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Jeep Yuntu three-row crossover spied testing on public roads

Jeep is doing very well, especially compared to most other FCA brands. Still, there's a three-row sized hole in the automaker's lineup. In April 2017, the Jeep Yuntu made its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show. While that plug-in hybrid was just a concept, we now have a second set of spy shots showing that a road-going Yuntu is deep into development. Even with the black and white camouflage, there's no mistaking this for anything other than a Jeep. The new model looks like a larger Grand Cherokee with styling elements cribbed from the new Compass and refreshed Cherokee, though the profile unsurprisingly reminds us of the Dodge Durango (essentially a three-row Grand Cherokee). The thin headlights and taillights have made it over from the concept, though both are toned down for the production version. A three-row Jeep is all but officially confirmed for the US. The real question is what it will be called. We doubt Americans will fall head over heels for a American vehicle named the Yuntu. Reviving the Wagoneer or Grand Wagoneer nameplates seems far more likely. We can only speculate on powertrains, but considering the Yuntu concept was a plug-in hybrid, expect some flavor of electrification. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Stellantis will enter joint venture with Samsung SDI for EV batteries

SEOUL — South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI Co Ltd and global automaker Stellantis NV have agreed to jointly produce electric vehicle (EV) batteries for the North American market, a person familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. Samsung SDI, an affiliate of South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics, already has EV battery plants in South Korea, China and Hungary, which supply customers such as BMW and Ford. "The two companies (Samsung SDI and Stellantis) have struck a MOU (memorandum of understanding) to produce EV batteries for North America," the person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The source spoke of condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. The person said the location of the battery joint venture is under review and will be announced later. In July, Reuters reported that Samsung SDI may build a battery plant in the United States, citing a company source. South Korea's Yonhap news agency earlier reported the two companies plan to build a factory in the United States, citing industry sources. Samsung SDI and Stellantis did not have immediate comment when reached by Reuters. Stellantis on Monday struck a preliminary deal with battery maker South Korea's LG Energy Solution (LGES) to produce battery cells and modules for North America. Shares of Samsung SDI were up 2.6% as of 0300 GMT, versus a 0.6% rise in the KOSPI benchmark index. Related video: Green Alfa Romeo Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Jeep Maserati RAM Citroen Lancia Opel Peugeot Vauxhall

Toyota, Lexus dominate KBB's Best Resale Value Awards

Toyota and Lexus stormed the 2014 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards, winning a combined 18 categories including best brand and best luxury brand. This marks the third year in a row that both automakers have won the Brand and Luxury Brand resale value awards. In all, Toyota won 11 categories and Lexus won seven.
Honda made a good showing, as well, winning two segments (Accord Plug-In Hybrid and Civic Si) and putting one car on the top-10 Best Resale Value list (CR-V). Chevrolet did even better, winning two segments (with the V6 Camaro and the Corvette) and placing three cars on the top-10-overall list (again, the Camaro and Corvette, plus the Silverado 1500).
The other winners came from Jeep, Dodge, Infiniti, Subaru and Audi. To give you a clearer picture of the Toyota and Lexus domination, their 18 mentions represents more than half of the 34 awards (including the top-10-overall list).