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2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalled for wiring harness

The Basics: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling an estimated 32,267 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee models in the US over a wiring harness terminal that can lose its electrical connection. The Problem: An improperly crimped wiring harness may cause the vehicle's shifter to become locked in Park or Neutral once the vehicle is brought to a stop. Injuries/Deaths: None that FCA is aware of. If you own one: FCA suggests owners use their parking brakes when exiting the vehicle. Affected customers will be notified when they may schedule service. More information: An additional 2,095 vehicles in Canada, 538 in Mexico, and 2,472 outside the NAFTA region are also affected by this recall. Questions? Call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403. Related Video: Recalls Jeep Safety SUV

Chrysler set to make $266M-investment into 8-speed transmission production

Chrysler will shortly make a significant $266-million investment into its Kokomo, IN transmission factory in a bid to expand production of its eight-speed automatic transmissions. The gearboxes, which are built under license from Germany's ZF Friedrichshafen, have been well received by customers and critics, and according to an SEC filing obtained by Automotive News, the transmissions will eventually find their way to all of Chrysler's rear-drive offerings (Viper and heavy-duty Ram models, aside). According to AN, a Chrysler spokesman says the investment has not been confirmed, but once it is, it'll mark the company's latest in a growing line of investments at the facility. Chrysler has poured $1.5 billion into Kokomo since 2009.

Toledo mayor, Jeep champion Michael Collins dies from heart attack

The city of Toledo is mourning the loss of its mayor and the campaign to keep production of the Jeep Wrangler in the Ohio city has lost a champion after Michael Collins suffered a heart attack behind the wheel recently. Born, raised and educated in Toledo, Collins was a Marine Corps veteran and a city councilor. He was elected mayor in 2013 and assumed office on January 2, 2014, a little over a year ago. He was driving an SUV provided by the city in a snow storm on February 1 of this year when he suffered a heart attack and crashed into a utility pole. He remained in critical condition for days until he was taken off artificial life-support. During his relatively short term in office, Collins became an outspoken and energetic advocate of keeping the Jeep plant in Toledo, where it has been assembled for decades. The next-generation Wrangler is set to switch to aluminum construction, which could lead to moving its production to another location, but Collins (alongside Governor John Kasich and others) had worked hard to convince FCA US to keep it in town. Whether his efforts will prove successful remains to be seen, but our hearts go out to his friends, family and constituents. Michael is survived by his wife Sandy, three daughters and eight grandchildren. He was 70 years old.