Jaguar Land Rover started production on the new 300,000m² factory in Nitra, Slovakia.

• Work begins on new manufacturing plant in Nitra
• New facility will incorporate leading automotive manufacturing technologies
• Plans to introduce new education initiatives designed to inspire the next generation of automotive engineers

Jaguar Land Rover has started construction of its new manufacturing facility in Slovakia. The ground breaking ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Robert Fico and Andy Garth, UK Ambassador to Slovakia.

Jaguar Land Rover continues to lead the automotive industry in the development of advanced lightweight technologies. The new 300,000m² factory will be at the forefront of aluminium manufacturing and engineering expertise in Slovakia. 

It will manufacture a range of all-new aluminium Jaguar Land Rover vehicles, supporting the company’s on-going commitment to deliver high-tech lightweight cars to its customers.

Dr. Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, said:  “The start of construction in Slovakia today represents the beginning of a new phase in our plan to create a truly global business. The factory will strengthen our international manufacturing capabilities as well as complement our existing facilities in the UK, China, India and Brazil.”

The £1 billion plant will have an annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles and the first cars are expected to come off the production line in late 2018. It incorporates cutting-edge current manufacturing technologies and it is the first in Europe to use Kuka’s Pulse carrier system which is 30% faster than conventional conveyance systems. It will also feature a highly automated paint shop process to ensure the highest quality and to minimise the environmental impact. Looking to the future, the factory has been designed with the flexibility to enable smart, connected manufacturing technologies which will support improved process efficiency, delivery and quality.

The plant will include a range of environmental measures, such as water saving devices and heat recovery systems, to ensure sustainable and efficient operations.

Since Jaguar Land Rover confirmed its plans in Slovakia, more than 40,000 people have registered their interest in working at the new plant. When fully operational, the plant will employ 2,800 people and wide scale recruitment will start towards the end of 2017.

Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia said: “The Jaguar Land Rover investment confirms that Slovakia is a good place to do business and an investment of such magnitude will have a positive ripple effect not only for the region of Nitra, but also for the whole of Slovakia.”

Working with local communities

Jaguar Land Rover works closely with the communities near to its manufacturing plants around the world and, whilst construction is just starting in Slovakia, the company has already started to establish links with the local neighbourhoods in Nitra and the surrounding area.

Over the course of the next two years, Jaguar Land Rover will work with local organisations to create new education programmes to inspire the next generation of automotive engineers by bringing the world of work to life as well as increasing awareness of the range of careers available to young people.

In addition, it will introduce programmes to offer work experience, training and employability qualifications for people who are unemployed to prepare them for roles in the automotive industry.

Global manufacturing strategy 

The UK is the cornerstone of Jaguar Land Rover’s business and remains at the centre of Jaguar Land Rover’s design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities. Over the past five years, Jaguar Land Rover has employed more than 20,000 people taking its workforce to almost 40,000. It has invested more than £12 billion in new product creation and capital expenditure.

During this time, the Company has invested heavily in its UK vehicle manufacturing facilities at Castle Bromwich, Halewood and Solihull to support the introduction of all-new vehicles such as the Jaguar XE, Jaguar F-PACE, Range Rover Evoque Convertible and Land Rover Discovery Sport. It has doubled its investment in its engine plant in the UK to almost £1 billion – the largest injection into a new British manufacturing plant in decades creating several hundred new jobs.

Jaguar Land Rover has plans to expand its advanced engineering and design centre at Whitley, Coventry and invest in the National Automotive Innovation Centre at the University of Warwick. Jaguar Land Rover’s sustained investment supports the delivery of the UK’s wider industrial strategy.

With plans already in place to take Jaguar Land Rover’s three vehicle manufacturing plants in the UK close to their operating capacity, the creation of overseas manufacturing facilities delivers additional volumes needed to support the company’s future strategy.  It allows Jaguar Land Rover to offer its customers even more exciting new models, protect against currency fluctuations as well as building a globally competitive business.

Jaguar Land Rover confirmed plans for its first overseas manufacturing plant in 2012 when it signed a joint venture agreement with Chery Automobile Company Ltd in China. Since then, it has started production of the Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Discovery and the Jaguar XFL in China; opened its plant in Brazil; agreed a new contract manufacturing partnership with Magna Steyr in Austria and introduced three new vehicles to its local assembly facility in India. 

Jaguar Land Rover in mainland Europe

Europe has the largest number of Jaguar Land Rover retailers with almost 900 outlets across 47 countries. Since the beginning of 2016, Jaguar Land Rover has sold more than 85,000 vehicles in Europe. Last year, it sold more than 110,000 vehicles in the region making it Jaguar Land Rover’s most successful year in Europe this century.

FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 811,586 mid-size SUVs and full-size cars in the U.S. to reduce the effect of potential driver error.

FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 811,586 mid-size SUVs and full-size cars in the U.S. to reduce the effect of potential driver error by enhancing  warnings and transmission shift strategy.

An investigation by FCA US and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found some drivers have exited their vehicles without first selecting “PARK.” Such behavior may pose a safety risk if a vehicle’s engine is still running.

The Company is aware of 41 injuries that are potentially related. The vehicles involved in these events were inspected and no evidence of equipment failure was found.

The vehicles affected by this recall are equipped with electronic shift levers that return to the same position after each manipulation. Gear-selection is conveyed to the driver by multiple sets of indicator lights, not gear-selector position, and unless due care is taken, drivers may draw erroneous conclusions about the status of their vehicles.

The vehicles also deliver warning chimes and alert messages if their driver-side doors are opened while their engines are still running and “PARK” is not engaged. However, investigation suggested these measures may be insufficient to deter some drivers from exiting their vehicles without selecting “PARK,” so FCA US will enhance the warnings and transmission-shift strategy on these vehicles.

The enhancements will combine warnings with a transmission-shift strategy to automatically prevent a vehicle from moving, under certain circumstances, even if the driver fails to select “PARK.”

Affected by this campaign are certain model-year 

2012-2014 Dodge Charger 

2012-2014 Chrysler 300 sedans, 

2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. 

Also, subject to recall are an estimated 

52,144 vehicles in Canada; 16,805 in Mexico; and 248,667 outside the NAFTA region.

Affected customers will be notified when service becomes available. In the interim, FCA US urges customers to follow the instructions in their owners’ manuals. 

USA - Kelly Blue Book names Chrysler the Best Car Styling brand 2016 - they do have some great cars now.

Today, Kelley Blue Book named Chrysler the “Best Car Styling Brand” as part of its 2016 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards.

“When it comes to design at FCA, it isn’t just a job; it’s passion and creativity that our designers live and breathe every day,” said Ralph Gilles, Head of Design, FCA - Global. “We are enjoying the process of redesigning and reimagining the brand quite literally from the inside out.”

Chrysler brand vehicles include the all-new Chrysler Pacifica, 200, 300 and Town & Country.

“Receiving this award from Kelley Blue Book reaffirms the Chrysler brand’s long reputation as a leader in design, performance and innovative technology, all at a great value,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands - Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA - North America. “This award is an honor for Chrysler as it is based on consumer perceptions of our brand.”

The 2016 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards recognize automakers’ outstanding achievements in creating and maintaining brand attributes that capture the attention and enthusiasm of new-vehicle buyers. Brand Image Award winners are determined by evaluating annual new-car buyer perception data and award categories are calculated among luxury, non-luxury and truck shoppers. 

According to the editors at Kelley Blue Book, “Chrysler won 2016 Best Car Styling Brand, driven by the 300.

USA SALES SEPTEMEBR - FCA GROUP - Overall, through a significant lump from Jeep, sales are up.

• 66th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains
• Jeep® brand sales increase 40 percent
• Dodge Journey sales up 45 percent; best monthly sales ever
• Jeep Cherokee sales increase 38 percent; best monthly sales ever
• Chrysler 200, Dodge Challenger, Jeep Compass, Jeep Wrangler, Ram ProMaster post best September ever
• Seven FCA US vehicles post sales records in September

FCA US LLC today reported U.S. sales of 193,019 units last month, a 14 percent increase compared with sales in September 2014 (169,890 units), and the company’s best September sales since 2000.

The Dodge, Jeep_®, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in September. The Jeep brand’s 40 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any FCA US brand during the month. The company extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 66-consecutive months.

“On the back of a strong sales industry we were able to achieve our best September sales in 15 years and our 66th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. “Last month’s sales strength was broad based with five FCA vehicles setting September sales records and two others posting their best monthly sales ever.”

Of the seven FCA US vehicles setting records in September, the Dodge Journey and Jeep Cherokee each logged an all-time sales record last month. Sales of the Journey and Cherokee were up 45 and 38 percent respectively. In addition, the Chrysler 200, Dodge Challenger, Jeep Compass, Jeep Wrangler and Ram ProMaster each recorded their best September sales ever.

FCA US finished September with a 76-day supply of inventory (590,503 units). U.S. industry sales figures for September are internally projected at an estimated 18.4 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR).

Jeep_® Brand

Jeep brand sales increased 40 percent, the brand’s third best sales month ever and its 24th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The brand’s September sales were its best since August of this year. The Jeep brand continues to roll, having set a sales record in every month dating back to November 2013. 

