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Stellantis wants to outfit cars with AI software to drive revenue

MILAN — Carmaker Stellantis announced a strategy Tuesday to embed AI-enabled software in 34 million vehicles across its 14 brands, hoping the tech upgrade will help it bring in 20 billion euros ($22.6 billion) in annual revenue by 2030. CEO Carlos Tavares heralded the move as part of a strategy that would transform the car company into a “sustainable mobility tech company,” with business growth coming from features and services tied to the internet. That includes using voice commands to activate navigation, make payments and order products online. The company is expanding existing partnerships with BMW on partially automated driving, iPhone manufacturer Foxconn on customized cockpits and Waymo to push their autonomous driving work into light commercial vehicle delivery fleets. StellantisÂ’ embrace of artificial intelligence and expansion of software-enabled vehicles is part of a broad transformation in the auto industry, with a race toward more fully electric and hybrid propulsion systems, more autonomous driving features and increased connectivity in automobiles. Ford and General Motors also are banking on dramatically increased revenue from similar online subscription services. But the automakers face immense competition for monthly consumer spending from movie and music streaming services, news outlets, Amazon Prime and others. Stellantis, which was formed from the combination of PSA Peugeot and FCA Fiat Chrysler, said the software would seamlessly integrate into customers' lives, with the capability of live updates providing upgraded services over time. New products will include the possibility to subscribe to automated driving features, purchase usage-based car insurance or even increase the power of the vehicle with a tune-up to add horsepower. As a baseline, Stellantis generates 400 million euros in revenue on software-generated services installed in 12 million vehicles. To meet the targets, Stellantis will expand its software engineering team of 1,000 to 4,500 in North America, Asia and Europe. More than 1,000 of the expanded team will be retrained in house. Stellantis also announced a new partnership with Foxconn to develop semiconductors to cover 80% of the companyÂ’s needs and simplify the supply chain. The first microchips from the partnership are targeted to be installed in vehicles in 2024.

NHTSA investigating 2015 Jeep Cherokee after new owner's total-loss fire [w/video]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a Preliminary Evaluation into the 2015 model year Jeep Cherokee after a single example caught on fire in California. This investigation will decide the cause, scope and frequency of this possible problem and will decide whether a recall is necessary for 50,415 potentially affected examples. According to Automotive News, the Cherokee's owner only purchased the CUV about two days before the fire, and it had been driven less than 100 miles. The new buyer reported parking the Jeep, and noticed a smell like smoke. Shortly after, the vehicle was consumed in flames. There were no injuries, but much of the incident was captured on video. NHTSA is also trying to decide whether another report is related. In this case, a driver noticed smoke under the hood of a 2015 Cherokee with just 45 miles on it, while driving at 60 miles per hour. According to the complaint to the agency, "the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired," but FCA was notified. Read below NHTSA's announcement of the Preliminary Evaluation. CBS News 8 - San Diego, CA News Station - KFMB Channel 8 INVESTIGATION Subject : Engine compartment fire Date Investigation Opened: JAN 13, 2015 Date Investigation Closed: Open NHTSA Action Number: PE15003 Component(s): ENGINE Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) JEEP CHEROKEE 2015 Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) SUMMARY: The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received one complaint (VOQ) of engine compartment fire in model year (MY) 2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles alleging a severe engine compartment fire incident resulting in a total vehicle loss (VOQ # 10672201). The consumer alleges that the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames approximately 20 feet high within seconds of parking the vehicle. The complaint alleged white smoke coming from under the hood immediately after parking the vehicle and while the ignition is off. In addition, ODI has identified field report data submitted as part of Early Warning Reporting that relate to the alleged defect. A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the cause, scope and frequency of the alleged defect. The following VOQ numbers are associated with the issues discussed in this opening resume: 10670034, 10672201.

Next Jeep Wrangler spotted with 8-speed and EcoDiesel

Although it may not look like it, there are big changes coming to the next-generation Wrangler. The 2018 model will use aluminum for weight savings, spawn a pickup version, and offer new engines. This latest set of spy images brings confirmation of two new powertrain items. The spy photos below show a Wrangler mule with the current interior and an eight-speed automatic shifter fitted in place of the old five-speed unit. (There's a comparison photo in the gallery.) The shifter design matches that of the refreshed Dodge Charger and Challenger; the final Jeep version is likely to differ, but this clearly indicates what kind of transmission is underneath. Chrysler builds eight-speed automatics from a ZF design and also uses some transmissions built by ZF. View 4 Photos While it's not visible in the photos, the unmistakable sound of a diesel was heard coming from this Jeep. The EcoDiesel V6 is expected to be available alongside a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is rumored to have the code name "Hurricane." The turbo four may completely replace the current gas V6 or be offered in addition. There's a good chance the eight-speed will also be paired with the Hurricane engine, since improved fuel economy is a goal for the new model across the board. We don't yet know whether a manual transmission will be offered again, but it's a pretty good bet for one of the gas engines since many diehard off-roaders prefer the ultimate control. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Detailed Spy Photos View 18 Photos Spy Photos Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles jeep wrangler unlimited