USA - FCA recalls the Jeep Cherokee to replace the half shafts after some were found to be prone to breakage.

FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 82 SUVs in the U.S. to replace their half-shafts.

A supplier advised FCA US of an inadvertent variation in its manufacturing process. Some of these may be subject to breakage and an investigation discovered they were installed on SUVs produced over 20-day period spanning September and October of 2015.

FCA US is unaware of any related injuries, accidents, customer complaints or warranty claims. Nor is the Company aware of any component failures.

Half-shafts accommodate propulsion by transmitting torque to a vehicle’s wheels.

Affected by this campaign are certain model-year 2016 Jeep Cherokee SUVs. Two additional trucks are subject to recall in Canada, along with an estimated 28 outside the NAFTA region.

Service availability is imminent. Affected customers will be advised when they may contact their dealers.

Customers with questions may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403.

USA - Scion to make comeback in the US, to avert further sales declines.

After slow sales and a few failed marketing campaigns, Scion is trying to make a comeback in the U.S. It will start off by replacing three of its five cars over a two-year period starting in 2015, reports Automotive News.

The brand will still keep its focus on compact and subcompact vehicles, but it may also expand to other segments. “Would we be interested in other body styles? The answer is always yes. We may mix things up a bit as we find a new direction for the brand," said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha.

Scion said it is considering small hatchbacks and even cute-utes. Sales are down 12 percent for the brand during the first quarter of the year. Numbers for the iQ minicar have been particularly dismal. And frankly, we haven't been too impressed with the rest of Scion's lineup, save the FR-S sports car. Models like the xB and xD haven't seen redesigns in seven long years.

In order to spur sales, Scion will switch gears with its marketing strategy. A year ago, Scion considered moving upmarket by appealing to younger professionals, but now it is returning to its original strategy of trying to attract first-time buyers. Keeping prices low should help, but we hope Scion introduces a wider array of technology features to stay competitive with this market.

REPORT HERE

USA - Jaguar announces recall of certain models in NA.

Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling 3 model year 2013 XF and XJ vehicles manufactured March 26, 2013, through April 10, 2013. 

In these vehicles, the certification label that is intended to specify the required Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front, Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear, the manufacture date and country of manufacture is absent. If the certification label does not specify all the necessary information or the vehicle weight range could result in the vehicle being overloaded and increase the risk of a crash.

Jaguar will notify owners and dealers will re-acquire and will provide a replacement vehicle or a full refund of the purchase, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 24, 2014.

Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-855-524-8278. Jaguar's number associated with this recall is J039.