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Chrysler shows creative side with employee art exhibit

The United Auto Workers and Chrysler recently sponsored 92 works of art created by 50 of the automaker's unionized and salaried employees for the 2013-14 Artists at Work Exhibition, the ninth such show, which recognizes the creative process required to make art and manufacture vehicles. Chrysler says the event is "the country's only juried art show sponsored by a major corporation and a labor union." Unfortunately, the exhibit is not open to the public, but we have images to share of the winning pieces as well as other interesting exhibits in the gallery above.
"Art and manufacturing have more in common than you might think," says Keith Mickens, Chrysler-UAW National Training Center co-director from the UAW. "The creative process involved in producing a memorable image on a canvas can be used to help build quality vehicles on an assembly line."
A diverse range of art forms are showcased, from metal sculptures to ceramics to photography to paintings and more. Four Detroit-area professional artists narrowed down over 600 submissions to the 92 works of art that were shown at the exhibit, then awarded "Best of Show" prizes to three employees for their work (the first three images in our gallery) and selected 11 employees for honorable mentions. The overall winner is the sculpture above by Joseph Aiuto, titled "Childhood Anxiety."

Federal grand jury issues subpoenas to U.S. FCA dealers

Despite an attempt to clarify and backtrack, it seems the investigation into Fiat Chrysler Automobile's false sales reporting is picking up steam. According to Automotive News, FCA dealers and regional offices have received subpoenas ordering them to supply documents and testimony to a grand jury in Detroit. Of course, the dealers are objecting to the request. They claim the subpoenas are too broad and would require them to hand over too much personal information, like personal phone numbers of dealer employees going back years. The group wants to make it clear that FCA has clarified its sales reporting and that the issue is with the manufacturer, not dealers. The dealers say that FCA employee records and testimony should be enough. It's rumored that a dealer group is the one that sparked the investigation in the first place. FCA confirmed on July 18 that it indeed was under investigation by a number of federal agencies. Although they've clarified their position regarding sales reporting, the fraud investigation continues full steam. Related Video:

Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans recalled due to fire risk

Chrysler Pacifica plug-in-hybrid minivans are being recalled because the connection to the vehicles' 12-volt battery may pose a fire risk. The company says 27,634 minivans are affected, from the 2017 through 2020 model years. The regular gas-engine Pacifica is not part of the recall. The issue is with the minivans' standard 12-volt battery that powers the vehicles' accessories, not the high-voltage battery that is part of the hybrid powertrain. The connection to the battery may degrade, posing the risk of fire. Chrysler says it knows of "a small number" of fires that have occurred and one minor injury. Dealers will inspect the connection to check for corrosion.  In the meantime, Pacifica hybrid owners are advised not to park their vehicle inside a garage, building, or other structure, or near other vehicles. They're also asked not to carry liquids that might spill in the second-row seating area. Starting June 16, Pacifica hybrid owners can enter their VIN number at the following websites to see if their vehicle is among those being recalled: recalls.mopar.com or, in Canada, recalls.mopar.ca. Chrysler also will be contacting owners of affected vehicles by mail. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.