Mopar Insiders Articles

In a move that underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the automotive industry, Stellantis has announced the suspension of production at its Mirafiori Assembly Plant until August 6th. The decision comes amidst a backdrop of declining demand and operational constraints, necessitating a pause in manufacturing activities. The Mirafiori Assembly Plant, located in Turin, Italy, has long been a cornerstone of Stellantis’ production operations, renowned for its role in manufacturing several iconic models, including the Maserati Ghibli, Quattroporte, GranTurismo, and the all-electric Fiat 500e. However, the current economic climate has prompted a reassessment of production strategies, leading to significant workforce reductions … (read full...

Despite Stellantis’ recent efforts to trim its workforce and navigate the challenging transition to electric vehicles (EVs), CEO Carlos Tavares finds himself in the spotlight once again, this time over his eye-popping €36.5 million ($39 million) compensation package. The substantial increase in Tavares’ pay, up nearly 60% from the previous year, has drawn criticism from shareholder advisory firms and raised eyebrows among investors. At the heart of the controversy is a new €10 million ($10.7 million) incentive award tied to meeting electrification and software goals, which some argue is excessive given the company’s cost-cutting measures and tough savings targets. Advisory … (read full article...)

After hitting its peak in 2018, just short of a million units sold, the Jeep® brand has faced five consecutive years of decline in sales, falling south of 644,000 units last year. With a recent shake-up in Jeep management, the automaker looks to change that direction. Jeep® CEO Antonio Filosa has now taken the reins … (read full article...)

Jeep® has recently launched its all-new Avenger e-Hybrid, shifting the focus to its updated 2024 Compass and Renegade e-Hybrid vehicles for the European market. Due to current regulations, the e-Hybrid models are critical for the brand in the European market. Utilizing hybrid technology, the 2024 Compass and Renegade e-Hybrid features the turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four-cylinder, part of the Stellantis Global Small Engine (GSE) family. It incorporates several innovative components and capabilities aimed at enhancing efficiency and performance. At its core, the 1.5-liter boasts a gasoline Miller-cycle turbocharged design, generating 130 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. (240 Nm) of torque, delivering both power … (read full article...)

The Maserati MC20 Cielo, already a head-turner in its own right, has received a bold makeover courtesy of German tuner Mansory. The new soft kit for the MC20 Cielo promises to take the Italian supercar’s appearance to a whole new level, offering a range of carbon fiber add-ons that exude aggression from every angle. The … (read full article...)

Stellantis is celebrating the launch of its new electrified dual-clutch transmission (eDCT), at the historic Mirafiori Automotive Park in Italy. The next step in a €240 million investment (approximately $267 million USD) in the site and for the Italian automotive industry to create the Mirafiori Automotive Park 2030. Stellantis CEO announced an additional €100 million investment (approximately $111 million USD) today to boost the potential of the iconic Fiat 500e. Mirafiori Automotive Park 2030 embodies Stellantis’ vision of transforming into a sustainable mobility tech company. The site, one of three primary global hubs for Stellantis, encompasses operations from design to … (read full article...)

Jeep® is gearing up for the launch of its first all-electric offering in the North American market, with the 2024 Jeep® Wagoneer S. Set to arrive in dealer showrooms this summer, this ultra-premium crossover isn’t just about a statement of innovation and sustainability, but also allows the Jeep brand to sell a Wagoneer nameplate vehicle globally. Power and Performance – Under the hood, or rather, powering the Wagoneer S is a dual e-motor setup delivering a staggering 600 horsepower. The amount of power, Jeep says, gives the Wagoneer S the capability to go from 0 to 60 mph in a … (read full article...)

In a daring heist reminiscent of Hollywood movies, a gang of car thieves struck a dealership in Arab, Alabama, leaving with a haul valued at a staggering $1.2 million. Their target? An array of luxury vehicles, including a limited edition 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. The thieves precisely executed their plan, breaking into the North Country Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, and Ford dealership in the dead of night. Armed with a rock, they shattered a window, gaining entry into the premises. Once inside, they swiftly bypassed the dealership’s security measures, which included an extensive camera system and alarms. General Manager … (read full article...)

In a surprising turn of events, Alfa Romeo has quickly changed the name to its all-new Milano subcompact crossover just days after its unveiling. The Italian automaker had originally christened its latest creation as the “Alfa Romeo Milano,” intending to pay homage to the city where its illustrious history began over a century ago. However, amidst a storm of controversy between Stellantis and the Italian government, the authorities have filed an official complaint that claim it to be illegal to sell “Italian-sounding” products not produced in Italy. In recent month, Stellantis has faced significant criticism from prominent Italian figures, including … (read full article...)

In a move aimed at navigating the shifting terrain of the automotive industry, Stellantis North America has announced significant staffing cuts within its engineering, technology, and software divisions. The company, known for iconic brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram, revealed that approximately 400 white-collar employees, comprising about 2% of its workforce in the United States, will be affected by the layoffs. Stellantis spokesperson Jodi Tinson underscored the rationale behind the decision, stating, “As the auto industry continues to face unprecedented uncertainties and heightened competitive pressures around the world, Stellantis continues to make the appropriate structural decisions across the … (read full article...)

