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Toyota, Ford not interested in FCA merger

Sergio Marchionne will preach the benefits of mergers to anyone who'll listen, but his calls for industry consolidation may be falling on deaf ears. At least, that is, the ears of those who the Fiat Chrysler chief would most like to bend. Not only is General Motors uninterested, but according to The Detroit News, neither are Toyota or Ford. "It's something we would not be interested in," said Toyota's North American chief Jim Lentz, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Toyota Technical Center. "At 10 million (vehicles) we have enough scale right now to do what we need to do. There really would be no advantage for us." Toyota isn't the only one unenthused by the prospect of merging with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The Detroit News also reports that Ford, though it may yet to have been approached by Marchionne, wouldn't be interested either. "We're not a suitor for FCA," said Ford CFO Bob Shanks. "We don't see that type of opportunity as one that applies to us." With GM, Toyota, and Ford expressing disinterest in Marchionne's merger idea, the FCA chief will likely start looking elsewhere – or look for other ways to compel his primary candidate to reconsider. He may eventually find a partner – more likely in the Far East or within Europe – but it may not take the form of the major player Sergio has hoped for. News Source: The Detroit NewsImage Credit: Bill Pugliano/Getty Chrysler Fiat Ford Toyota Sergio Marchionne FCA merger fiat chrysler automobiles

Car Club USA: Chrysler Power Classic

Car Club USA heads to the Buckeye State for some high-octane drag racing at the Chrysler Power Classic. And for these amateur drag racers, nothing but Mopar muscle will do. "I would say Mopar is kind of a way of life," says Larry Augenstine. "Some people get addicted to lemonade, or beer, [or] drugs. Well, I'm Mopars." Larry drives a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda with a 426 Hemi motor that once belonged to local racing legend Ray Christian. He's joined at the track by Mark Ipsen of the Midwest Nostalgia Pro Stock Association. Mark runs a 1979 AMC Concord with a modified 401 block V8 that he claims has dynoed at just under 1,000 horsepower. The biggest threat to any day on track is Mother Nature, who cast a threatening shadow over National Trail Raceway for much of the event. When the clouds and rain subsided, our cameras captured the grounds crew in action with blowers, torches, and a sticky compound that's sprayed the entire length of the track. Can Larry, Mark, and the rest of these Mopar fanatics make the most of the few runs they'll get? Stay tuned to find out. Each Car Club USA episode features a different car club or event from across the US, where passionate owner communities gather to share automotive experiences and embark on incredible adventures. From Main Street cruises to off-road trails, catch all the latest car club activity on Autoblog. Chrysler Racing Vehicles Performance Car Club USA Videos Original Video autoblog black

78k Chrysler 200 sedans recalled for stalling

Chrysler has been at the top of our list of recalls lately, and is showing little sign of dropping down. The latest campaign announced from Auburn Hills affects nearly 80,000 units over a problem that could see the vehicle suddenly stall or shift into neutral unexpectedly. According to the automaker's statement below, the issue primarily affects the 2015 Chrysler 200. However it indicates that unspecified "additional vehicles are also included in the campaign." Of the 77,834 units affected by the recall, the vast majority – nearly 70k – are in the United States. Another 7,115 are located in Canada, 848 in Mexico, and another 19 outside of North America. The problem stems from some electrical connectors that may have been damaged by the supplier during post-production validation tests. FCA stresses, however, that it is "unaware of any related injuries or accidents" resulting from this issue, and that the glitch may or may not be "accompanied by a dashboard warning-light illumination." Airbag function is reportedly unaffected. Related Video: Statement: Electrical Connectors August 14, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is conducting a voluntary safety recall to correct a condition in an estimated 77,834 U.S.-market sedans that may lead to engine stall or gearshift to neutral. The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. The condition, which may be accompanied by a dashboard warning-light illumination, does not affect air-bag function. An investigation by FCA US revealed some electrical connectors were damaged when the supplier conducted post-production validation tests. Affected are certain 2015 Chrysler 200 midsize sedans. Additional vehicles also are included in campaign. Of these, approximately 7,115 are in Canada; 848 are in Mexico; and 19 are outside the NAFTA region Affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service, which will be performed free of charge. Customers with questions or concerns may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403.