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Jeep first American carmaker to return to Tokyo show

Despite foreign-brand car sales in Japan declining six percent in the first four months of this year, Jeep sales are up 21 percent in the same period. That could explain why Jeep will be the first the US manufacturer to return to the Tokyo Motor Show after eight years away. Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler walked away during the global crisis that struck after the 2007 show. Jeep will be part of an eight-vehicle, four-brand showcase overseen by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Japan, the local subsidiary. For the moment, it is the only US brand to sign up - neither Ford, GM, or even Chrysler are committed to attend. Stablemates Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Abarth will be there, along with 13 other foreign makes, answering the "Technology & Fantasy" theme for this year's event. In total, organizers announced 15 brands from 14 Japanese manufacturers, and 27 brands from 17 foreign carmakers. The show opens to the public from Oct. 30 to Nov. 8. Related Video:

Aptly-named Hooligans motorcycle gang charged with stealing 150 Jeep Wranglers

Nine members of the Tijuana, Mexico-based Hooligans motorcycle gang are facing federal charges, accused of stealing 150 Jeep Wranglers in San Diego County, then moving them across the border, where they were sold or stripped for parts. "The joy ride is over for these Hooligans," said Deputy U.S. Attorney Mark Conover. "For many of us, our cars are our most valuable possessions," he said. "These arrests have put the brakes on an organization that has victimized neighborhoods in a different way, by stealing something very personal, something that has required a lot of sacrifice to purchase." Conover said the gang also stole dozens of motorcycles. The indictment alleges that the gang used old-fashioned shoe leather, a high-tech device, and a specific Chrysler dealership to pull off the thefts. San Diego County faced a rash of Wrangler thefts in 2014. Conover says most of the Jeeps were stolen in the middle of the night, and most were equipped with alarms, yet no alarm ever went off. Police were perplexed about that until they caught a break. On Sept. 26, 2014, a Jeep was stolen out of a driveway in Rancho Bernardo, where a security camera showed the thieves' method. Based on what they saw in the surveillance footage, officers sent Chrysler a list of 20 Jeeps that had been stolen and asked whether anyone had requested duplicate keys - and sure enough, a duplicate had been issued for all 20 - and all from the same dealership, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The indictment alleges that the Hooligans would case a specific Jeep days ahead of stealing it, and would take down its vehicle identification number. Somehow they managed to obtain the secret key codes that would allow them to request a duplicate key for that particular Jeep. During the theft, the indictment says, the Hooligans would disable the alarms system, program the duplicate key using a handheld device, then simply drive away. The fact that Jeeps' engine bays can be easily accessed because of their external latches made the job even easier. (Authorities recommend Jeep owners purchase aftermarket locking latches.) Three of the gang members have been arrested. One was already in custody when two others were arrested this week, one of them at San Diego's massive San Ysidro border crossing. The six others facing charges are still at large and believed to be in Mexico. Seven are US citizens, while two are from Mexico. The collective value of the thefts is estimated at $4.5 million.

Mopar updates owner apps to make car ownership easier

Owners of any Fiat Chrysler vehicle will want to head to the Apple App or Google Play store to download the latest version of their brand-specific smartphone app. Developed by Mopar, the new suite of FCA Owner apps specific to each brand pack a number of valuable features. For starters, the apps let owners access information like maintenance schedules, service history and recall notices. The apps also include an array of how-to information and instructional videos, offer push notification for important updates like maintenance offers and recall alerts, and allow customers to schedule test drives and receive quotes from their local dealers for new vehicles. But that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The FCA Owner apps also feature an augmented reality function that helps drivers identify instrument-panel icons. There's a Parking Reminder feature that helps drivers remember where they parked their car, guides them back to their parking spot and tracks the time left on the meter. Finally, there's an Accident Assistant feature that helps drivers record the specifics of an accident, upload insurance information and take photos of the scene. It'll even help find the closest certified collision repair facility, schedule an appointment and access roadside assistance. The apps are available for any Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat or Alfa Romeo built from 2011 till today, and are available for either iOS or Android. If you've got more than one FCA vehicle in your garage, you needn't download multiple versions of the app as they'll work on any model the Italian-American automaker offers. Mopar Enhances FCA Owner Apps - Redesigned FCA Owner apps offer a wide range of VIN-specific information - Owners can access maintenance schedules, service history, recall notices and more - "Augmented reality" function, beginning with 2015 models, allows owners to use camera feature on mobile devices to scan and identify instrument panel icons - Industry-first Accident Assistant feature helps owners easily document important accident information and quickly locate a certified repair facility - Individual brand versions of the app support all FCA brand vehicles - FCA Owner apps are free to download for both iOS and Android mobile devices May 29, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Mopar brand has redesigned and enhanced its suite of FCA Owner apps, putting more resources than ever at owners' fingertips with easier access to vehicle and lifestyle information.