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UAW papers reveal release dates for new Dodge, Jeep and Ram models

Documents published by the United Auto Workers union reveal key information about some of the products Dodge, Jeep and Ram will release during the early 2020s. All three brands will try to capitalize on the growing demand for trucks and SUVs in the United States. The agreement between the UAW and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) outlines what the period between 2019 and 2023 will look like from an employee's vantage point. The $4.5 billion factory the automaker is building in Detroit will begin manufacturing a three-row Jeep model in 2020, and it will add the next-generation Grand Cherokee to its roster the following year, according to CarScoops. The new Grand Cherokee will also roll out of the Jefferson North facility that makes the current model scheduled to retire shortly before its successor arrives. The Dodge Durango will continue to be built there, and the UAW papers mention a mild-hybrid variant of the SUV due out before the end of 2020. Two body-on-frame Jeep models tentatively scheduled to revive the heritage-laced Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates will break cover in 2021. They will be built alongside Ram pickups at the Warren Truck plant, and odds are the three models will share several components under the sheetmetal. Adding the two Jeep models is expected to create 1,400 jobs, FCA predicted. Speaking of Ram, the high-performance TRX model (pictured) aimed at the Ford F-150 Raptor's jugular is penciled in for a 2020 launch. The concept that previewed the model made its debut in 2016, so it's reasonable to assume it will have changed considerably by the time it reaches showrooms. It will be based on the newest variant of the 1500, not on the last-generation model still sold as the Classic. What won't change is the supercharged, 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 between its fenders. The plug-in hybrid Wrangler remains on track for a 2020 launch. The Cherokee will continue to come out of Belvedere Assembly in Illinois, but the UAW's documents mention "fresh models / features" off of its unibody platform. Whether that means new trim levels or additional body styles remains to be seen, but it sounds like something new and Cherokee-related is around the corner. The ancient Dodge Journey shares at least one thing with the beater you drove in high school: a four-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox is finally on its way out, according to the UAW, and the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the entry-level model isn't long for this world, either.

2020 Ram 2500 Power Wagon spied, retains live axles and winch

We enjoy the Ram 2500 Power Wagon quite a bit here at Autoblog. It's big, brash and distinctly old-school. The basis for the current truck — the Ram Heavy Duty — goes back nearly a decade, so we've been looking forward to the updated version, especially given just how good the new Ram 1500 is. These new spy shots don't reveal too much, but it looks like the new Power Wagon will be just as capable as the outgoing model. Underneath, you can see that the Power Wagon will stick with a live axle both front and rear. It also looks like the truck might have a sway bar disconnect. The front bumper looks like it will still have a winch, likely another Warn-supplied unit. The wheels and tires are the same as the outgoing model, though the former might get an update when the production car hits the road. We don't know what's under the hood, but we're hoping FCA's sweet 6.4-liter Hemi V8 carries over. You can't make out much of the styling through the camouflage, but, like the current truck, expect it to look a lot like the Ram 1500 Rebel. The fenders look a little higher, and the front lighting is obviously LED. Like the exterior, the Power Wagon's interior should look a lot like the Ram 1500's. Look for more on the Power Wagon and the new 2020 Ram 2500 early next year. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2020 Ram 2500 Power Wagon View 16 Photos Image Credit: SpiedBilde Spy Photos RAM Truck Off-Road Vehicles Performance ram power wagon ram 2500 power wagon

FCA recalls 2019-20 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks for transmission fluid leak

Once transmission fluid goes into the transmission, there's a general expectation that it will stay inside. On some 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, that ain't happenin'. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a recall campaign on January 24,  due to transmission fluid leaking from the dipstick tube on vehicles with a six-speed automatic (codenamed 68RFE) transmission.  NHTSA recall No. 20V043000 states that 84,978 trucks are potentially affected. On select Ram work trucks, "a buildup of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak." Due to the location of where the leak might occur, the transmission fluid could drip onto the nearby turbocharger or "another ignition source within the engine compartment." Should this occur, it's a fire risk. The recall breaks down to 64,590 units of the 2500 pickup and 19,612 of the 3500. FCA estimates that only 1% of the roughly 85,000 vehicles have the defect.  As a fix, Chrylser will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. Chrysler will officially begin the recall process on March 14, and all owners will be notified. Related Video: