Mopar Insiders Articles

Dodge Introduces Another Chinese Vehicle to Its Mexican Lineup New Attitude Replaces Outgoing Mirage-Based Model... Dodge has unveiled a new addition to its lineup in Mexico, continuing its trend of rebranding Chinese-made vehicles for the local market. The latest model, the Dodge Attitude, is essentially a rebadged version of the GAC-Trumpchi Empow. This move follows the introduction of the Dodge Journey, which is based on the GAC-Trumpchi GS5, reinforcing Dodge’s strategy of leveraging Chinese automotive designs for the Mexican market. https://moparinsiders.com/dodge-introduces-another-chinese-vehicle-to-its-mexican-lineup/

Chrysler/Ram CEO Discusses Brand Challenges Chris Feuell on the Challenges Facing Chrysler and Ram... Christine Feuell’s leadership of both the Ram and Chrysler brands within Stellantis North America marks a significant shift amid recent management changes. Having joined Stellantis in September 2021, Feuell now holds the crucial role of overseeing these two distinct brands—Ram, a major player in the pickup and commercial vehicle segments, and Chrysler, which is transitioning to an electric-only mainstream lineup by 2028. https://moparinsiders.com/chrysler-ram-ceo-discusses-brand-challenges/

Supplier Layoffs Coming After Discontinuation of Ram 1500 Classic Bridgewater Interior To Layoff 63 Employees... Bridgewater Interiors, a seat supplier for Stellantis, plans to lay off 63 employees at its Detroit plant. This decision comes after Stellantis announced it would discontinue the Ram 1500 Classic after the 2024 model year. According to a WARN notice filed with the state on Monday, the layoffs are expected to be permanent and take effect by the end of September. https://moparinsiders.com/supplier-layoffs-coming-after-discontinuation-of-ram-1500-classic/

NHTSA Investigates Dodge Journey for Safety Failures Probe Expanded to Nearly One Million Vehicles Following Fatal Fires... The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is making strides toward potentially recalling nearly one million 2009 to 2020 Dodge Journey (JC) crossovers. This move follows the tragic death of a 73-year-old woman in 2022 who was unable to escape her burning vehicle due to malfunctioning door locks and windows. https://moparinsiders.com/nhtsa-investigates-dodge-journey-for-safety-failures/

The Fiat 500e Is The Second Slowest-Selling Vehicle In The U.S. Hornet Remains Third On The List As August Begins... As of August 2024, the luxury segment continues to dominate the slowest-selling new cars in the U.S., with Stellantis brands making a notable presence. The latest data reveals that models like the Fiat 500e, Dodge Hornet, Maserati Levante, Jeep® Gladiator, and Ram 3500 are struggling to gain traction in the market. https://moparinsiders.com/the-fiat-500e-is-the-second-slowest-selling-vehicle-in-the-u-s/

Rare 1970 Plymouth HEMI Cuda Convertible to Star at Mecum Unique Canadian Export with Lemon Twist Paint Going To Monterey Auction... In the automotive world, few vehicles can match the allure and rarity of the 1970 Plymouth HEMI Cuda Convertible. Given the hefty insurance premiums that often rivaled monthly payments, it required remarkable bravery to purchase such a high-powered, open-top muscle car in its day. Changing consumer preferences also led to a decline in the popularity of convertibles, making this model exceptionally rare. By the end of the 1970 production run, Plymouth had only manufactured 14 HEMI Cuda convertibles worldwide, with a mere three designated for the Canadian market, like this particular gem...

Maserati’s New Super Sports Car to Debut at Monterey Car Week Exclusive Reveal at The Quail Event Highlights Maserati’s Latest Performance Innovation... Maserati is set to reveal its latest super sports car at the prestigious “The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering” event, part of Monterey Car Week, on Friday, August 16. The unveiling will take place at 9:12 am PST, and the car is expected to draw significant attention from automotive enthusiasts and collectors. https://moparinsiders.com/maseratis-new-super-sports-car-to-debut-at-monterey-car-week/

Ram Brazil Teases Limited Edition Rampage Rebel New Model to Feature R/T Hood Decals, Unique Color Options, and Distinctive Interior Upgrades... Ram Brazil is stirring excitement among Brazilian truck enthusiasts with a teaser video showcasing a new limited edition variant of its popular Rampage Rebel pickup. Although the video is short on specifics, it reveals that the new model features hood decals similar to those on the performance-focused Rampage R/T, alongside bed side “Rebel” decals, red interior stitching, and a new exterior shade of either red or orange. It’s hard to tell from the video. https://moparinsiders.com/ram-brazil-teases-limited-edition-rampage-rebel/

Cash Grab or Popular Demand? 2025 Wrangler 392 Final Edition This Isn't The First Time We Have Seen Stellantis Do This... In a move reminiscent of Dodge’s controversial decision with the Durango SRT HELLCAT, Jeep® has announced that the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392 Final Edition will return for the 2025 model year. This decision has the potential to anger many who purchased the 2024 Final Edition, believing it was the last of its kind. https://moparinsiders.com/cash-grab-or-popular-demand-2025-wrangler-392-final-edition/

The Chinese-Built 2024 Dodge Journey Thrives in Mexico Continues To Play An Important Role In Dodge Mexico's Line... The Dodge Journey, a beloved family crossover from 2009 to 2020, has transitioned into the Mexican market as a Chinese-produced product. Despite this shift, the second-generation Journey remains a success and an integral part of the Dodge lineup in Mexico. This model, developed through Stellantis’ partnership with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC), is based on the Trumpchi GS5. It represents a significant departure from its budget-friendly, family-oriented, three-row origins, now emerging as a sleek, five-passenger, two-row crossover...

