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Chrysler recalling over 280k minivans because airbags may deploy on wrong side

Chrysler has issued a recall for some 2013 Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan and Ram C/V Tradesman vans built between May 10, 2012 and June 7, 2013. These vehicles may have a software error that would cause the wrong side (opposite side) airbags to deploy in a crash. With this defect, a left-side impact would cause the right-side airbag to deploy, etc.
The recall affects 281,500 vehicles in total: 224k in the US, 49,300 in Canada, 2,900 in Mexico and 5,300 in other locations. Chrysler will notify owners of effected vehicles, and reflash the offending occupant restraint control module to resolve the issue. Scroll down to read the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration press release.

FCA goes all-in on Jeep and Ram brands on cheap gas bet

It's no surprise that as SUV and truck sales remain strong in the wake of unusually cheap gas, Jeep and Ram sales are taking off. What is a surprise is that FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne thinks that cheap gas will be a "permanent condition," and feels strongly enough about it to change up North American manufacturing plans. Jeep appears to be the biggest beneficiary of the product realignment. In addition to increasing the sales estimates for the brand worldwide upwards to 2 million units a year by 2018, the brand will get a flood of investment for new product and powertrains. Consider the Wrangler Pickup to be part of the salvo, as well as the Grand Wagoneer three-row announced in 2014 as part of the original five-year plan. The Wrangler four-door will get at least two new powertrains, a diesel and mild hybrid version, in its next generation. That mild hybrid powertrain may utilize a 48-volt electrical system like the one that's being developed by Delphi and Bosch – which the suppliers think will be worth a 10 to 15 percent fuel economy gain at a minimum. Down the road, in the 2020s, the Wrangler could adopt a full hybrid system. The diesel powertrain is planned for 2019 or 2020. The Ram 1500 is also pegged to receive a mild hybrid system, again potentially based on 48-volt architecture, sometime after 2020. Lastly, Jeep and Ram will take over some of the production capacity of existing plants. The Sterling Heights, MI, plant that builds the Chrysler 200 will now build the Ram 1500; the Belvidere, IL, facility that produces the Dodge Dart will take over Cherokee output; the big Jeep facility in Toledo, OH, will be used for increased Wrangler demand. In 2015, according to FCA's numbers, car and van demand went down by 10 percent, but SUV demand went up 8 percent and truck demand 2 percent. Considering that these are high-margin vehicles, FCA can't ignore the math. FCA also won't build any new factories to supplement production to meet demand, but instead are reshuffling production priorities. Think of it this way: FCA is gambling on cheap gas being a permanent part of our lives, at least into the 2020s. By doubling down on SUVs and trucks, the company stands to win big, unless a spike in gas prices changes the landscape. FCA isn't talking about a Plan B, so they're all in. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

2019 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat gets some Demon goodies

The 2019 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat has been revealed, along with details on the rest of the range. Though the new Charger doesn't look a whole lot different, there are a number of special upgrades, especially for the Hellcat. The least interesting changes are on the outside. The Hellcat and the R/T Scat Pack get a new grille with twin air intakes next to the headlights. The regular RT and GT get some sportier additions such as a hood scoop, rear spoiler, and some other revised body work. The Hellcat also now gets a matte black hood option, as seen on the gray car above. Under the skin are more interesting upgrades. The Hellcat raids the Demon parts bin for its "After-Run Chiller" that continues providing cooling to the intercooler after the engine has been shut off. This way you'll still get cool air for another run when you come back and fire it back up. The Charger Hellcat also gets the Demon's fancy "Torque Reserve" system to start generating boost right at launch. Both the Hellcat and the R/T Scat Pack also come with line lock for big smoky burnouts and "Launch Assist" for minimizing wheel hop and maximizing grip. Both cars have the same power and torque as last year's iterations, though. Dodge hasn't left out its lower-rung Charger models, either. The R/T now gets standard performance suspension and shift paddles, along with a 2.62 rear axle. The GT model is now available in rear-wheel drive, and it's being marketed as more of a performance-oriented trim for the V6. As such, it also gets the performance suspension as standard, a 3.07 rear end and shift paddles. The SXT rounds out the base of the lineup and now has an all-wheel-drive option. Output remains the same with these vehicles, and the GT continues to make 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque while the SXT makes 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet. 2019 Dodge Chargers will start showing up on dealer lots in the third quarter of this year. If you're really eager to get one, dealers will be able to start ordering them by the end of June. Pricing hasn't been announced yet for the big sedan. Related Video: