2017 Chrysler Pacifica Touring-l Mobility Handicap Van Handicap on 2040-cars

Auto blog

UAW warns automakers: Restarting U.S. plants is 'too soon and too risky'

WASHINGTON/WARREN, Mich. — The head of the United Auto Workers union on Thursday said it was "too soon and too risky" to reopen auto plants and Michigan's economy in early May, citing insufficient scientific data and coronavirus testing to assure workplaces are safe. The warning from UAW President Rory Gamble on Thursday afternoon came as General Motors Co , Ford Motor Co and Toyota Motor Corp took new steps toward reopening North American vehicle manufacturing operations in an environment where consumer demand is uncertain and worker safety paramount. The union has said that 24 of its members have died from Covid-19, though it was unclear whether they might have become infected in the workplace. Unionized Detroit automakers and non-union German and Asian automakers have been preparing to restart U.S. vehicle making operations by early May. Companies have shifted reopening dates amid uncertainty about government stay-at-home orders. Gamble's statement appeared to derail plans by the Detroit Three to start bringing UAW workers back to vehicle manufacturing jobs on May 4. The longer the automakers cannot produce profitable U.S.-made trucks and sport utility vehicles, the longer they burn cash. The UAW leader's statement was also aimed at Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has come under pressure from conservative groups and President Donald Trump to ease coronavirus stay-at-home restrictions. "At this point in time, the UAW does not believe the scientific data is conclusive that it is safe to have our members back in the workplace. We have not done enough testing to really understand the threat our members face," Gamble said. "We strongly suggest to our companies in all sectors that an early May date is too soon and too risky to our members, their families and their communities." Gamble said the union was "happy with the auto companiesÂ’ response and cooperation on working through the health and safety protocols we will need in the workplace when it is appropriate to restart." Earlier Thursday, GM began notifying front line managers to come back to work next week to get trained on new safety protocols designed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus as workers return to plants.

Fiat Chrysler quietly sends Pentastar logo out to pasture

Logos come and go, and in the case of the famed Chrysler Pentastar, it's on its way back out. The well-known five-sided emblem, which sits prominently atop the massive Chrysler Technical Center complex in Auburn Hills, MI, is officially going to be phased out now that the company has united with Fiat and formed the new Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
As a nearly 50-year-old icon, though, the fate of the Pentastar has been deeply intertwined with Chrysler's history. Hemmings has an excellent recap of that history, from its development in 1962 by a Chrysler ad agency through to its temporary discontinuation during the disastrous marriage between the American company and Daimler-Benz, and then on to its revival during the time the automaker regained its independence.
If you've been a fan of Chrysler and its brands over the years, you're going to want to give this piece a read. Head over and take a look.

STLA Medium EV platform claims long range, up to 382 horsepower

We don’t get to see it paired with a car yet, but Stellantis just revealed a bunch of details about its upcoming STLA Medium electric vehicle platform. As a reminder, this is just one of four that will ultimately come out, including STLA Small, Medium, Large and Frame. The "Medium" is specifically designated for vehicles in the C and D segments, but Stellantis isnÂ’t explicitly saying which new models will sit on it. At the very least, Stellantis is providing a boatload of specs to chew on. Maximum range for vehicles on the STLA Medium platform is said to be 435 miles when paired with a "Performance" pack and tested on the WLTP cycle. The "Standard" pack brings that max range down to 310 miles. Of course, expect those numbers to nosedive when tested on the EPA cycle. All those miles come courtesy of a 98-kilowatt-hour battery pack, which is the highest-range Performance pack. Stellantis hasnÂ’t said what the standard pack capacity will be quite yet. As for charging, all STLA Medium vehicles will feature a 400-volt electric architecture that will be able to facilitate charging from 20-80% in 27 minutes. A maximum charge speed is not yet specified. Stellantis also claims an astoundingly efficient 4.43 miles per kWh, "depending on the application." Basically, donÂ’t expect all of the STLA Medium vehicles to touch that level of efficiency, but some might for WLTP testing. As for driving enjoyment, you can expect power output to range between 215-382 horsepower. STLA Medium cars will be available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and come in body styles including "passenger cars, crossovers and SUVs." The platform allows for some flexibility in size, so wheelbase can range from 106-114 inches. Overall length will vary from 169-193 inches, and ground clearance maxes out at 8.66 inches, for those curious about how Jeep models might fare on this platform. Stellantis says itÂ’s going to deliver "best-in-class battery packaging cost," explaining that despite various total energy options, the perimeter dimensions of the battery pack, common tray and cooling designs will remain constant.