Three Jeep brand vehicles set records last month. The Compass’ 54 percent increase was the largest year-over-year percentage gain of any Jeep brand model for the month. In addition, September was the Cherokee’s best monthly sales ever as sales increased 38 percent and Wrangler posted its best September sales ever with a 26 percent increase.

Ram Truck Brand

Ram Truck brand sales, which include the Ram pickup truck lineup, Ram ProMaster, Ram ProMaster City and Ram Cargo Van, were up 4 percent in September, the brand’s best September sales since 1996. ProMaster sales were up 76 percent as the cargo van continues to answer the call of businesses everywhere and solidifies its place in Ram Commercial’s popular truck and van lineup.

FIAT Brand

Sales of the all-new 2016 Fiat 500X increased 10 percent in September compared with the previous month of August, marking the model’s third-consecutive month of sales increase since launch. 

FIAT dealers sold 1,133 units of the new crossover last month as greater numbers reached FIAT studios across the country. FIAT brand sales, which include the Fiat 500, Fiat 500L and 500X, were up 1 percent in September compared with the same month a year ago. 

Dodge Brand

Both the Challenger and Journey posted their best September sales ever. Challenger sales were up 26 percent as the muscle car logged its eighth sales record this year. Journey sales increased 45 percent, the mid-size crossover’s sixth sales record this year and the model’s best month ever. Dodge brand sales were up 3 percent in September, compared with the same month a year ago.

Chrysler Brand

Sales of the Chrysler 200 were up 3 percent in September, the mid-size sedan’s best September sales ever. 

Chrysler 300 sales were up 41 percent last month as the brand’s big, bold American sedan posted its best September sales since 2007. Sales of the Chrysler brand, which includes the 200, Chrysler 300 full-size sedan and the Chrysler Town & Country minivan, were down 5 percent compared with the same month a year ago. 

The Chrysler brand is celebrating its 90th year by producing limited-edition 90th Anniversary editions that offer more standard equipment and value for customers. The anniversary packages are being offered on the volume models, adding value for the customer who will most appreciate it.

	FCA US LLC Sales Summary September 2015
		Month Sales		Vol %	CYTD Sales		Vol %
	Model	Curr Yr	Pr Yr	Change	Curr Yr	Pr Yr	Change
	Compass	7,179	4,666	54%	46,886	47,918	-2%
	Patriot	8,533	9,117	-6%	88,719	69,958	27%
	Wrangler	17,583	13,955	26%	157,513	134,068	17%
	Cherokee	20,224	14,639	38%	161,112	128,133	26%
	Grand Cherokee	15,758	12,854	23%	141,849	136,310	4%
	Renegade	7,924	0	New	36,831	0	New
	JEEP BRAND	77,201	55,231	40%	632,910	516,387	23%
	200	11,364	10,995	3%	147,073	75,142	96%
	300	6,723	4,757	41%	39,757	39,584	0%
	Town & Country	9,163	13,029	-30%	61,970	108,340	-43%
	CHRYSLER BRAND	27,250	28,781	-5%	248,800	223,066	12%
	Dart	7,244	6,923	5%	68,319	60,763	12%
	Avenger	32	1,677	-98%	1,156	49,363	-98%
	Charger	7,384	8,624	-14%	70,700	72,141	-2%
	Challenger	4,552	3,619	26%	51,949	38,376	35%
	Viper	49	108	-55%	503	546	-8%
	Journey	10,457	7,230	45%	79,395	70,686	12%
	Caravan	10,568	11,275	-6%	64,219	104,071	-38%
	Durango	4,884	4,564	7%	46,106	48,011	-4%
	DODGE  BRAND	45,170	44,020	3%	382,347	443,957	-14%
	Ram P/U	36,598	36,612	0%	330,643	319,868	3%
	Cargo Van	4	478	-99%	3,170	7,290	-57%
	ProMaster Van	2,483	1,408	76%	19,257	9,990	93%
	ProMaster City	861	0	New	5,418	0	New
	RAM BRAND	39,946	38,498	4%	358,488	337,148	6%
	Alfa 4C	54	0	New	497	0	New
	ALFA BRAND	54	0	New	497	0	New
	500	1,926	2,737	-30%	21,329	26,616	-20%
	500L	339	623	-46%	7,034	8,885	-21%
	500X	1,133	0	New	3,132	0	New
	FIAT BRAND	3,398	3,360	1%	31,819	35,501	-10%
	TOTAL FCA US LLC	193,019	-169,890	-14%	1,654,861	-1,556,059	-6%
	TOTAL CAR	39,328	39,440	0%	401,615	362,531	11%
	TOTAL TRUCK	153,691	-130,450	-18%	1,253,254	-1,193,528	-5%