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Germany says Fiat Chrysler also cheats on diesel emissions

In May, Germany threatened to ban Fiat Chrysler vehicles because they supposedly had diesel emissions cheat devices. The guilty vehicle at the time was a Fiat 500X. Since then, Italian regulators looked into the issue and said they found no such device. But Germany didn't back down, and filed papers today with the European Commission (EC) and the Italian Transport Ministry saying, again, that there were questionable emissions results in four FCA vehicles. According to Reuters, the Germany's new tests proved there was an, "illegal use of a device to switch off exhaust treatment systems" in the four FCA vehicles. According to Der Spiegel, the four vehicles in the latest batch of offenders are the two new 500Xs, a Fiat Doblo, and a Jeep Renegade. Alexander Dobrindt, Germany's Federal Minister of Transport, noted the vehicles in the letter to the EC, which also said that the EC should communicate with Italian regulators as the next step. Related Video: News Source: Reuters, Der SpiegelImage Credit: GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images Government/Legal Green Chrysler Fiat Diesel Vehicles vw diesel scandal FCA diesel scandal

Here's what the UAW will be angling for in next year's contract negotiations

The United Auto Workers union is about to enter a new round of negotiations with the Detroit Three automakers, and this time, the focus is on the end of the two-tier wage system. Introduced in 2007, the two-tier wage system was enacted to allow General Motors, Ford and Chrysler to categorize its hourly employees under two categories: Tier 1 for veteran employees with full rights and benefits, and Tier 2 for short-term or entry-level employees compensated under a different schedule. The idea was that the system would permit the automakers to invest more in their plants and hire new employees as part of their respective recovery plans without being saddled with all the costs associated with hiring full-time employees. Now that the automakers are (more or less) back on their proverbial feet, however, the UAW wants to see an end to the two-tier system, and will likely make that a center-point of its negotiations next year to replace the current arrangement that is scheduled to end in September 2015. Not all members of the UAW will necessarily be interested in ending the two-tier system, however. According to The Detroit News, some Tier 1 workers may be more interested in negotiating a raise in their hourly rate – something which they haven't received in almost a decade. Tier 2 workers, meanwhile, may be more motivated to keep the tiered system in place, as their arrangement includes provisions for profit-sharing payments that have seen the automakers pay out billions to so-called short-term employees in lump-sum payments. Reconciling the two competing demands from two categories of union members and presenting a united front in negotiations may prove the biggest challenge for the UAW's new president, Dennis Williams. And with the right to strike – something which was suspended during the last round of negotiations in 2011 – the union has a bigger bargaining chip in its pocket.

2020 Chrysler Pacifica AWD Launch Edition: When it's coming, what it costs

Back when the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was revealed with new styling, infotainment and all-wheel drive, the company also announced that it would have a limited run of 2020 models with four driven wheels. Those vans are now available for ordering by dealers, and they're only available in one trim, the AWD Launch Edition, priced at $41,735. This is because it's only available on the Touring L trim, which starts at $38,640. This 2020 Pacifica is a sort of blend of the 2020 and 2021 model years. On the outside, it retains the outgoing styling, augmented by the S Appearance package with black grilles, trim and 18-inch alloy wheels. Underneath, it has the 2021 all-wheel drive system, which shuffles torque to wheels with traction, and can disconnect the rear drive axles for efficiency. And it still includes the Stow 'N' Go hideaway seating with the all-wheel drive. The interior is still the same as the outgoing model, continuing to use the 8.4-inch screen with the previous-generation Uconnect 4 rather than the new Uconnect 5. This model gets black leather upholstery with grey contrast stitching. If you're interested in ordering one of these all-wheel-drive 2020 Pacificas or you're just waiting for them to reach dealer lots, they will be delivered in the third quarter of this year. If you're looking for an all-wheel-drive Pacifica with either a lower price or more features, the 2021 model year will offer the drivetrain on more trim levels. Pricing and availability for the 2021 model year has not yet been announced. Related Video: