TodayApril 16, 2022

Fiat Chrysler Auto on Real Wheels car chat Washington Post

Good Morning Warren and friends,

Today I am in Warren, Mich., at the Fiat Chrysler Auto (FCA) LLC Chelsea Proving Grounds. FCA is showing off What’s new in their stables.

A question for you – which do you like better – a turbo direct injection or a diesel pickup? I have a friend at Chrysler that wanted me to ask all of you.

If you like racing and Dodge you’ll want to check back here at 11:30 a.m. – new news! on the monologue chat. FCA has us under strict embargo till 11:30 ET on some news they are breaking.

There’s a lot of talk about Sergio Marchionne wanting a car company (notably General Motors) to merge with them. Do I think it will happen? I wouldn’t put money on it. I’m not sure GM will either.

If there is a Chrysler group product that you want to know about I’m in the midst of them. If there is a question about a vehicle ask me now. All the engineers and product people are here. I’ll try to get you an answer.

Quotes from Mike Manley, CEO Jeep:

“The Wrangler is American” meaning it will be built in US-China 2nd largest market

Compass and Patriot – one going away the one left will be a global vehicle.

Jeep sales in 2015 to date up 20% globally “always a chance for a 4-cylinder diesel in a Jeep”

Portfolio of FCA Jeep brand incredibly important brand no matter what happens w/ a merger Jeep will survive

A pickup truck would be an excellent addition to the Jeep in the future have blue-skied a business case

Grand Cherokee pushed back (redesign -back to 2018-19) – will celebrate 75th #anniversary

Another increase in June for Jeep #jeep “expecting to keep increase alive in company-wide

Let’s chat about cars

Click on the picture to go to the washingtonpost.com chat:

Fiat Chrysler Auto on Real Wheels car chat Washington Post

Fiat Chrysler Auto on Real Wheels car chat Washington Post

Lou Ann Hammond

Lou Ann Hammond is the CEO of Carlist and Driving the Nation. She is the co-host of Real Wheels Washington Post carchat every Friday morning and is the Automotive, energy correspondent for The John Batchelor Show and a Contributor to Automotive Electronics magazine headquartered in Korea. Hammond is a founding member of the Women's World Car of the Year #WWCOTY, and board member of the Women in Automotive.