1989 Chrysler Lebaron Gtc Convertible on 2040-cars

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Samsung Galaxy Note 7 disaster endangers FCA's Magneti Marelli sale

Samsung's financial and public relations positions are going up faster than one of the company's Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, and that's bad news for Fiat Chrysler. FCA was in talks with the South Korean tech giant to sell all or a portion of Magneti Marelli, the enormous Italian parts supplier. The deal, estimated to be in the $3 billion range, was a big part of FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne's five-year plan to slash his company's ˆ5.5 billion ($6.07 billion at today's rates) debt. But Samsung's flaming phones may have stalled the deal, Automotive News reports. Samsung was hoping to acquire all or part of Magneti to gain access to its lighting, in-car entertainment, and telematics business, all in a bid to reduce its reliance on occasionally explosive consumer electronics, AN's sources report. This week alone, Samsung permanently ended production of the Note 7 and began recalling millions of devices, sending out flame-proof return boxes so owners can ship the device back in relative safety. The disaster has already caused Samsung to slash its third-quarter operating profit by $2.3 billion, and is leading the company to divert its attention away from big, blockbuster deals, people "who asked not to be identified because the negotiations are private" told AN. According to the same sources, the two sides haven't even agreed on a valuation for Magneti Marelli. Neither company was willing to comment on the potential sale. Related Video: News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: Andrew Zuis / AP Chrysler Fiat Technology Smartphone Sergio Marchionne FCA Samsung

Unboxing Chrysler's ridiculous Pacifica board game/media kit

At auto shows, manufacturers often hand out new-model info on USB sticks. It's how we get the press releases and photos onto our computers quickly and easily. Some still use brochures, which direct you to a website to download the relevant files. And then there's Chrysler, which often dreams up elaborate packages to transport the information and make a big impact. That's what it did for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, which made its debut in gasoline and plug-in hybrid versions at the 2016 North American International Auto Show earlier this month. The Pacifica press kit is in a zippered folder along with the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Race to the Family Reunion board game. To share this with you, we decided to make use of one of the internet's stranger formats, the unboxing video. You can watch our version above and learn a little more about what's inside the silver pouch – besides a USB stick and a brochure. Want one of your own? Silly media kits like these usually pop up on eBay from time to time. But ours and our ethics are not for sale. Green Detroit Auto Show Chrysler Hatchback Hybrid Videos Original Video 2016 Detroit Auto Show chrysler pacifica

Chrysler develops fix for Pacifica PHEV minivan fires

In February, Stellantis recalled 19,808 examples of the 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivan due to reports of fires in 12 vehicles. The minivans were manufactured between August 12, 2016, and August 7, 2018. All were parked and turned off when they caught fire; eight of them were plugged in and charging. While engineers worked to isolate the source of the fires, Chrysler advised what's become standard practice in the case of electrical-related fire risks: For owners to park outside away from other objects that could catch on fire. Since then, there have been two more fires in Pacifica PHEVs and the first report of a minor injury because of a fire. Chrysler says it's developed a solution to return the minivan to normal operation and is notifying owners now. The fix is a trip to the dealer to have upgraded software installed for the High Voltage Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) that manages the 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. Dealers will also inspect the battery pack and replace it if necessary. Of note, Chrysler says it hasn't definitively pinned down the cause of the fires, but it understands the conditions that can lead to the fires. The software's been updated to address these preconditions, the automaker telling Green Car Reports it "has validated its remedy." Owners should continue to park outside and away from structures and refrain from plug-in charging until their vans are fixed, after which they can "resume vehicle operation as outlined in their owners’ manuals." The repair will take from 1.5 to two days; a rental or courtesy car will be provided free of charge.  Stellantis has already begun sending letters to owners. Those with questions can contact their Chrysler dealerships, or get in touch with Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403 and refer to recall number Z11. They can also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) and mention campaign number 22V077.