2014 Chrysler 300c Base on 2040-cars

Auto blog

FCA, Ford idle plants due to semiconductor shortage

DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford and FCA will become the latest automakers to idle production facilities due to a semiconductor shortage. Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky will idle for a week, borrowing a down period from later in the year to compensate. Per Automotive News, FCA is idling its Brampton facility in Ontario, Canada, and one other site which has not yet been identified.  Louisville Assembly is the production site for the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair SUVs; Brampton Assembly produces the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger for FCA.  A Ford spokeswoman, who declined to identify the semiconductor supplier, confirmed the temporary shutdown to Reuters. In this, FCA and Ford join Nissan and potentially Honda in idling production in the wake of the shortage, which also hit Volkswagen late last year. The shortages are being blamed on consumer demand for silicon after production slowdowns resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. Volkswagen said it had to adjust production schedules in China, Europe and North America to compensate.  Nissan said it planned to reduce production of the Note, a hybrid electric car, at its Oppama Plant in Kanagawa prefecture, Japan, but did not give details of the scale of the output cut. The Nikkei newspaper reported that Nissan would slash its Note production at Oppama to about 5,000 units in January, from an initially planned 15,000 units. "A global shortage of semiconductors has affected parts procurement in the auto sector. As a result of this shortage, the Oppama Plant in Japan will adjust production in January, reducing production of the Nissan NOTE," Nissan said in a statement. (This article contains reporting from Reuters.)     Auto News Plants/Manufacturing UAW/Unions Chrysler Dodge Ford

Chrysler shows off new 'Synthesis' cockpit demonstrator at CES

As auto enthusiasts, we get used to seeing vehicle exteriors teased endlessly while interiors often remain under wraps until the very last second. And then once a year, CES happens and our focus shifts briefly to glimpses of arguably the single most important part of a car for most drivers: the many touch points between man and machine. Chrysler will be among those offering in-person demonstrations of its vision for future tech, and in this case, a little bit more.  Chrysler says it will be the standard-bearer for the company's forthcoming AI-based technologies that can both adapt to driver preferences and automate certain functions — up to and including driving. Chrysler is calling it "Advanced Technology For Real Life" and says it will "create smooth, efficient and connected experiences between the customer and the vehicle." This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Chrysler Synthesis Cockpit Demonstrator at CES 2023 The demonstrator itself shows off the next generation of interior materials ("vegetable-tanned, suspended seats wrapped with an arctic upcycled chrome-free soft trim embellished by a unique constellation-style perforation") and design themes. Chrysler calls it "Harmony in Motion," but rest assured that it will remain stationary for all of its demonstrations. Its simulation is meant to represent a day in the life of a typical owner. It optimizes the day's drive routes, coordinates with other smart ecosystems (home, phone, etc.) and even takes the wheel to allow for multi-tasking (simulating level 3 self-driving).  Check it out at Chrysler's booth starting tomorrow, Jan. 5.  Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Chrysler Unveils Airflow Concept

Chrysler mum on Toledo Wrangler production after meeting Ohio leaders

"Fiat Chrysler remains committed to producing vehicles in Toledo and anticipates employment to remain at current levels."
The future of the iconic Jeep Wrangler in Toledo, OH, remains uncertain after a meeting Thursday between Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne and Ohio government leaders.