2014 Ram 1500 Tradesman on 2040-cars

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2019 Ram 1500 truck Ram-o-rama: Many trims, options spotted on the road

We'll give Ram credit. It provided an impressive variety of 2019 Ram 1500 trucks to peruse at the Detroit Auto Show. There was a Big Horn Sport, Laramie, Limited and Rebel, with both the Quad Cab and Crew Cab on display as well. We even got to see both five- and six-passenger interiors. However, all that variety still only scratched the surface of the 2019 Ram. To help flesh things out a bit, spy photographers recently captured a bunch of 2019 Ram variations testing out on public roads. With the truck unveiled, camouflage was unnecessary, giving us unimpeded first looks at a number of trim levels, bed/cab combinations and options. Among these are the base level Ram Tradesman, which features blacked out plastic grille and other trim. There's also a single pic of the Ram Lone Star, which is really just what they call the Big Horn in Texas (look for the badge on the tailgate). We also got our first look both Big Horn and Laramie Quad Cabs with a long bed. In terms of options, there's a Big Horn with small, basic wheels and a Limited with the new bi-LED headlight option (have fun with those, oncoming traffic). There's also a Ram Rebel with a different hood that's missing the extra vents found on the truck at the auto show and in previously published pictures. Perhaps this is an option, perhaps its just the wrong hood placed on a test mule. We'll see. In any event, we'll know a lot more about all the different variants as the new Ram keeps inches closer to its on-sale date. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Ram 1500: Other trim levels spied View 14 Photos Spy Photos RAM Truck

Fiat Chrysler picks Google, Samsung for global connected car system

DETROIT — Fiat Chrysler said on Tuesday it will use technology from Alphabet Inc's Google and Samsung to connect all its vehicles by 2022, providing music and video and facilitating future car-sharing and self-driving capabilities. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCA) will use Google's Android operating system globally instead of a mixture of software that varies by region, a spokesman said. The automaker will also use a cloud-based digital platform from Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's Harman unit. Unlike its rivals General Motors and Ford, FCA has spent virtually nothing on developing self-driving vehicle technology. This saves the company large amounts of money, but makes it reliant on outside parties to provide technology and systems. FCA said it will launch the new capabilities in the second half of 2019. The company said the system will aid owners "by predicting maintenance needs, locating fuel and charging stations, receiving traffic prompts and restaurant offers and providing live customer-care assistance at the push of the button." Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM Technology Emerging Technologies connected car

Stellantis expects strike to cost it $795 million in third-quarter profits

MILAN — Automaker Stellantis said Tuesday that the autoworkers strike in North America is expected to cost the company around 750 million euros ($795 million) in profits — less than its North American competitors. The Europe-based maker of Jeep, Fiat and Peugeot reported a 7% boost in net revenues to 45.1 billion euros, with production halts caused by the strikes costing the company 3 billion euros in sales through October. The net revenue boost was due to higher volumes in all markets except Asia. Chief Financial Officer Natalie Knight told journalists that StellantisÂ’ strike impact was lower than the other Big Three automakers due to its global profile as well as some high-profile cost-cutting measures, calculating the hit at around 750 million euros ($795 million.) GM, the last carmaker to reach a deal to end the strike, reported an $800 million strike hit. Ford has put its impact at $1.3 billion. “We continue to be in a very strong position globally and in the U.S. This is an important market for us, and weÂ’re highly profitable and we are very committed to our future," Knight said. “But mitigation is core to how we act, and how we proceed.” Stellantis has canceled appearances at the CES technology show in Las Vegas next year as well as the LA Auto Show, due to the strike impact. Stellantis on Saturday reached a tentative agreement with the United Auto Workers Union to end a six-week strike by more than 14,000 workers at its assembly plants in Michigan and Ohio, and at parts warehouses across the nation. Stellantis does not report full earnings for the third quarter, instead providing shipments and revenues. It said that global sales of electric vehicles rose by 37% over a year earlier, powered by the Jeep Avenger and commercial vehicle sales. North America continued to be the revenue leader, contributing 21.5 billion euros, an increase of 2% over last year, and representing nearly half of global revenues. Europe, the next biggest performing region, saw revenues grow 5% to 14 billion euros, as sales rose 11%. Related video: Earnings/Financials UAW/Unions Alfa Romeo Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep Maserati RAM