Mopar Insiders Articles

Stellantis Drives Towards A Chrome-Free Future Automaker Eliminates Chrome for Health and Environmental Safety... Stellantis is setting a bold new precedent in the industry by committing to phase out chrome from all its new models. This initiative, dubbed the “Death of Chrome,” is driven by environmental and health concerns related to the use of hexavalent chromium in the plating process. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-drives-towards-a-chrome-free-future/

Stellantis’ New Retail Model Under Fire In Europe Sales Declines and Dealer Concerns Force Reconsideration of Agency Model... Stellantis’ New Retail Model (NRM) has been a source of ongoing tension between the company and its European dealer networks. Launched as a pilot in Belgium, the NRM aims to overhaul the traditional dealership model, transitioning dealers into agents who sell vehicles directly on behalf of the manufacturer rather than purchasing inventory themselves. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-new-retail-model-under-fire-in-europe/

Stellantis To Boost In-House Production Of Vehicle Components Automaker Aims To Cut Costs and Speed Up Innovation In Electrification Era... Stellantis has announced plans to increase the in-house production of vehicle components. In a recent conference call from Italy, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares emphasized that producing parts internally could reduce costs and accelerate production processes, especially in research and development during the electrification era. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-to-boost-in-house-production-of-vehicle-components/

While the Jeep® Avenger (JJ) is absent from the brand’s North American lineup, it has been a huge success for the American brand in Europe. In addition to winning several awards, the subcompact SUV sold more units than the entire Alfa Romeo lineup in Europe’s first quarter of the year. From January 1 to April 30, sales of the European-built Jeep Avenger reached a remarkable 25,422 units, 5,557 of which were sold in April alone. According to the official sales numbers from Stellantis, the Alfa Romeo lineup, including the Giulia sports sedan, the Stelvio SUV, and the new compact Tonale … (read full article...)

Jeep® Recall Certain 2023 Grand Cherokees For Seat Belt Issue Seatbelt Fastener Issue Affects Occupant Safety in 53 Vehicles... Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) has recalled approximately 53 units of its 2023 Jeep® Grand Cherokee (WL). Some of the above vehicles may have been built with a second-row seatbelt buckle with an insufficiently torqued fastener, which may result in reduced occupant restraint capabilities. Reduced load management by the seat belt buckle may injure vehicle occupants in certain crashes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 210, “Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.”...

AMW4x4’s Jeep® Gladiator AMW1025 Sold For $330,000 At Barrett-Jackson AMW1025 Gladiator Impresses With 1,025 Horsepower and Luxurious Upgrades... America’s Most Wanted 4×4 (AMW4x4), based in Holly, Michigan, has once again captured the spotlight with their latest powerhouse vehicle, a custom 2024 Jeep Gladiator. Known for their expertise in creating some of the most formidable HEMI®-powered Jeep® vehicles, AMW4x4’s newest masterpiece, the AMW 1025, recently sold for an impressive $330,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction. https://moparinsiders.com/amw4x4s-jeep-gladiator-amw1025-sold-for-330000-at-barrett-jackson/

The 2006 Chrysler Imperial Concept: Elegance Reimagined A Bold Fusion of Classic Heritage and Modern Luxury... The 2006 Chrysler Imperial Concept car was more than just a vehicle; it was a bold statement by Chrysler, aiming to reclaim its place among the luxury giants of the automotive world. Drawing inspiration from its storied past, the Imperial Concept sought to blend the elegance of classic Imperials with modern design and technological innovation. This ambitious project was a nod to the grandeur of yesteryear’s Imperials while charting a new course for the future of luxury sedans. https://moparinsiders.com/the-2006-chrysler-imperial-concept-elegance-reimagined/

New Stelvio Quadrifoglio EV to Feature Dodge’s eRupt Transmission Next-Gen Quadrifoglio Models to Incorporate SRT Banshee Technology... Alfa Romeo has already revealed its electrified plans for the next-generation Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which is set to debut as a 2026 model. This marks a significant shift for the brand as the high-performance Quadrifoglio nameplate transitions from traditional combustion engines (ICEs) to electrification. According to our sources within the automaker, the next-generation Stelvio Quadrifoglio will incorporate a lot of the same electric vehicle (EV) technology with theupcoming Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee. https://moparinsiders.com/new-stelvio-quadrifoglio-ev-to-feature-dodges-erupt-transmission/

A majority of Dodge enthusiasts are upset about the brand’s path toward electrification. With the introduction of the all-new, all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona, Dodge is pushing a duo of two-door all-electric muscle cars, offering free performance upgrades for the vehicle’s initial model year of production. But many enthusiasts who are on the fence about the new electric Charger are questioning not only the car’s range but also the current status of the country’s charging infrastructure and price. While Dodge might not have released pricing just yet on the new electrified model, the new Charger Daytona is expected to be … (read full article...)

Stellantis has been overhauling its engine offerings across its brand portfolios in response to increasingly stringent C.A.F.E. regulations. Now, according to our sources, the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s powertrain is slated to receive significant updates. A Shift Toward Efficiency Since its introduction, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been synonymous with rugged capability and power. The Grand Cherokee L model, a three-row variant introduced in the 2021 model year, offered a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and a more robust 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine. Following its debut, the 2022 model year saw the introduction of a two-row version, which included the 2.0 turbocharged … (read full article...)

