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Ram introduces 5th and final 'Built to Serve' edition

Ram introduced the fifth and final variant of its "Built to Serve" pickup series Tuesday. Finished in Spitfire (orange) or Bright White, this final version honors the Coast Guard.  "We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our armed forces and the brave men and women who serve them. These 'Built to Serve' models are just one way we honor those who have selflessly served our country," said Mike Koval Jr., Ram Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. "Whether civilian or military, Ram truck owners are very familiar with this adage as itÂ’s something we strive to build into every truck and van we produce." The trucks were originally slated to roll out in increments between Veterans Day 2019 and 2020, but it appears the release cadence may have been interrupted slightly by the many calamities of the past year. Each of the five comes in one of two special colors chosen to "evoke the spirit, the mission and history of that service," and a limited build number. These are the final of 10,000 (1,000 more than Ram initially planned) "Built to Serve" editions divvied up so that each branch gets two appropriate color choices out of 10 total: Gator (1,000 units) and Diamond Black (1,000); Ceramic Gray (1,000) and Patriot Blue (1,000); Anvil (1,250) and Billet Silver (1,500); Tank (1,000) and Flame Red (1,000); and Spitfire (500) and Bright White (750).  Available on every body style and powertrain, a Built to Serve package costs $2,795. Every truck comes with the 4x4 Off-Road Group, which bundles features like all-terrain tires, an electronic-locking rear axle, hill descent control, tow hooks, and four thick skid plates. They're easy to spot thanks to their prominent rear quarter panel decals. Cosmetic upgrades include an all-black grille and surround, black badges, side steps, black four-inch exhaust tips, body-colored wheel arch trim, and 20-inch wheels finished in Technical Gray.  Ram has used the series to help bring more attention to a volunteer initiative the automaker has run since 2015, not-coincidentally called Built to Serve.  Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Germany threatens to ban FCA vehicles over diesel emissions dispute

Germany is threatening to ban sales of FCA products over diesel emissions. According to the newspaper Bild Am Sonntag, Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority found evidence of a so-called defeat device that shuts down certain emissions controls after running for 22 minutes. A standard diesel emissions test in the European Union reportedly takes 20 minutes to complete. FCA denies the allegations. "We believe all our vehicles respect EU emissions standards and we believe Italian regulators are the competent authority to evaluate this," the company said in a statement. The latter part of that statement drew ire from German authorities, especially after FCA declined to meet with German transport minister Alexander Dobrindt to discuss the issue. Graziano Delrio, the Italian Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, vowed to work with German authorities on behalf of FCA. According to EU law, FCA is required to homologate its vehicles in Italy because that's where its regional operations are based. When will the diesel-scented soap opera end? We wish we knew, but our Magic 8 Ball is covered in soot. Related Video: News Source: Financial TimesImage Credit: Giuseppe Aresu/Bloomberg via Getty Government/Legal Green Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM Emissions Diesel Vehicles FCA

Ram recalling 65k trucks for rear-axle heat treating

A problem with the rear axle has promoted Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to recall a selection of Ram trucks. The campaign affects 2015-16 Ram 1500 series trucks – specifically those manufactured between June 17 and September 28, 2015. All told, that amounts to over 65,760 units across the United States. The issue stems, according to the statements below, from the rear axle shaft. Some of those trucks may have not had those axle shafts properly heat-treated, which could cause them to fracture and separate from the wheel. And that, it should go without saying, could lead to a crash. FCA states that most of the vehicles in question are in dealer hands, but while the manufacturer says it is aware of one accident to have resulted from the issue, no injuries have been reported. The owners of the affected vehicles will be notified to bring their trucks in to their local dealership to have them inspected. If necessary, the dealership with replace the rear axle assembly. This recall follows three prior (but unrelated) ones, also issued for Ram pickups, that between them affected well over a million units. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Incorrectly Heat Treated Rear Axle Shaft Report Receipt Date: OCT 15, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V661000 Component(s): POWER TRAIN Potential Number of Units Affected: 65,760 Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) SUMMARY: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated. CONSEQUENCE: If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R59. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. ### Statement: Heat-treating October 27, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 65,760 U.S.-market trucks – most of which are in dealer hands – to inspect and replace, as required, their rear axle shafts or rear axles.