Tony Stewart continues to rewrite his historic motorsports career each week in the NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series by driving the Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Rayce Rudeen Foundation Dodge//SRT Top Fuel dragster to his first professional final round appearance Sunday in the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Stewart, in just his fourth Top Fuel race, was quick off the starting line and quick on the track by advancing in two rounds of competition to the delight of the huge crowd who rooted him on throughout the weekend, and he took on veteran competitors Doug … (read full article...)

If you’re a muscle car enthusiast with an eye for rarity, brace yourself for a thrilling opportunity. On the prestigious online marketplace Hemmings.com, an exceptional piece of automotive history has emerged – a 1969 Dodge Charger HEMI® Daytona. Known as the most optioned HEMI® Daytona in existence, this could be considered the holy grail of Dodge muscle cars. Created to annihilate the competition in the NASCAR Grand National (now Cup) series during the 1969 season, the Charger HEMI Daytona was the first car ever to break the 200 mph barrier on a closed course (Talladega SuperSpeedway) with a recorded speed … (read full article...)

The Chrysler Nationals is the largest Mopar event in the world featuring over 2,800+ vehicles from all eras of the Mopar brands. It doesn’t matter if it is a Maxwell, Chrysler, Desoto, Imperial, Plymouth, Dodge, Jeep®, AMC, or Ram if it relates to the Chrysler Corporation, it will be there. Taking place from July 12-14, 2024, promises to be an exhilarating experience for automotive enthusiasts and Mopar fans alike. Dive into the Mopar Automotive Flea Market, where Mopars, parts, tools, memorabilia, collectibles, and more await new owners. The Manufacturers Midway showcases the latest and greatest products, making it a haven … (read full article...)

In a surprising turn of events, the iconic Dodge Viper, once hailed as “America’s supercar,” continues to defy the odds even after its production ceased in 2017. Despite being out of production for several years, the Viper remains a sought-after commodity among automotive enthusiasts, with one new unit finding its way to a lucky owner during the first quarter of 2024. With its powerful V-10 engine, striking design, and exhilarating driving experience, the Dodge Viper cemented its status as a legendary American sports car during its heyday. Spanning five generations, the Viper captivated drivers around the world, earning a reputation … (read full article...)

Stellantis made another significant cut to its workforce in Detroit this week, with over 200 supplemental workers using their jobs at a warehouse facility. The move is part of the automaker’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations amidst challenging market conditions. The recent round of cuts saw 239 workers affected at the Freud Street parts sequencing facility near the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP), part of the Detroit Assembly Complex. Although around 20 workers were later reinstated due to staffing issues, the impact on the workforce remains substantial. This reduction follows previous terminations, including 539 workers in January across various facilities … (read full article...)

Ram Brazil has wrapped up Q1 2024 on a high note, marking a remarkable surge in sales with a staggering 206% growth compared to the same period last year. This outstanding performance underscores Ram’s dominant presence in the premium segment of the Brazilian automotive market, particularly in the large pickup truck segment. In March alone, Ram witnessed a notable uptick, with 2,586 units sold, representing a substantial 121% increase compared to March 2023. This surge in sales translated to a 1.5% market share in the Brazilian marketplace. Among the standout performers was the compact Ram Rampage, which saw 2,133 … (read full article...)

Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) is recalling approximately 12,221 units of its 2022 Jeep® Cherokee (KL). According to the recall, the turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 requirements, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.” The suspect period began on February 21, 2022, when vehicles may have been produced with suspect detent springs, through June 6, 2022, when suspect detent springs were no longer used in vehicle production. The vehicle population was determined using supplier and vehicle production records. Recall Chronology – On July … (read full article...)

Dodge is trying to ‘amp’ up its dealer network with its all-new, all-electric two-door 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona. In a bold move to rev up excitement, the automaker has dispatched updated order guides detailing the forthcoming First Editions of its groundbreaking two-door e-muscle car, brimming with some important new details. Our dealer friends were able to provide us with details about the 2024 lineup and its five distinct First Edition configurations, comprising two Daytona R/T models and three Daytona Scat Pack variants. These configurations include: Daytona R/T Configuration 1 – Direct Connection eStage 1 Upgrade (+40 horsepower / 496 horsepower) … (read full article...)

Stellantis (FCA Canada) has reported a total sales of 32,197 units during the Q1 2024 period, a decline of 20% from the same time the prior year. 2024 Q1 FCA Canada Sales Figures Q1 2024 Sales Vol % 2024 CY Sales Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Compass 2,198 1,069 106% 2,198 1,069 106% Patriot 0 0 N/A 0 0 N/A Wrangler 3,663 5,010 -27% 3,663 5,010 -27% Gladiator 688 612 12% 688 612 12% Cherokee 466 1,258 -63% 466 1,258 -63% Grand Cherokee 292 439 -33% 292 439 -33% Grand Cherokee … (read full article...)

We have known for quite some time that an all-electric Dodge Charger was on the horizon. Now that the time has come, the ‘Brotherhood Of Muscle’ is out in force with a distaste for the new e-muscle car lineup. While Dodge says, ‘performance made us do it,’ most fans were happy with their V8-powered muscle cars. And while the new ‘mainstream’ e-muscle cars might outperform the non-SRT cars they are replacing, the market for electric vehicles (EVs) is slowing in North America. Now, while Dodge has pulled the covers off of its 400-volt e-muscle cars for 2024, there are still … (read full article...)