Reviving the Spirit: The Dodge Demon Roadster Concept Could Such A Vehicle Be What The Brand Needs Now? Dodge has consistently pushed the boundaries with innovative and bold designs. One such example is the 2007 Dodge Demon Roadster Concept, which captured the imagination of car enthusiasts and critics alike when unveiled at the Geneva International Auto Show. Though it never reached production, the Demon Roadster Concept remains a fascinating chapter in Dodge’s history, showcasing the brand’s flair for combining affordability, sportiness, and driving excitement. https://moparinsiders.com/reviving-the-spirit-the-dodge-demon-roadster-concept/

UAW Leadership Turmoil: Controversy Over VP Boyer’s Removal VP Rich Boyer Challenges Reassignment Amidst Disputes Over Negotiation Transparency... In recent developments within the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, a letter from UAW 1178 Shop Chairperson Trey Durant has surfaced online, shedding light on UAW President Shawn Fain’s controversial decision to remove Vice President Rich Boyer from his role overseeing the Stellantis department. The letter, posted on the Facebook page “UAW Real Talk, GM, Ford & FCA,” provides context to the ongoing leadership issues and the rationale behind this significant decision. https://moparinsiders.com/uaw-leadership-turmoil-controversy-over-vp-boyers-removal/

Fiat’s Grande Panda: Previewing the Next-Gen Jeep® Renegade? Affordable Electric and Hybrid Crossover Set to Influence Jeep's Future Lineup... Fiat teased its upcoming Grande Panda crossover last week. This B-segment utility vehicle (UV) aims to serve as the flagship model for the Italian brand’s subcompact offerings in the global market. While the new subcompact crossover is generating a lot of buzz in the international market for its style, it has us looking at what it could be sharing with the next-generation Jeep® Renegade. https://moparinsiders.com/fiats-grande-panda-previewing-the-next-gen-jeep-renegade/

CAUGHT: 2025 Ram Rampage Big Horn With New Powertrain New Diesel Engine and Transmission Are Headed To Brazil Market... Ram continues to experience record growth in the Brazilian marketplace. Despite being a “premium” marque in Brazil, Ram is expanding its lineup with more mainstream and affordable options. The Brazilian-designed and built compact Ram Rampage pickup, launched last year, has quickly become one of the most popular pickups in the market. Initially available in three trims—Rebel, Laramie, and R/T—the Rampage has been out of reach for some due to its premium pricing. However, the new 2025 Ram Rampage Big Horn is set to change that, bringing more affordable options to Brazilian customers...

Stellantis Prepares for Major Job Cuts in North America Tavares Looks To Eliminate More Positions In North America, For Cheaper Jobs Elsewhere... In a move sending shockwaves through the automotive industry, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavareshas announced a sweeping cost-cutting initiative targeting North American operations, with a significant focus on the Auburn Hills office tower. This restructuring effort, revealed at last week’s investor meeting, marks a critical pivot as Stellantis seeks to enhance its global competitiveness, particularly against Chinese automakers. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-prepares-for-major-job-cuts-in-north-america/

The Dodge Durango has been instrumental in the Dodge brand’s “Brotherhood of Muscle” mantra for over a decade. While the first two generations of Dodge Durangos were body-on-frame three-row SUVs, the third generation that debuted for the 2011 model year placed the Durango on a unibody architecture. Still offering HEMI® V8 power and three-row functionality, the third-gen Durango (WD) morphed from a capable family hauler to a performance machine in 2018 with the introduction of the long-awaited Durango SRT. Since then, Dodge has reworked and updated the Durango into more of a performance-oriented offering, thanks to Dodge Charger-inspired looks, a … (read full article...)

Stellantis’ Tychy Plant Begins Leapmotor T03 Production Polish Facility Starts Manufacturing Chinese EVs For European Market... The Stellantis Tychy Assembly Plant in Poland, known for producing the Fiat 500, Jeep® Avenger, Fiat 600, and Alfa Romeo Junior, has now commenced production of the Leapmotor T03, a small electric city car from the Chinese EV startup Leapmotor. This move is part of a joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor, signaling a significant shift in the plant’s output and the European EV market. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-tychy-plant-begins-leapmotor-t03-production/

This rare gem from 1982 hits the auction block on the popular auction site BringATrailer.com. This Jeep® J-10 Laredo (SJ), a short-bed Townside pickup, is a testament to the enduring allure of vintage vehicles. With its iconic features and rich history, this Jeep offers a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Powering this classic … (read full article...)

Stellantis’ VP of AI, Algorithms, and Machine Learning Has Resigned Berta Rodriguez-Hervas, Joins The List of Higher-Ups To Leave The Automaker... Berta Rodriguez-Hervas, Stellantis’ Vice President of Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms, and Machine Learning Operations, has resigned from the automaker. She is the latest in a series ofhigh-level executives to leave Stellantis. A company spokesperson confirmed her departure and stated that Rodriguez-Hervas decided to pursue a new opportunity. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-vp-of-ai-algorithms-and-machine-learning-has-resigned/

The muscle car wars are back on with the introduction of the next-generation Dodge Charger. While the Charger is moving past its HEMI® V8 lineup in favor of a new twin-turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine, the new Charger two-door coupe looks to take on Ford’s new Mustang Dark Horse head-on in early 2025. While Ford has vowed that a V8 will be under the hood of its S650 Mustang for as long as possible, the boys at the blue oval upped their game for 2024 with the introduction of the Dark Horse – a 500 horsepower Coyote V8-powered performance machine with some … (read full article...)