BRAND 12,941 13,484 -4% 64,422 88,630 -27% Dart 0 27 -100% 10 334 -97% Avenger 0 1 -100% 1 3 -67% Charger 9,034 6,640 36% 45,046 41,406 9% Challenger 5,067 6,822 -26% 28,668 37,367 -23% Viper 3 0 5 14 -64% Journey 6,704 11,286 -41% 45,431 52,309 -13% Caravan 12,215 16,267 -25% 71,947 86,778 -17% Durango 5,538 5,344 4% 36,991 32,722 13% DODGE BRAND 38,561 46,387 -17% 228,099 250,933 -9% 500 306 354 -14% 1,692 2,262 -25% 500L 90 157 -43% 399 904 -56% 500X 200 514 -61% 1,484 3,225 -54% Spider 337 401 -16% 1,528 1,894 -19% FIAT BRAND 933 1,426 -35% 5,103 8,285 -38% Giulia 768 979 -22% 4,346 6,362 -32% Alfa 4C 9 39 -77% 91 134 -32% Stelvio 818 1,231 -34% 4,600 5,769 -20% ALFA ROMEO 1,595 2,249 -29% 9,037 12,265 -26% FCA US LLC 206,083 202,264 2% 1,096,110 1,115,476 -2%

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has been lagging behind other automakers in terms of electrification, tending to focus more on how many more vehicles they drop the Hellcat V8 into. But that appears to be changing. The Detroit Bureau had the chance to speak with FCA's new global powertrain chief, Micky Bly. He said that within the next twelve to eighteen months, FCA would try to reposition itself as one of the industry’s leaders in electrification. “We’re not leaders now,” said Bly, “but we will be soon.” Bly wouldn't go into detail as to how FCA plans to do this. But we already know that a number of FCA brands have plans for hybrid and electric vehicles - including a new Fiat 500e. Sources also revealed that there is the possibility of the Hellcat V8 being teamed with a mild-hybrid setup that could add 130 pound-feet, and only add around 100 pounds to the overall curb weight. There is also the possibility of a production version of the Chrysler Portal concept, going with a full electric powertrain. Source: The Detroit Bureau View full article

At FCA, amid the backdrop of a proposed merger and its subsequent collapse, a lawsuit has been filed by Reid Bigland, head of the RAM brand and CEO of FCA Canada alleging that FCA has retaliated against Bigland for cooperating in a Federal prob of FCA's sales reporting process. Bigland joined Chrysler in 2006 and in turn took over the reigns of Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Dodge, eventually serving as CEO of FCA Canada. The lawsuit filed Wednesday accuses FCA of retaliation for not taking the fall for the sales reporting prob. Bigland claims his compensation has fallen by more than 90% and that the sales reporting process under scrutiny was one that he inherited. The probe of FCA's sales reporting started after two dealerships in Illinois filed a lawsuit alleging they were offered cash in return for reporting falsely inflated sales numbers. From that lawsuit, FCA was forced to recount and re-report its previous sales reports. The Security and Exchange Commission continued its investigation and Bigland cooperated. Bigland's position is that the sales reporting methods existed well before he assumed his roles, and he did nothing to change the reporting process already in place. Bigland claims that the SEC tried to settle with some admission of wrong-doing by the company and Bigland. Bigland declined to admit wrong doing and later sent a letter detailing the sales reporting practices to the SEC. Bigland sold his shares in the company in 2018 and he claims that FCA is withholding bonuses to pay for SEC fines if and when they come. For FCA's part they say via Detroit News: We'll have more information as it comes out. View full article