Stellantis has announced the establishment of an independent business unit called Mobilisights at CES 2023, according to a company press release dated 5 January. The unit will be responsible for growing the company’s data as a service (DaaS) business. “The vision for Mobilisights is to contribute to a smarter world, leveraging the insights that vehicle data provide to inspire innovative applications and services that can transform and dramatically improve the day-to-day lives of users and...

Stellantis has signed an agreement to acquire aiMotive, it said in a press release on 17 November. The acquisition will add to Stellantis’ artificial intelligence and autonomous driving core technology and boost the midterm development of the STLA AutoDrive platform. “Acquiring aiMotive’s world-class artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technology is an important contribution to becoming a sustainable mobility tech company. aiMotive’s class-leading expertise and startup spir...

Stellantis and the U.S. government have asked the owners of 276,000 select older vehicles with Takata airbags to stop driving after the airbags exploded in three vehicles, killing the drivers, CNBC reported on 3 November, citing a report from the Associated Press. The vehicles cited are Dodge Magnum wagons, Dodge Challenger and Charger muscle cars and Chrysler 300 sedans from the 2005 through 2010 model years. “Left unrepaired, recalled Takata air bags are increasingly dangerous as the risk...

TomTom has announced that it has received a new global deal from carmaker Stellantis to provide maps, navigation software, and connected services, in a press release dated 7 November. TomTom will offer solutions such as real-time traffic information to STLA SmartCockpit, Stellantis’ next-generation digital cockpit platform which will be first delivered in 2024. Existing Stellantis platforms will continue to be powered by TomTom’s navigation solutions. Significance: In June, the Dutch...

FCA is recalling Dodge Challenger coupes and Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans citing a faulty tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor issue, Consumer Reports reported on 2 November. Significance: According to the report, the TPMS sensors' batteries may fail prematurely. If this occurs, the sensors will become inoperative, and the driver may not be notified if a tire loses pressure. Furthermore, if a TPMS warning light is already activated as a result of the failed battery, the driv...

Alfa Romeo has launched model year (MY) 2023 Giulia and Stelvio with enhanced lighting and interior features, the automaker said in a press release on 27 October. Significance: The models are powered by adaptive front lighting system that constantly adjusts dipped beam headlights based on speed and driving conditions. Additionally, the lighting system includes glare-free high beam segmented technology which in poor lighting conditions can automatically detect both directions of traffic to avo...

Stellantis has inaugurated a new software center in the south Indian city of Bengaluru, a company press release dated 12 October read. The new center will focus on the development of automotive software and technologies. Spread across 50,000 square feet, the facility will serve as the primary development center for STLA SmartCockpit which will be deployed across the four STLA vehicle platforms. The center will be used for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced driver ass...

Chrysler is recalling Dodge Journey vehicles citing dimly lit amber side reflex reflectors within the headlight that could cause poor visibility, Autoevolution reported on 6 October. Significance: According to the safety report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a front amber side reflex reflector inside the headlight does not comply with federal safety regulations. The faulty headlight assemblies, which bear part numbers 05116288AC, 68200084AB, 05116289AC, and 682...

US tire manufacturer Goodyear announced via press release on 31 August that its Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 sport utility vehicle (SUV) tires had been selected for factory fitment on the new Maserati Grecale SUV. According to the press release, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is an Ultra-High Performance (UHP) tire that complements the performance characteristics of the Maserati SUV by making the most of the car’s power and mechanical grip. The 235/55R19 size tire will not only feature rim protection a...

Jeep is recalling around 10,000 Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L sport utility vehicles (SUVs) due to faulty taillights that may not illuminate at night, Consumer Reports article read on 4 August. Significance: According to the report, the problem is with the vehicles' side marker assemblies—the taillights that glow red continuously when the headlights are turned on—rather than the brake lights, which illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed. This flaw reduces visibility at night and...

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened five investigations into more than 1.8 million vehicles manufactured by Stellantis, Ford Motor, and General Motors over stalling and other issues, Reuters reported on 26 July. The auto safety agency is investigating more than 21,000 model year (MY) 2019–21 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid vehicles over allegations of incidents of loss of power potentially due to transmission malfunction. The NHTSA is probing into 1.34 mil...

