Mopar Insiders Articles

New Stellantis Leadership Reignites Hope at Toledo Jeep® Plant UAW Local 12 President Bruce Baumhower Sees a Brighter Future After Layoff Reversal After months of uncertainty, employees at the Toledo Assembly Complex can finally breathe a sigh of relief. WTOL 11 sat down with United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 12 President Bruce Baumhower who shared an optimistic outlook for the plant after Stellantis reversed its decision to lay off 1,100 workers. The change in direction followed the resignation of former CEO Carlos Tavares in December, ushering in what Baumhower describes as a much-needed shift in company strategy. https://moparinsiders.com/new-stellantis-leadership-reignites-hope-at-toledo-jeep-plant/

Mopars, Meat & Memories: Texas Modern Mopar Clubs Cruise for BBQ A Rescheduled Date Didn’t Stop Mopar Fans From Bringing the Heat to Luling After a one-week delay due to winter weather, the Space City LX Modern Mopar and Alamo City LX Modern Mopar (ACLX) clubs hit the road for the 17th annual “Meat” and Greet in Luling, Texas. Located just south of Austin—about an hour from San Antonio and a little over two hours from Houston—Luling is famous for its barbecue, making it the perfect spot for a Mopar cruise. https://moparinsiders.com/mopars-meat-memories-texas-modern-mopar-clubs-cruise-for-bbq/

Stellantis Investigates Disgusting Bathroom Vandalism at Kokomo Engine Plant Management Seeks to Identify Individual Behind Biohazardous Mess Stellantis is dealing with an unusual and disgusting problem at its Kokomo Engine Plant in Indiana, where an unknown individual has repeatedly vandalized bathroom facilities with human waste. The disturbing acts, which involve smearing feces on walls, disability handlebars, door latches, sinks, and even leaving piles on the floor, have led management to take serious action. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-investigates-disgusting-bathroom-vandalism-at-kokomo-engine-plant/

High-Speed Pursuit: Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT vs. Virginia State Police 6.4L HEMI® V8 SUV Leads Officers on Dangerous Chase... A wild police pursuit unfolded on March 7, 2024, when a Virginia State Police trooper attempted to stop a Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT for reckless driving on I-495 near S. Van Dorn Street. Instead of pulling over, the driver—Jevon Mark, 23, of Reston—decided to push the limits of the high-performance SUV, leading officers on a high-speed chase that spiraled into chaos. https://moparinsiders.com/high-speed-pursuit-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt-vs-virginia-state-police/

Next-Gen Jeep Cherokee (KM) Caught In Latest Spy Photos New Hybrid-Powered 4x4 Looks To Make Its Debut Later This Year... The Jeep® Cherokee nameplate is making a comeback, and sources indicate that the all-new 2025 model (KM) will be built on the advanced STLA Large platform. This highly flexible, multi-energy unibody architecture will allow Jeep to introduce the Cherokee with a new hybrid powertrain, distinguishing it from the fully electric Jeep Wagoneer S (KX) and Jeep Recon (EJ), both of which will also be built at the Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico. https://moparinsiders.com/next-gen-jeep-cherokee-km-caught-in-latest-spy-photos/

Next-Gen Alfa Romeo Giulia to Embrace Hatchback Design? A More Practical Approach Inspired by the Dodge Charger Daytona Alfa Romeo is making a bold move with the next-generation Giulia, which is set to debut in 2026 as a 2027 model. According to rumors, the upcoming Italian sports sedan will ditch the traditional trunk in favor of a hatchback design, following in the footsteps of the Dodge Charger Daytona. This change could make the Giulia a more attractive option for buyers who want the sportiness of a sedan but the practicality of an SUV. https://moparinsiders.com/next-gen-alfa-romeo-giulia-to-embrace-hatchback-design/

Classic Elegance: 1948 Chrysler New Yorker Up for Auction A Timeless Example of Chrysler Luxury on BringATrailer.com For classic car enthusiasts, a stunning 1948 Chrysler New Yorker sedan has hit the auction block on BringATrailer.com, with bidding set to close on tomorrow, Friday, February 7, at 3:41 p.m. EDT. This vintage luxury sedan exudes post-war American craftsmanship, blending classic styling with Chrysler’s innovative engineering of the era. https://moparinsiders.com/classic-elegance-1948-chrysler-new-yorker-up-for-auction/

Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid Pop Ditches the Infotainment Screen A Simpler, More Affordable Option for Drivers Who Prefer Minimalism Fiat’s new entry-level Grande Panda Hybrid Pop model takes a bold step back from the screen-obsessed world of modern vehicles. Instead of the usual infotainment touchscreen, the Grande Panda Hybrid Pop features a built-in mount for your phone, allowing you to use your smartphone as the central control system. It’s a choice that reflects a growing trend of simplicity in the car industry, catering to those who don’t need complex screens and prefer to keep things low-tech. https://moparinsiders.com/fiat-grande-panda-hybrid-pop-ditches-the-infotainment-screen/

Stellantis Announces Leadership Change for Jeep® Europe Catone Will Lead Jeep®, Dodge, and Ram Brands for Enlarged Europe... Stellantis has announced that Fabio Catone will succeed Eric Laforge as the Head of Jeep® Europe, effective immediately. According to the automaker, Laforge is leaving Stellantis to pursue other opportunities outside the company. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-announces-leadership-change-for-jeep-europe/

RUMOR: HEMI®-Power to Return to 2026 Dodge Durango Our Sources Say That Dodge Is Listening to Its Fans... Contrary to earlier reports, the beloved HEMI® V8 engine will continue to power the Dodge Durango R/T into the 2026 model year. According to our sources, Dodge has decided to extend the availability of the 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) HEMI V8 in the Durango R/T trim even longer than expected, responding to strong customer demand. https://moparinsiders.com/rumor-hemi-power-to-return-to-2026-dodge-durango/

