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Chrysler recalling over 200k vehicles across its brands

With more than 200,000 units across six separate recalls and almost all of its brands, it appears that Chrysler has officially jumped headfirst into the recall pool this month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued three official recalls for the automaker, and The Detroit News is reporting that the automaker itself has announced three more.
The biggest of the recalls applies to about 120,000 Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300 models for 2011 and 2012 due to faulty wiring harnesses for the seat-mounted side airbags, which could lead to these airbags not deploying in the event of a crash. A little more than 60,000 two-wheel-drive versions of the 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro and 2008 Jeep Liberty SUVs are being recalled due to a heat shield that could cause the driveshaft to break, which if that isn't bad on its own, could then hit underneath where the airbag sensor is mounted, causing the airbags to deploy. Wrapping up NHTSA's recall notices, about 20,000 Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass models for 2012 are also being recalled due to a problem with the fuel tank transfer tube that could lead to the vehicle stalling. The LX car recall campaign is going into effect this month, while the other two will start next month - all three notices are posted below.
In addition to the official NHTSA recalls, The Detroit News is also reporting that Chrysler is recalling more than 16,000 Ram trucks and a small number of Dodge Dart sedans. Around 6,500 2013 Ram 1500 trucks will be recalled due to an improper adjustment of the parking brake cable from the factory, while 7,000 Cummins-powered 2013 Ram Heavy Duty trucks are being recalled due to an engine cover that does not have as much heat resistance as it is supposed to. Finally, a total of 46 Dodge Dart sedans are being recalled due to a problem with the brake calipers and/or parking brake.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk headlines 2017 model year updates

If the photos below look familiar, it's because we saw them last week. Yes, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is real, and it's a welcome (and predictable) addition to the Jeep family. It boasts rugged good looks and plenty of capability, and debuts this week at the New York Auto Show. Standard Trailhawk equipment includes Jeep's Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, a revised air suspension (specifically for Trailhawk, we're told), skid plates, the black hood decal, and cute little red tow hooks. It's also got an ever-so-slightly different front fascia, taken right from the 2012 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Moab concept. Buyers can choose from 18- or 20-inch wheels. Looking for something a bit more posh? Try the Summit, pictured below, with its 20-inch polished wheels, LED foglights, and full-wrap Laguna leather interior. It's loaded to the gills with every available Grand Cherokee option, and certainly sounds like one seriously nice SUV. View 15 Photos What's great is that both Trailhawk and Summit models can be had with three different engines. The standard powerplant is Chrysler's 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6, but the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 are also available. (We love the idea of a Trailhawk with the diesel, by the way.) Both models go on sale this fall. Read more about both in the press blast below. Jeep Grand Cherokee: Even More Capability and Luxury for the Most-awarded SUV Ever - Jeep Brand Introduces New 2017 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Summit Models at the New York International Auto Show - New Trailhawk model expands Jeep® Grand Cherokee lineup with most capable version ever produced - Grand Cherokee Summit models boast new, even more luxurious hand-crafted leather interior, new appearance and added standard premium features Both new Grand Cherokee models arrive in Jeep showrooms in late summer March 23, 2016 , New York - Already the most awarded SUV ever, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is about to become even more capable and even more luxurious. At the New York International Auto Show today, the Jeep brand expanded its Grand Cherokee lineup with the introduction of a new Trailhawk model – the most capable factory-produced Grand Cherokee ever. The brand also introduced the 2017 Grand Cherokee Summit, bringing a new exterior appearance, a plush new interior and even more standard premium features to consumers looking for the ultimate premium full-size SUV.

Marchionne uses racial epithet to describe what must power future Alfa Romeo models

Sergio Marchionne and his Fiat empire have a lot riding on the US return of the Alfa Romeo brand. The endeavor has been in progress for what feels like a lifetime - certainly for as long as Fiat has had the Chrysler brand under its Italian wing.
It's not surprising that Fiat CEO Marchionne needs a perfect first Alfa to mark a return to America. And here's where things get dicey. Nobody would argue with Marchionne's insistence that Alfa Romeo's be powered by Italian engines - as Marchionne himself is quoted to have said at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, "There are some things that are well done in Italy."
If not what he said, then, it's how he said it that has eyebrows raised. "I cannot come up with a schlock product, I just won't. I won't put an American engine into that car. With all due respect to my American friends, it needs to be a wop engine." Wait, what's that?