USA - Popular Mechanics has included the 2016 Ram line up in their annual Automotive Excellence Awards

Popular Mechanics has included the 2016 Ram line up in their annual Automotive Excellence Awards in the May issue, on newsstands today. Compared to all other full-size pickups, the Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 offerings had the best combination of technology, performance and value.

"The objective for Ram is to build the best trucks in the market, and earning a spot in Popular Mechanics’ Automotive Excellence Awards is recognition of rapid innovation and exclusive features across Ram’s entire pickup line," said Mike Manley – Head of Ram Truck Brand, FCA Global. 

"The pickup truck segments are brutally competitive and Ram is committed to leadership with best-in-class titles, including America’s most fuel-efficient full-size pickup at 29 mpg, most towing capacity at 31,210 pounds and the most torque at 900 lb.-ft."

Ram is the winner in the “Best Truck” category and, according to the article: “Top to bottom, this is the model to beat.” The editors go on to say, “The Ram is the only pickup with a ZF-designed eight-speed automatic transmission, a device so manifestly excellent that Rolls-Royce and Range Rover put the same in their cars, too. 

That transmission can be bolted to a satisfying 305-hp V-6, a beastly HEMI® V-8, or a 3.0-liter diesel, the only small diesel you can get in a full-size truck.”

In the introduction to the article, the editors of Popular Mechanics describe the process of choosing this year’s winners: “We’ve reflected on and debated the things we’ve seen and expect to see as we cover this industry. 

We’ve visited factories, interviewed engineers and driven everything at least once, mostly without incident. Now, we anoint the standouts: the vehicles – and a few of the options, add-ons and standard features – that remind us why we love the automobile.”

The 2016 Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards also name the Car of the Year, Best SUV, Best Sports Car, Best Electric and several other categories.

New Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package designed for those who need essential off-road upgrades.

• New Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package designed for customers who need essential off-road upgrades combined with ¾-ton pushing, pulling and hauling capabilities
• Part of “America’s Off-road Truck Leader” lineup
• Features stability control upgrades, all-terrain tires and rugged exterior appearance
• New package includes limited-slip differential, underbody protection and Bilstein shocks
• Available "RamBox Holster" rack accessory for RamBox-equipped trucks

Ram Truck capitalizes on a core piece of the ¾-ton segment with new Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package, which includes a list of must-have upgrades for the occasional off-roader.

Designed for all manner of activity, it’s no secret pickup trucks spend a disproportionate amount of time in the dirt, mud and snow when compared to other vehicles in the automotive industry. 

Up to 35 percent of pickup owners operate their vehicle in off-road environments for work and/or play. The new Off-road Component Package provides the functional enhancements to deliver owner confidence off the beaten path.

“Truck customers require a wide range of off-road capability options and Ram trucks are designed and engineered for the full spectrum,” said Bob Hegbloom, Head of Ram Truck Brand, FCA - North America. “Anyone who spends most days on the outskirts of a job site or the weekend on the shore of a favorite fishing hole will benefit from the standard features on our new Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package.”

The Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package is a value-priced option with a long list of content that customers have requested.

Joining the Ram Rebel and Power Wagon, the 4x4 Off-road Package rounds out the brand’s enthusiast lineup and reinforces its claim to being the "Off-road Truck Leader."

Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package

A pickup truck has a lot of unforeseen duties. Large front tow hooks add an untold amount of versatility and allow the Ram 2500 to become a solid anchor point or rescue rig. Larger fender flares in Black or body-color help prevent whatever slings off the tires from covering the side of the truck with debris.

To handle the rough roads, Bilstein monotube shock absorbers soak up the bumps at all four corners and distribute excessive heat that can be generated when driving rough sections for extended periods of time. The performance shocks are tuned specifically for the weight of the truck and take advantage of the exclusive five-link coil rear suspension system, adding further control to the axle.

The improved suspension is coupled with all-terrain tires. The Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package includes Firestone LT 275/70R 18E OWL on/off-road tires for added traction. Some models wear Firestone LT 285/60R 20E OWL on/off-road tires. The tires clean themselves better than on-road tires by allowing whatever finds itself in the tread to break free under rotation, keeping the tread clear to grip again.

Many trails, tall grass and mud holes hide unforeseen impediments. These obstacles generally reveal themselves during breakover maneuvers. To prevent underbody strike damage, the Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package includes a transfer case skid plate to address the lowest mid-point of the truck.

The new offering also includes standard Hill-decent Control, borrowed from the Power Wagon. Hill-descent Control allows drivers to control speed down steep, rugged grades with the buttons on the column shifter – without the need for throttle or brake pedals.

For added traction, the 4x4 Off-road Package comes standard with a rear anti-spin differential, which turns both rear wheels in tandem when increased torque is applied. The design automatically unlocks the differential for normal on-road driving, allowing the wheels to spin independently for improved drivability.