Stellantis Bets Big on Lithium-Sulfur: The Future of EV Batteries? New Lithium-Sulfur Batteries Promise More Range, Faster Charging, and Lower Costs... Stellantis is taking a bold step toward revolutionizing electric vehicles (EVs) by teaming up with Zeta Energy, a Texas-based battery technology company, to develop next-generation lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. This partnership could reshape the EV industry, offering longer range, lighter weight, and reduced production costs compared to traditional lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-bets-big-on-lithium-sulfur-the-future-of-ev-batteries/

HEMI-Powered 1972 Dodge Demon Heads to Mecum Glendale One-of-a-Kind Build Packs a 7.0L HEMI® HELLCAT Punch... The next Mecum auction is set to feature one of the wildest Dodge Demon builds ever—a 1972 Dodge Demon transformed into a modern-day powerhouse. Built over a year-long process completed in October 2024 by Jeremy Bumpus of the Hot Rod Shop, this resto-mod mixes vintage muscle car styling with today’s high-performance engineering. https://moparinsiders.com/hemi-powered-1972-dodge-demon-heads-to-mecum-glendale/

Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell Talks Brand Future and New Models Plans for Chrysler and Alfa Romeo Offer Fresh Hope for Expansion Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell recently provided updates on the future of the Chrysler and Alfa Romeo brands in North America in an interview with The Detroit News. Feuell, who has been at the helm of Chrysler since 2021, addressed plans to expand Chrysler’s lineup beyond minivans while sharing her early outlook on her new role as Head of Alfa Romeo North America. Here are the key takeaways: https://moparinsiders.com/chrysler-ceo-christine-feuell-talks-brand-future-and-new-models/

Stellantis Appoints Bob Broderdorf Jeep® Global CEO Antonio Filosa Will Retain North America COO... Stellantis has officially appointed Bob Broderdorf as the Global CEO of Jeep®, marking a major shift in leadership as the company restructures its global operations. Broderdorf, who previously served as Senior Vice President and Head of Jeep North America, will now oversee the legendary brand’s worldwide strategy. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-appoints-bob-broderdorf-jeep-global-ceo/

Stellantis Charts a New Course: A Bold Strategy for 2025 Company Shifts Focus with Dealer-Friendly Incentives and Fresh Products Stellantis is making a decisive break from the strategies put in place by former CEO Carlos Tavares, rolling out a refreshed vision aimed at strengthening dealer relationships and reinvigorating its lineup. During the recent National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA)convention in New Orleans, Stellantis North America executives outlined a bold plan to drive growth, emphasizing consistent incentives, expanded advertising, and highly anticipated new product offerings. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-charts-a-new-course-a-bold-strategy-for-2025/

GOM Styling Offering Widebody Kit for 2024/25 Charger Daytona Aftermarket Kit Brings Aggressive Styling to Dodge’s All-Electric Muscle Car... The all-new Dodge Charger Daytona is already a head-turner, but for enthusiasts looking to add even more visual muscle, GOM Modeling (@gomstyling) has announced pre-orders for a widebody kit. Fortune Automotive Design Inc. will manufacture the kit, which brings back the flared fenders reminiscent of the outgoing Dodge Challenger and Charger Widebody models. https://moparinsiders.com/gom-styling-offering-widebody-kit-for-2024-25-charger-daytona/

Plush ’80s Luxury: 1987 Chrysler Fifth Avenue Time Capsule Low-Mileage Survivor Ready For A New Owner... The 1987 Chrysler Fifth Avenue represents the epitome of Chrysler luxury from the 1980s, and this particular example with just 33,000 original miles is a remarkable time capsule now available on BringATrailer.com. Finished in Nightwatch Blue Clear Coat with a matching blue vinyl landau roof, this Fifth Avenue exudes classic elegance. https://moparinsiders.com/plush-80s-luxury-1987-chrysler-fifth-avenue-time-capsule/

6k-Mile 1993 Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo Hits Auction Block Pristine Dodge Sports Coupe Emerges from 28-Year Slumber... A remarkably preserved 1993 Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo has surfaced on BringATrailer.com, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of 90s automotive history. This Pearl White example has covered just 6,000 miles in its 32-year lifespan, spending most of that time in climate-controlled storage. https://moparinsiders.com/6k-mile-1993-dodge-stealth-r-t-turbo-hits-auction-block/

TSR Unveils Bold Patriotic Mopar Paint Schemes for 2025 Season Tony Stewart Racing Celebrates 25 Years with Bold New Look... Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) has officially revealed its striking new Mopar // Direct Connection // Dodge paint schemes for the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Inspired by last year’s retro-themed Direct Connection 50th Anniversary livery, the 2025 designs showcase a bold, patriotic combination of Metallic Red, Metallic Blue, and White lettering. These eye-catching schemes are set to make a statement as the team heads into a milestone season, marking TSR’s 25th anniversary. https://moparinsiders.com/tsr-unveils-bold-patriotic-mopar-paint-schemes-for-2025-season/

1972 Dodge Charger SE Brougham Rescued After 30 Years Mopars5150 Revives a Rare Dealer Demo Charger and Reunites It with Its Original Owner... When it comes to classic Mopars, few stories are as touching as this one. Earlier this year, the team at Mopars5150 uncovered a 1972 Dodge Charger SE Brougham that had been sitting untouched for three decades. What started as a simple barn find quickly turned into an incredible journey of restoration, nostalgia, and a heartfelt reunion with the car’s original owner. https://moparinsiders.com/1972-dodge-charger-se-brougham-rescued-after-30-years/