Roadkill Nights United Way Auction: Bid on Horsepower for a Cause Support Southeastern Michigan Communities with Exclusive Packages and Memorabilia... Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge is not just a celebration of speed and muscle cars but also a platform for enthusiasts to give back to the community. This year, attendees can use their passion for horsepower to support a charitable cause through the Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge United Way auction. The auction offers a variety of fan ticket packages and unique Dodge-centric memorabilia for enthusiasts to bid on. https://moparinsiders.com/roadkill-nights-united-way-auction-bid-on-horsepower-for-a-cause/

New York CDJR Dealer Employee Accused Of Stealing $50,000 Dealership Employee Faces Multiple Charges... An employee at Victory Chrysler Dodge Jeep® Ram (CDJR) in Rome, New York, is facing serious charges after allegedly stealing more than $50,000 from the dealership. Jodi Haddad, 48, of Stockbridge, New York, has been charged with one count each of second-degree grand larceny, a class C felony, and first-degree falsifying business records, and a class E felony. https://moparinsiders.com/new-york-cdjr-dealer-employee-accused-of-stealing-50000/

Stellantis Reaffirms Commitment to Maserati The Focus Now Shifts To Brands Like DS and Lancia... Stellantis has declared its unwavering commitment to Maserati, dispelling rumors of selling or merging its Italian premium marque with another group like Ferrari. The announcement, made on July 30th, underscores Stellantis’ strategy to maintain the Maserati brand as a stand-out brand among its 14 other brands. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-reaffirms-commitment-to-maserati/

GM Makes Mopar Fans Jealous With New Twin-Turbo “LT7” Engine New V8 From GM, Dethrones C170 HELLEPHANT As Most Powerful V8... Chevrolet has unleashed a new beast in the automotive world with the 2025 Corvette ZR1, boasting an impressive 1,064 horsepower from its all-new LT7 engine. This twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter DOHC flat-plane crank V8 is setting new benchmarks and leaving Mopar fans green with envy, especially in light of recent changes in Stellantis’ engine lineup. https://moparinsiders.com/gm-makes-mopar-fans-jealous-with-new-twin-turbo-lt7-engine/

Stellantis Announces U.S. Voluntary Separation Program Involuntary Actions May Follow If Objectives Aren't Met Voluntarily... Stellantis has announced that it will offer its salaried U.S. workforce a voluntary separation program, signaling continued efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs. The move comes after a disappointing first-half 2024 financial report released last week. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-announces-u-s-voluntary-separation-program/

In a bold move reflecting a significant shift in strategy, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has declared an end to the era of purchasing emissions credits, a decision with far-reaching implications for the company’s iconic HEMI V8 engines. For years, Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), relied on buying emissions credits from Tesla to meet regulatory standards and avoid hefty fines. However, Tavares has drawn a line in the sand, stating that Stellantis will no longer “buy a single credit.” This signals a new direction for the company, one where it aims to self-regulate and accelerate its electric vehicle (EV) transition. … (read full article...)

Eminem and Dodge Unite for Complex Magazine Cover Rapper Showcases The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Stage 2 In A Stunning Photo Shoot... Dodge recently teamed up with renowned rapper Marshall Mathers, better known as Eminem, for a unique photo shoot with Complex magazine. Eminem, who has had a longstanding relationship with the Chrysler Group, brought his characteristic style to the shoot, which recreated scenes from his latest music video, “Houdini,” a hit from his newest album, “The Death of Slim Shady.” The music video has already garnered over 126 million views on YouTube, showcasing Eminem dressed as his Rap Boy persona from “Without Me” while cruising through a Gotham City-like setting with Dr. Dre...

Goodyear Hires Two Former Stellantis Executives Chamarthi and Roland Join The Tire / Rubber Giant... The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has hired two former Stellantis executives for senior management positions, effective today, August 1, 2024. Mamatha Chamarthi has been appointed as Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, and Will Roland will serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). https://moparinsiders.com/goodyear-hires-two-former-stellantis-executives/

Stellantis Cuts Warren Truck Down To A One-Shift Operation Plant Produces Jeep® Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer and Ram 1500 Classic... Stellantis has announced that it will reduce production hours at its Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan for the month of July. Starting on July 1, the plant will operate on a single shift instead of the usual two shifts. Stellantis officials have not yet confirmed whether additional shifts will be reinstated in August. A third shift was eliminated at the plant in October 2022. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-eliminates-the-third-shift-at-its-warren-truck-assembly-plant/

Leapmotor Ships First Batch Of Electric Vehicles To Europe Stellantis' Chinese EVs Will Arrive In Europe In September... Leapmotor International, the 51/49 Stellantis-led joint venture between the automaker and China’s Leapmotor, has shipped the first batch of C10 crossovers and T03 city cars electric vehicles (EVs) from Shanghai, China, to European ports. https://moparinsiders.com/leapmotor-ships-first-batch-of-electric-vehicles-to-europe/