Finishing off the truck is a large “4X4 OFF ROAD” decal placed on the rear corner of the bed on both sides of the truck.

The Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package is available in Crew Cab and Mega Cab, gas and diesel powertrains and short- and long-wheelbase models. It is available on all Ram trim levels, including Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn/Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited.

The Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package will be available in the third quarter of 2016.

USA - FCA expands TAKATA Airbag scandal to over 5.2 million vehicles.

FCA US LLC has identified which vehicles will be affected by expansions of ongoing voluntary recalls to replace certain air-bag inflators produced by Takata Corporation.

 

Precipitated by disclosures made by Takata to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, FCA US is consolidating two campaigns with new actions affecting model years 2003-2011. These actions bring the Company’s global Takata-related recall total to an estimated 5,224,845 vehicles.

 

FCA US is unaware of any related injuries or accidents involving the newly affected vehicles. All affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service.

 

One campaign involves an estimated global population of 4,747,202 vehicles equipped with certain driver’s-side air-bag inflators. Affected are:

 

• 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 pickups
• 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 pickups
• 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500 pickups
• 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 cab chassis vehicles
• 2008-2009 Sterling 4500 and 5500 cab chassis vehicles
• 2004-2008 Dodge Durango full-size SUVs
• 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C and SRT8 full-size sedans
• 2005-2010 Dodge Charger full-size sedans
• 2005-2010 Dodge Magnum full-size station wagons
• 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota small pickups
• 2006-2011 Mitsubishi Raider small pickups

Of this population, it is estimated that 4,066,732 vehicles are in the U.S., while 374,508 are in Canada. The remaining vehicles are in Mexico and various markets outside the NAFTA region.

 

This action supersedes an ongoing NHTSA-approved recall involving the same vehicles and expands the affected global population by an estimated 1,407,942 with the addition of model years 2008-2011. Inflators replaced in connection with the previous campaign will again require service.

 

The second action to which FCA US has committed involves replacing certain front-passenger air-bag inflators in model-year 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups. An estimated 437,947 are in the U.S.; 38,835 in Canada and 360 are in markets outside the NAFTA region.

 

This recall supplements two ongoing campaigns involving some of the same vehicles in certain U.S. regions subject to high absolute humidity.

 

Certain Takata air-bag inflators may deploy with excessive force, sending debris into the vehicle cabin. Vehicle age and consistent exposure to high absolute humidity are believed to factor into such deployments.

 

The Company is aware of one related injury. It involved a 2006 Dodge Charger and occurred in southern Florida, where there is high absolute humidity.

 

FCA US vehicles are no longer produced with either suspect inflator. These components also are distinct from Takata inflators cited in fatalities involving other auto makers.

JANUARY USA SALES - FCA GROUP - Every brand showed significant growth for January

• 58th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains
• Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each post sales gains in January compared with same month a year ago
• Jeep brand records best ever January sales; Jeep Cherokee sales up 44 percent
• Dodge Challenger sales up 87 percent; best January sales ever
• Chrysler 200 turns in best January sales ever
• 10 FCA US vehicles set sales records in January

FCA US LLC today reported U.S. sales of 145,007 units, a 14 percent increase compared with sales in January 2014 (127,183 units), and the group’s best January sales since 2007.

The Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in January compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand’s 23 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any FCA US brand and its best January sales ever. The group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 58-consecutive months.

“We kicked off 2015 with a 14 percent increase in sales and extended our year-over-year sales streak to 58-consecutive months,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. “In spite of some tough 2015 comparisons, we remain confident in our ability to post year-over-year sales increases on the back of strong retail demand for our products.”

Ten FCA US vehicles set records in the month of January, including four of the five Jeep brand vehicles. The Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Patriot, and Jeep Compass each recorded their best ever sales in the month of January. Likewise, the Chrysler 200, Dodge Dart, Dodge Challenger, Ram ProMaster, Ram Cargo Van and Fiat 500L each logged their best ever January sales.

FCA US finished the month of January with a 101-day supply of inventory (563,575 units). U.S. industry sales figures for January are internally projected at an estimated 17.0 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR).

Jeep Brand

Jeep brand sales were up 23 percent, the brand’s best sales performance ever in the month of January and its 16th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Jeep brand has set a sales record in each month dating back to November 2013. The Jeep Cherokee, Wrangler, Patriot and Compass each logged their best ever sales in the month of January. Sales of the Cherokee were up 44 percent, the largest percentage year-over-year sales gain of any Jeep brand model in January. The Cherokee Trailhawk – the most capable mid-size sport utility vehicle – was named “Four Wheeler of the Year” by Four Wheeler magazine in January, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel was named “2015 Green SUV of the Year” by the Green Car Journal. The Grand Cherokee had its best January sales since 2004.

