Mopar Insiders Articles

In a bold and pivotal move, Stellantis has unveiled a series of significant organizational changes set to take effect on November 1st, 2023, with a specific emphasis on revitalizing the sales trajectory of the iconic Jeep® brand. Since 2019, Jeep sales have encountered challenges, witnessing a notable decline from nearly 1 million vehicles sold to 684,614 in 2022—a 12% decrease from the previous year. In the first half of the current year alone, the brand has experienced another 12% dip. This decline can be attributed to factors such as the introduction of the Ford Bronco and an upswing in the … (read full article...)

Designing a racing car is the ultimate dream of every automobile designer. The probability of that dream ever coming true was up until now close to zero: rather than the marque’s style and identity, performance was the prime consideration, so much so that racing cars had become morphologically almost indistinguishable from one another. The designers’ … (read full article...)

The Jeep® Gladiator (JT) has long been hailed for its exceptional four-wheel-drive (4×4) capabilities, but recent sales figures have shown a different story. Despite its outstanding capabilities, the midsize pickup has faced challenges in maintaining its market share in the United States. However, the 2023 Gladiator’s struggles present a unique opportunity for buyers, as dealers … (read full article...)

In the ever-changing world of car customization, the blending of vintage looks and modern tech has given rise to the trend of “resto-modding.” One such embodiment of this fusion is this 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe, a true testament to the art of automotive evolution. Painted in the resounding Sassy Grass Green (J6), affectionately recognized … (read full article...)

In a recent announcement, Samsung SDI, South Korea’s third-largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer, confirmed its intention to invest nearly $2 billion in the construction of a second battery manufacturing facility in the United States. This joint venture with the Stellantis group will see Samsung SDI holding a majority 51% stake in the new factory, as … (read full article...)

The 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) HEMI® V8 has been the beating heart of Ram 1500 pickups for over two decades. Its journey began in 2003, faithfully serving three generations of Ram trucks. As the sun sets on this era, the 5.7-liter HEMI takes its final bow, leaving behind a legacy of performance and dependability. Marking what … (read full article...)

The automotive industry is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs), driven by environmental concerns and government regulations. However, fans of Stellantis’ Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram brands have clearly preferred plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) over full EVs. These brands carry a rich legacy, evoking nostalgia and tradition. They’re known for iconic vehicles celebrated for their … (read full article...)

Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) is recalling 125 units of its 2023 Dodge Durango Pursuit (WD) vehicles equipped with the instrument panel-mounted (IP-mounted) shifter. According to the recall, the shifter may experience interference with the shifter boot and come out of gear while driving, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the crash … (read full article...)

In November of 2021, Dodge and Mopar made an exciting announcement: the revival of the Direct Connection performance parts brand. This brand would serve as the exclusive source for Dodge’s factory-backed performance components, focusing on enhancing the performance of their vehicles. One particularly anticipated release was the Direct Connection stage kits designed for HELLCAT and … (read full article...)

Semiconductors have become the linchpin of automotive performance, safety, and advanced customer features in today’s vehicles. Recognizing the growing demand for semiconductors in the auto industry, Stellantis has developed a multifaceted strategy to secure the long-term supply of vital microchips. This strategy, crafted through a meticulous assessment of customer desires and aligned with the objectives … (read full article...)

In the world of muscle cars, certain models stand out as iconic, and the 2013 Dodge Charger R/T Daytona is undoubtedly one of them. With only approximately 2,500 units produced for the model year, this Daytona edition is a true collector’s piece. Now listed on BringATrailer.com, this beauty hailing from Wisconsin was recently acquired by … (read full article...)

The AEV Prospector XL Tray Bed is a testament to its creators’ adventurous spirit at American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). Born from the vision of AEV’s President, Dave Harriton, this remarkable off-road vehicle has garnered attention since its debut at the 2013 SEMA Show. Now, after proving its mettle in diverse terrains from arid deserts to the … (read full article...)

Despite receiving no significant marketing investment or major updates since 2015, the Chrysler 300 Series has continued to strong performer in the shrinking full-size car segment. While the current model has seen significant upgrades since its debut in 2004, it has remained based on the same LX architecture. With this architecture slated to conclude later this … (read full article...)

In an automotive landscape dominated by crossovers, SUVs, and trucks, the industry is experiencing a resurgence of interest in traditional car designs. Dodge, for instance, piqued the curiosity of enthusiasts with a preview of its next-generation Dodge Charger last year through the unveiling of the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee Concept. One of the … (read full article...)

In 2015, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show witnessed a groundbreaking release by Dodge that ignited immense interest within the automotive community. This was none other than the 2015 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Concept. This unique vehicle not only marked the first time a Challenger sported a factory-installed widebody kit, offering a sneak peek … (read full article...)

Chrysler brand is celebrating four decades as the leader and innovator of family mobility, marking 40 years of the minivan — the segment the former Chrysler Corporation invented — with the start of production today of the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid at the Windsor (Ontario) Assembly plant. The original minivan — a Plymouth … (read full article...)

The United Auto Workers (UAW) announced significant progress in negotiations with Ford, aiming to reach a new labor agreement before the Friday deadline. UAW President Shawn Fain revealed key concessions secured in a Facebook livestream, including reinstating the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) formula, enhanced profit sharing, the right to strike over plant closures, two years of income security and healthcare for laid-off workers (applicable to employees with at least 90 days of employment), and the conversion of temporary workers, among other provisions. Ford expressed its commitment to working closely with the UAW to create a mutually beneficial agreement. However, the company … (read full article...)

In an exciting revelation, Jeep® has confirmed the arrival of the American-built Grand Cherokee 4xe to the Brazilian market for the 2024 model year. This highly anticipated release marks a significant leap forward in the world of electrified vehicles, as the fifth-gen Grand Cherokee will exclusively be available in its electrified form, setting a new … (read full article...)

The European subcompact Jeep® Avenger (JJ) battery-electric vehicle (BEV) has been named the “Best Design Novelty of the Year 2023” by the discerning readers of Auto Motor und Sport Magazine. Garnering an impressive 53% of the votes in its category, the Avenger secured the coveted “autonis” design award in the fiercely competitive “Small SUV/Off-Road Vehicle” … (read full article...)

Four popular minivan models have recently faced a safety wake-up call in the updated moderate overlap front crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in late 2022. The results highlighted a concerning struggle to protect second-row passengers, emphasizing the need for manufacturers to prioritize rear occupant safety. While minivans may not … (read full article...)