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Dodge Grand Caravan to live in fleets through 2017

After a hard-working career of hauling around families for decades, the Dodge Grand Caravan name was set to retire in 2016 under FCA's five-year plan for the US. The decision would have put all of the automaker's focus behind the next-generation Chrysler Town & Country, but that original strategy might have changed. Now, Dodge's minivan may have to work just a few more years before it can finally shuffle off. There are set to be 2016 and 2017 model year examples of the current Grand Caravan, according to an internal FCA production document obtained by Automotive News. This report suggests no changes in the minivan between those two years, and there's no mention of the company's intentions deeper into the future. "While we've announced the Grand Caravan will eventually be the minivan that goes away, we're not going into more detail at this time," a Dodge spokesperson said to AN. For the next Town & Country, production would start in Windsor, Ontario, in late February 2016. This document also suggests a brief run of 2016 Chrysler minivans based on the current model from August 2015 until February 2016. Automotive News speculates that the reprieve for the Grand Caravan could allow that model to focus on fleets and the Canadian market while the new Town and Country gets up and running. The latest generation T&C will reportedly debut at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show and will possibly carry a higher price to befit a vehicle with a more modern platform and improved tech.

Dodge Charger Hellcat makes 1,032 hp with Hennessey help

Sometimes you just want four doors. Earlier this week we brought you Hennessey's riff on the Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Now comes the Charger. Much like its two-door sibling, the Charger gets boosted to as much as 1,032 hp and 987 lb-ft of torque (at the crank) thanks to the addition of a twin-turbocharging setup that works with the factory supercharger. The turbo headers and downpipes are stainless steel, and there is a high-flow air-to-water intercooler and dual-turbo waste gates. Hennessey also beefs up the fuel injectors, fuel pump, and the rest of the fuel system. The engine management system and chassis are recalibrated to accommodate all of this. You also get numbered plaques signed by John Hennessey, the boss of the Texas tuning outfit, and the technician who does your build. Hennessey's additions result in zero-to-60 mph sprints in 2.7 seconds, and the big sedan can run the quarter mile in 9.9 seconds at 142 mph. Like the Challenger, the Charger has the same disclaimer: the lofty horsepower figure comes from an engine dyno, and it will be a 15-to 20-percent lower at the rear wheels. Related Video: Image Credit: Hennessey Performance Dodge Performance Sedan Hennessey dodge charger hellcat

FCA's UAW workers to get $8,010 profit-sharing payout

UAW workers at FCA will soon be receiving $8,010 checks, which represent profit-sharing based on the company's 2020 performance. Although FCA's profit margins in 2020 were slimmer than the year prior, the union-employee payouts are slightly larger, due to a change in the formula that was negotiated in 2019 and has now gone into effect. Employees are now paid $900 for every 1% of profit margin FCA achieves in its North American operations. For 2020, the company enjoyed an 8.9% profit margin, and although that was down slightly from 9.1% in 2019, the checks are larger than last year's $7,280 payout. Still, FCA employees didn't fare quite as well as their counterparts at GM, who stand to receive profit-sharing checks of up to $9,000. GM workers did even better last year, netting $10,000. UAW workers at Ford had less to celebrate. They'll receive $3,525, based on the company's 2020 performance. That's a steep drop from last year's $6,600. FCA earned $6.472 billion in North America in 2020. The company is expecting an improved financial performance in 2021, as it's expected to avoid another coronavirus-related shutdown. It's also expected to benefit from the launch of the three-row Grand Cherokee L, as well as the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, all of which are high-margin products. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.