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Stellantis will enter joint venture with Samsung SDI for EV batteries

SEOUL — South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI Co Ltd and global automaker Stellantis NV have agreed to jointly produce electric vehicle (EV) batteries for the North American market, a person familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. Samsung SDI, an affiliate of South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics, already has EV battery plants in South Korea, China and Hungary, which supply customers such as BMW and Ford. "The two companies (Samsung SDI and Stellantis) have struck a MOU (memorandum of understanding) to produce EV batteries for North America," the person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The source spoke of condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. The person said the location of the battery joint venture is under review and will be announced later. In July, Reuters reported that Samsung SDI may build a battery plant in the United States, citing a company source. South Korea's Yonhap news agency earlier reported the two companies plan to build a factory in the United States, citing industry sources. Samsung SDI and Stellantis did not have immediate comment when reached by Reuters. Stellantis on Monday struck a preliminary deal with battery maker South Korea's LG Energy Solution (LGES) to produce battery cells and modules for North America. Shares of Samsung SDI were up 2.6% as of 0300 GMT, versus a 0.6% rise in the KOSPI benchmark index. Related video: Green Alfa Romeo Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Jeep Maserati RAM Citroen Lancia Opel Peugeot Vauxhall

FCA recalling 323,000 cars for wiring, software issues

The Basics: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is conducting a voluntary recall for an estimated 323,361 cars in the US. The affected vehicles were built after September 23, 2014 and include: the 2015 Chrysler 200, Ram ProMaster City, Jeep Renegade, and 2014 and 2015 Jeep Cherokees. The Problem: An insufficient crimp in the vehicles' wiring harness may result in a solenoid fault code, which could cause the engine to stop. The loss of power could lead to an accident. Injuries/Deaths: None reported. The Fix: FCA will update the affected vehicles' software and replace wire harnesses, as needed. According to FCA, owners that experience the problem can temporarily resolve the issue by restarting the vehicle. If you own one: FCA is reaching out to owners to schedule a service. Related Video: Statement: Wire Harness Crimp July 22, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 323,361 vehicles in the U.S. to update certain software and replace wire harnesses, as needed. An examination of warranty data led to an FCA US investigation that discovered an insufficient crimp in a wire harness. Such a crimp may lead to a solenoid fault code that can cause propulsion loss. The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. Most vehicles in the recall population will not experience this fault code over their lifetimes. However, should the condition occur, it can typically be temporarily resolved by stopping the vehicle and re-starting its engine. Accordingly, FCA US urges customers to heed the instructions on their recall notices. Affected are certain model-year 2015 Chrysler 200 midsize sedans, Ram ProMaster City small vans, Jeep Renegade and Cherokee SUVs. Certain model-year 2014 Cherokees are also affected. A change made in the harness-manufacturing process eliminates the need to recall any vehicle built after Sept. 23, 2014. An estimated 35,511 additional vehicles in Canada are included in the campaign; as are 7,067 in Mexico; and 43,927 outside the NAFTA region. Customers will be advised when they may schedule service. Those with questions may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403. News Source: FCAImage Credit: AOL Recalls Chrysler Jeep RAM FCA jeep renegade ram promaster city

Ram forced to build and hold 1500 Classic trucks due to chip shortage

DETROIT — The impact of the global semiconductor shortage on the auto industry spread on Saturday, as Stellantis warned its highly profitable pickup trucks were hit, while Ford said it would cut more U.S. production. Stellantis, the world's fourth largest automaker, said it will build and hold for final assembly its Ram 1500 Classic trucks at its Warren, Michigan, and Saltillo, Mexico, assembly plants. When chips become available, the vehicles will be completed and shipped to dealers. The action will last "a number of weeks," a Stellantis spokeswoman said, declining to reveal how many trucks would be affected. The chip shortage, which has hit automakers globally, stems from a confluence of factors. Carmakers shut North American plants for two months during the COVID-19 pandemic last year and canceled chip orders. Meanwhile, demand for chips surged from the consumer electronics industry as people worked from home and played video games. Now carmakers must compete for chips. Carmakers have repeatedly said they will prioritize chips for their most profitable vehicles, but the impact on the Ram, as well as previous reports by Ford and General Motors of lost or impacted production of their full-size trucks, shows the shortage is hitting companies where it hurts. Stellantis Chief Executive Carlos Tavares said earlier this month the problems might not be fully resolved by the second half of 2021, as some auto rivals have flagged, describing supplies as the "big unknown" for revenues in 2021. Ford said Saturday it will idle its Ohio assembly plant next week, while its Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville will only work two of three shifts. Both plants will return to full production the week of March 29. The U.S. automaker said the latest action is part of a prior forecast it made that the shortage could hit 2021 profits by $1 billion to $2.5 billion. On Thursday, Ford said it would assemble its flagship, highly profitable F-150 pickup truck as well as Edge SUVs in North America without certain parts and then hold them "for a number of weeks" until they can be completed and shipped, affecting "thousands" of vehicles. It also said it would idle production at plants in Louisville, Kentucky, and Cologne, Germany. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.