2023 Ram 2500 Big Horn on 2040-cars

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Fiat Chrysler taps Amazon, Shell execs to fill roles

MILAN — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is tapping executives from Amazon and Shell Oil Company with previous automotive industry experience to fill its ranks. CEO Mike Manley said in a letter to employees Thursday that Mark Stewart would join FCA as chief operating officer of North America from Amazon, "a company known for its culture of innovation, and obsession with delivering incredible value to customers." At Amazon, Stewart led teams focused on advanced robotics, artificial intelligence and automation methods. He previously was COO of ZF TRW automotive components supplier. Niel Golightly was named head of global communications. He was most recently Shell's vice president for external relations in North and South America, with a focus on reputation, brand and stakeholder engagement beyond communication strategies. He previously held roles at Ford Motor Company. Related Video: Image Credit: REUTERS/Rebecca Cook Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Alfa Romeo Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM FCA Amazon shell Mike Manley

Jeep Wrangler 4xe's hybrid powertrain: Could it be headed to other FCA products?

On its own, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid is a big deal for the brand and the model line. It's the most powerful and most efficient Wrangler by significant margins, and it doesn't give up the off-road capability that makes the Wrangler so special. But another great thing about this hybrid powertrain is its potential to be transplanted into other FCA vehicles. Just to recap, the layout of the Wrangler's hybrid powertrain, front to back, is as follows: engine, clutch, electric motor, clutch, transmission. The engine is the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's a standalone engine for the Wrangler. The transmission and electric motor are sort of one unit, with the motor and clutch replacing the torque converter of the transmission. And the transmission itself is the ubiquitous eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Its transmission code name is 8HP75PH. The ZF eight-speed is available in every FCA product with a longitudinally-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with variations in the amount of power and torque it can handle. Not only that, but the Ram 1500 and 2500 and the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator all have powertrains that utilize the non-hybrid version of the 8HP75 transmission specifically. Even the gear ratios for that transmission as well as the 8HP70 used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 are nearly identical to those in the 8HP75PH. And a Fiat-Chrysler representative confirmed that the transmission portion of the hybrid drivetrain is basically carry-over from the regular 8HP75. So a transplant could be a relatively simple process. As for which of these models would be the most likely to receive the hybrid powertrain first, the Jeep Gladiator and Ram 1500 would seem like good bets, since they likely have the most similar transmissions, and the Gladiator in particular because of its closely-related underpinnings to the Wrangler. Both are also highly profitable trucks that sell well and could justify the development costs of adapting another powertrain. And in the case of the Ram, there's the impending F-150 hybrid to think about. Although Ram isn't going after a fully electric model, a PHEV could be a nice middle ground. A potential limiting factor would be whether the hybrid powertrain would be sufficiently robust to handle heavy payload and towing demands, particularly over longer periods.

Idaho Ram dealer offered free elk taxidermy with purchase

A Ram and Jeep dealer in Post Falls, Idaho, was offering free elk taxidermy with the purchase of a new truck. Sadly, the promotion ended yesterday.  Now, is this type of promotion commonplace? I honestly have no idea, but it sure seems novel. Offering free taxidermy of any sort with the purchase of a new car or truck is certainly one thing, but the specificity of the elk really drives it home.  "Hi, I'm looking to buy your blue Ram 1500 Laramie and I just took down this pronghorn that I'd like to get taxidermied for free." "I'm sorry, sir, the promotion only covers elk. But about that Laramie ..." For those wondering, it does seem to be general elk hunting season in Idaho, but after a brief look at Idaho's extensive Big Game Seasons and Rules guide, there is a dizzying number of rules and regulations regarding exactly when and where one can hunt elk as well as what kind of elk one can hunt. Try reading that sentence out loud. Nevertheless, it would logically seem that free elk taxidermy could be enticing for those living in the area of Post Falls, which is in between Coeur d'Alene and Spokane, Washington, near the state border. So hey, why not? Way to get creative Findlay Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.  According to the advertisement, the dealer would only cover $1,500 worth of elk taxidermy. Is that enough for a quality taxidermification of your elk? Again, I'd rather not Google that. But it's nevertheless something, right? Related Video: