2011 Ram 1500 Big Horn on 2040-cars

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Ram and Jeep Wrangler drive Fiat Chrysler profits up 61 percent

MILAN — Italian American automaker Fiat Chrysler says fourth-quarter net profits rose by 61 percent, powered by North American sales of the all-new Ram 1500 and Jeep Wrangler. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles on Thursday reported quarterly net profits of 1.29 billion euros ($1.46 billion), compared with 804 million euros in 2017. Revenues rose 6 percent to 30.6 billion euros. North America profits grew by 19 percent to 6.2 billion euros, accounting for the lion's share of the automaker's global profits. The carmaker continued to have trouble in Asia, which swung to a loss due to market weakness in China and more competition in Fiat Chrysler's core SUV market. Europe also lost ground, with profits dipping 44 percent on lower shipments and weaker pricing, while Latin America more than doubled. Based on the company's earnings last year, 44,000 unionized U.S. auto workers will get $6,000 profit-sharing checks. That's $500 more than in 2017, but smaller than U.S. rivals Ford and General Motors. On Wednesday, GM announced that workers would get $10,750, while Ford workers will get $7,600.Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Chrysler recalling 278,222 trucks and SUVs over bad rear axles

Chrysler has issued a recall of 278,222 light trucks and sport utility vehicles here in the United States. The reason: bad rear axles. Specifically, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rear axle pinion nut may lack a necessary adhesive patch, which could cause the nut to loosen. If this happens, the axle can lock up, which could cause all sorts of havoc on the road.
This is an expansion of the rear axle recall announced in October of last year, where 44,300 Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota models were being called in. At that time, 12 accidents had been reported due to the faulty axle pinion nut.
Affected vehicles include Ram 1500 trucks from the 2009 to 2012 model years, Dodge Dakota models from the 2009 to 2011 model years, and both the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUV twins, both from the 2009 model year only.

Ram Rebel X Concept wishes it could go offroad at SEMA [w/video]

Given the truck's defiant spirit, the Ram 1500 Rebel simply can't appear subdued. For the Rebel X Concept at the SEMA Show, Mopar goes all out to make the already tough looking pickup even more brash. The Rebel X certainly stands out in the vast ocean of customs at SEMA with its orange-tinted Copper paint. Thanks to 35-inch Toyo tires on 17-inch beadlock wheels underneath flared fenders, there's also no question that this truck wants to be offroad. In addition to the vibrant body, the front end wears black trim, and a concept, two-piece skid plate underneath offers a little visual contrast. The interior actually tones down the bold look slightly by combining black leather seats with Rebel X embroidery and Copper stitching. Rather than being just about style, Mopar beefs up the 5.7-liter V8 with a cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust. The division also tweaks the suspension by fitting a concept, air-ride setup. Get a better look at the Rebel X by checking out our gallery from SEMA above or the video below of the modded pickup at the show. Related Video: Ram Rebel X The Ram 1500 Rebel makes a statement by itself. Mopar helps proclaim its all-terrain credentials even louder with the Ram Rebel X, a full-size pickup outfitted with a catalog of production parts and accessories. The unique dark Copper exterior extends to the functional sport performance hood, accented with a Matte Black graphic trimmed with a Mopar Blue tracer. Mopar wheel flares extend over the 35-inch Toyo tires, which wrap around 17-inch cast-aluminum beadlock wheels that equip the 1500 Rebel for rumbles over off-road terrain. Painted functional beadlock rings with fasteners are also featured on the beadlock wheels, with Mopar center caps providing another highlight to the rims. The front features the distinctive Rebel grille with the RAM logo painted in Satin Black and a concept two-piece skid plate. The bed is stylishly secured with a soft tri-fold tonneau cover, and a Mopar dual exhaust bed step helps reach tools or equipment stored in the rear. Black tubular side steps provide a lift into the interior, which features prototype Katzkin leather seats embroidered with the Rebel X name outlined in silver in a black field, with a blue field for the "X." Copper stitching accents the armrest and steering wheel. Additional features inside include all-weather slush mats, a pedal kit and door sills.