Ram Truck Brand

Sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 14 percent in January; its 57th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. It was the pickup truck’s best January sales since 1999. Ram Light Duty pickup sales increased 17 percent in January while Ram Heavy Duty pickups were up 1 percent. Ram Truck brand sales, which include the Ram ProMaster, Ram ProMaster City, and Ram Cargo Van, were up 21 percent, the brand’s best January sales since 2004. The ProMaster and the Cargo Van each recorded their best ever sales in the month of January. Sales of the ProMaster City, the newest addition to the Ram Truck brand product lineup, began in Ram Truck dealerships in January.

The Ram Truck brand unveiled the new 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in January. The Rebel brings a one-of-a-kind off-road design to the full-size truck segment.  The brand also announced that it will add a new, more fuel-efficient model to its half-ton truck lineup – the 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE – which will deliver the highest fuel economy among all full-size truck competitors.

Chrysler Brand

Chrysler brand sales increased 11 percent, the brand’s best January sales since 2008. The year-over-year increase was driven by the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan. Sales of the 200 were up 30 percent, the mid-size sedan’s best ever sales in the month of January and its seventh-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the new 2015 Chrysler 300 sedan began in January as the first shipments from the Brampton (Ontario) Assembly Plant in Canada began reaching U.S. dealerships. The new 300 sedan’s iconic and unmistakable exterior proportions are now crafted with even more sculptural and expressive style for 2015, with a bolder “face of Chrysler” front grille, signature LED lighting, unique finishes and new wheel designs. Sales of the 300 were up 1 percent in January, its best January sales in two years.

Dodge Brand

Dodge brand sales were up 1 percent in January, compared with the same month a year ago. Two Dodge brand vehicles set sales records to start the year. Sales of the Challenger were up 87 percent, the muscle car’s best ever sales in the month of January and the largest percentage sales gain of any Dodge brand model in the month. Likewise, the Dart logged its best ever January sales with a 61 percent year-over-year sales gain. The Dodge Charger recorded its best January sales since 2008 with its 35 percent increase. The new 2015 Charger received a Best Resale Value Award in the Full-Size Car category in January from Kelley Blue Book.

FIAT Brand

FIAT brand sales, which include the Fiat 500 and 500L, were up 1 percent in January, the brand’s best ever sales in the month of January. Sales of the Fiat 500L were up 19 percent in January compared with the same month a year ago. It was the 500L’s best January sales since the model was launched in the U.S. in June 2013. The FIAT brand is coming off of a record year in 2014. The FIAT brand’s full-year sales were up 7 percent in 2014, compared with sales in 2013. It was the FIAT brand’s best annual sales since the brand was re-introduced in the U.S. in 2011. 

FCA US LLC Sales Summary January 2015
	Month Sales		Vol %	Sales CYTD		Vol %
Model	Curr Yr	Pr Yr	Change	Curr Yr	Pr Yr	Change
Alfa 4C	97	0	New	97	0	New
ALFA BRAND	97	0	New	97	0	New
500	2,386	2,493	-4%	2,386	2,493	-4%
500L	869	729	19%	869	729	19%
FIAT BRAND	3,255	3,222	1%	3,255	3,222	1%
200	14,157	10,912	30%	14,157	10,912	30%
300	3,192	3,145	1%	3,192	3,145	1%
Town & Country	6,044	7,056	-14%	6,044	7,056	-14%
CHRYSLER BRAND	23,393	21,113	11%	23,393	21,113	11%
Compass	4,317	4,068	6%	4,317	4,068	6%
Patriot	7,563	5,577	36%	7,563	5,577	36%
Wrangler	11,683	9,553	22%	11,683	9,553	22%
Cherokee	15,154	10,505	44%	15,154	10,505	44%
Grand Cherokee	12,806	12,207	5%	12,806	12,207	5%
JEEP BRAND	51,523	41,910	23%	51,523	41,910	23%
Dart	8,136	5,051	61%	8,136	5,051	61%
Avenger	242	4,795	-95%	242	4,795	-95%
Charger	7,025	5,200	35%	7,025	5,200	35%
Challenger	4,592	2,458	87%	4,592	2,458	87%
Viper	61	47	30%	61	47	30%
Journey	7,041	5,936	19%	7,041	5,936	19%
Caravan	4,665	7,290	-36%	4,665	7,290	-36%
Durango	3,585	4,128	-13%	3,585	4,128	-13%
DODGE  BRAND	35,347	34,905	1%	35,347	34,905	1%
Ram P/U	28,618	25,071	14%	28,618	25,071	14%
Cargo Van	1,101	355	210%	1,101	355	210%
ProMaster Van	1,580	607	160%	1,580	607	160%
ProMaster City	93	0	New	93	0	New
RAM BRAND	31,392	26,033	21%	31,392	26,033	21%
TOTAL FCA US LLC	145,007	127,183	14%	145,007	127,183	14%
TOTAL CAR	39,888	34,101	17%	39,888	34,101	17%
TOTAL TRUCK	105,119	93,082	13%	105,119	93,082	13%