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The Chrysler brand could be axed under Stellantis management

MILAN — While running NissanÂ’s North American operations from 2009 to 2011, Carlos Tavares had a reputation for closely watching costs with little tolerance for vehicles or ventures that didnÂ’t make money. Experts say that means Tavares, currently the head of PSA Group, is likely to follow that blueprint when he becomes leader of a merged PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The low-performing Chrysler brand might get the axe as could slow-selling cars, SUVs or trucks that lack potential. Already the companies are talking about consolidating vehicle platforms — the underpinnings and powertrains — to save billions in engineering and manufacturing costs. That could mean job losses in Italy, Germany and Michigan as PSA Peugeot technology is integrated into North American and Italian vehicles. “You canÂ’t be cost efficient if you keep the entire scale of both companies,” said Karl Brauer, executive analyst for the iSeeCars.com auto website. “WeÂ’ve seen this show before, and weÂ’re going to see it again where they economize these platforms across continents, across multiple markets.” Shareholders of both companies are to meet Monday to vote on the merger to form the worldÂ’s fourth-largest automaker, to be called Stellantis. The deal received EU regulatory approval just before Christmas. Tavares, who for years has wanted to sell PSA vehicles in the U.S., wonÂ’t take full control of the merged companies until the end of January at the earliest. He likely will target Europe for consolidation first, because thatÂ’s where Fiat vehicles overlap extensively with PSAÂ’s, said IHS Markit Principal Auto Analyst Stephanie Brinley. Europe has been a money-loser for FCA, and factories in Italy are operating way below capacity — a concern for unions, given FiatÂ’s role as the largest private sector employer in the country. “We are at a crossroads,Â’Â’ said Michele De Palma of the FIOM CGIL metalworkersÂ’ union. “Either there is a relaunch, or there is a slow agonizing closure of industry, in particular the auto industry, in Italy.” ItalyÂ’s hopes lie with the luxury Maserati and sporty Alfa Romeo brands, but De Palma said investments are needed to bring hybrid and electric technology up to speed. FiatÂ’s Italian capacity stands at 1.5 million vehicles, but only a few hundred thousand are being produced each year. Most factories were on rolling short-term layoffs due to lack of demand, even before the pandemic.

Happy Halloween, cats and kittens!

Happy Halloween, everybody. There's no real Hellcat news in this post. No growl of the second-scariest Dodge Challenger SRT's 707-horsepower engine, no shriek of its supercharger. Just a Hellcat on a photo shoot. A little eye candy on Halloween. In a graveyard. With a black cat. (No cats were doomed to hell in the making of this feature.) But a Hellcat is a good kind of scary, so here are some of our previous galleries. And may a Hellcat cross your path soon. View 18 Photos View 17 Photos View 80 Photos Related Video:

Final Dodge Demon and Dodge Viper to be auctioned off for charity

A little while ago we wrote about the Viper factory being recommissioned into a museum, that will hold the historic cars originally evicted from the Walter P. Chrysler museum. Now, what happened to the last Viper that factory built? It's getting auctioned off, in good company. Barrett-Jackson is auctioning the last 2017 Viper built, together with a 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon said to be the last Demon produced. Crossing the block in June in Uncasville, Connecticut, the pair of cars produces a total of 1,485 horsepower, of which the Demon accounts for 840 horses and the Viper for 645. Both are finished in bright Viper Red, and yes, the Demon will include the optional passenger seat. All proceeds from the sale will go to charity, to United Way. "Pairing the last Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and the Dodge Viper production cars – two of America's most sought-after vehicles – under the roof of Barrett-Jackson gives someone the 'last' chance to own this unique piece of automotive history, and Dodge//SRT the opportunity to raise money for a cause close to our hearts", said FCA's Steve Beahm. In addition to the cars, the sale will include memorabilia and a Demon Crate, which includes narrow, drag-spec front tires, performance modules and track tools. The auction is held from June 20th to 23rd. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Image Credit: FCA Dodge Auctions Coupe Performance FCA dodge demon