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2015 Chrysler 200 nets 10,000 orders in first day

Chrysler is having a "crazy impressive" launch for its 2015 200, claims company spokesperson Rick Deneau. Within the first two days of opening the order books, the Pentastar took over 17,000 requests for its swoopy new family sedan - 10,000 of them in the first day. The company says that's enough to keep its Sterling Heights, MI, factory running at full capacity through mid-July.
Deneau tells Autoblog that the last time he saw such an immediate popularity for a model was when Ram launched its 1500 EcoDiesel pickup. That truck sold out of its initial order allocation in just three days earlier this year. As you'd expect, "most of these are dealer orders," Deneau admits. In other words, they're not necessarily coming at the behest of individual customer, but that's standard operating procedure as dealers look to fill up their showrooms.
For the moment, it's too early to know which trim or engine will prove most popular in the new 200. At present, most of the ordered models are highly optioned. That's normal for a new vehicle launch, as early adopters tend to want all the bells and whistles and dealers want to show off their new stock by putting their best foot forward.

Google Waymo's self-driving car is a modified Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

For the time being, this is what Google's self-driving car project will look like: FCA is delivering 100 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids to Google's Waymo self-driving offshoot. According to FCA, the Pacificas are currently being outfitted with Waymo's autonomity equipment, and testing will commence early next year. The setup includes sensors and on-board telematics, and there will be changes made to the vehicle's powertrain and electrics to help it function better as an autonomous vehicle. It's closer to a Jurassic Park style Ford Explorer than something built completely from scratch, but using a minivan platform has helped the project advance rather rapidly. John Krafcik, the CEO of Waymo says that FCA's product development and manufacturing teams have helped them greatly: "FCA's product development and manufacturing teams have been agile partners, enabling us to go from program kickoff to full vehicle assembly in just six months", says Krafcik. In addition to Waymo's test facilities in California, the initial Pacificas have been tried and tested at FCA's proving grounds in Michigan and Arizona. The modifications have been tailored at a joint effort powerhouse in southeastern Michigan. The production Pacifica Hybrid is rated at 84 MPG3 by the EPA. The plug-in hybrid powertrain consists of a 3.6-liter Pentastar unit converted to an Atkinson cycle and a 16kWh Lithium-ion battery. Related Video: Featured Gallery Waymo/FCA Pacifica Image Credit: FCA Chrysler PHEV

Judge refuses to reconsider GM lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler

A federal judge in Detroit said Friday that he will not reconsider his July dismissal of General Motors’ racketeering lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. U.S. District Judge Paul Borman wrote in an opinion that new evidence presented by GM regarding bribes and foreign bank accounts “is too speculative to warrant reopening” the case. Borman also ruled that the earlier dismissal of the case was not done in legal error. GM alleged that FCA used foreign bank accounts to pay bribes to former United Auto Workers Presidents Dennis Williams and Ron Gettelfinger, as well as Vice President Joe Ashton. It also alleges that money was paid to GM employees including Al Iacobelli, a former FCA labor negotiator who was hired and later released by GM. GM said the payments were made so the officials would saddle GM with more than $1 billion in additional labor costs. “Even if the affidavits establish that these foreign bank accounts exist, that fact does not rise to the inference advanced by GM, that FCA was more-than-likely using the bank accounts to bribe UAW officials,” BormanÂ’s order stated. GM said Friday that it would appeal BormanÂ’s ruling to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. “TodayÂ’s decision is disappointing, as the corruption in this case is proven given the many guilty pleas from the ongoing federal investigation,” GM said in a statement. “GMÂ’s suit will continue — we will not accept corruption.” FCA lawyers wrote in court documents that allegations it bribed union officials are “preposterous” and read like a script from a “third-rate spy movie.” Gettelfinger denied the allegations in a statement and said he had no foreign accounts. WilliamsÂ’ California home was raided by federal agents but he has not been charged. Iacobelli, who is awaiting sentencing in the federal corruption probe, also denied the claims. “Judge BormanÂ’s ruling this morning once again confirms what we have said from the beginning — that GMÂ’s lawsuit is meritless and its attempt to submit an amended complaint under the guise of asking the court to change its mind was nothing more than a baseless attempt to smear a competitor that is winning in the marketplace,” FCA said Friday in a statement. Related Video: Government/Legal Chrysler Fiat GM