SoundHound AI has announced that it would integrate its advanced voice artificial intelligence (AI) technology as well as its Edge+Cloud connectivity, multiple language abilities, and custom wake words, to certain Stellantis' vehicles in Europe, it said in a press release on 14 July. SoundHound’s Speech-to-Meaning and Deep Meaning Understanding technologies will be available in a unified hybrid (cloud and embedded) in-car voice experience for the first time ever. Edge+Cloud and Active Arbit...

TomTom has announced that it would be supplying full-stack navigation solution, including over-the-air (OTA) updates, connected services and new map-based advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features to Opel’s new Astra model, according to a company press release on 13 July. “The all-new electrified Astra will take the market by storm with its sensational design and innovative technology. Our relationship with TomTom means the new Opel Astra comes with the freshest maps, best navigat...

According to Italian Confederation of Workers' Trade Unions (FIM CISL), Stellantis may cut vehicle production output in Italy citing the semiconductor shortage, Reuters reported on 4 July. This would be the fifth consecutive year that production has decreased in the nation, Reuters added. Ferdinando Uliano, head of the FIM CISL union, said, "It's as if one of the group's large plants stopped for a year, adding the chip supply situation was not improving this year and would also affect prod...

Fiat has introduced its in-cabin sanitizing glove box on board the new 500 to enhance occupant hygiene and maintain clean surfaces of personnel objects, it said in a press release on 1 July.     Significance: The Sanitizing Glove Box, which is available on the new 500 RED and the new 500 "La Prima by Bocelli," has a built-in UltraViolet-C (UV-C) ray lamp that improves the cleanliness of the surface of cellphones, keys, and other tiny things. The cleansing process is seamless, o...

AD Plastik Group has announced new deals with Stellantis Group for the European market worth a total value of EUR85.9 million (USD90.51 million), according to a company press release on 23 June. The nine-year deal involves components production for several models. Significance: AD Plastik specializes in the production of interior and exterior car components in Croatia. The company’s operational activities spread across more than 20 countries in five continents. Its product portfolio include...

Australian energy company Vulcan Energy Resources announced via press release on 24 June that it had agreed to a USD53 million (AUD76 million/EUR50 million) investment from Italian-American automaker Stellantis. According to the press release, the new investment will make Stellantis Vulcan’s second largest shareholder with 8% shareholding. Vulcan stated that it will use the proceeds of the investment to expand its Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field (URVBF) project in Germany that produces ge...

Stellantis has announced that the new PEUGEOT 408 will come with the latest generation of the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit, in a company press release on 22 June. The car will feature six cameras and nine radars for driver assistance systems and include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, Night Vision, which warns of animals, pedestrians, or cyclists ahead before they appear in the high beam, Long-range blind spot monitoring (75 m), and Rear Traffic Alert, which warns of a potentia...

Stellantis has recalled model year (MY) 2014 through 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs and MY2014 through 2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks equipped with a 3L diesel engine, a Consumer Reports article dated 16 June read. The recall is related to a faulty high-pressure fuel pump, which can wear prematurely, causing the vehicle to stop suddenly and potentially result in a crash. Significance: Due to premature wear, the high-pressure fuel pump could stop working and discharge internal debris into the...

Stellantis is recalling Chrysler vehicles in the United States following the discovery of two safety concerns in specific models that could compromise fuel delivery or rearview mirror image display, TrixAbia reported on 16 June.   According to the report, Stellantis stated that the recalls could affect over 248,000 vehicles outside the US. This comprises about 60,287 vehicles manufactured in Canada and 188,418 vehicles manufactured outside of North America. Significance: A high-p...

Free2move, a unit of carmaker Stellantis, has announced a partnership with Samsara, a company press release dated 16 June read. Under the partnership, the companies will develop an integrated solution, which enables data from Stellantis factory-installed telematics devices to be used in Samsara's Connected Operations Cloud without additional hardware. “The Free2move collaboration with Samsara is an exciting continuation of our strategy to make our data available to as many fleet owners as p...

Qualcomm has announced a multi-year partnership with Stellantis under which its Snapdragon Digital Chassis will be used to optimize in-vehicle experiences for customers of Stellantis’ 14 automotive brands beginning 2024. In a press statement dated 14 April, Qualcomm announced that Stellantis will leverage its next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms to power the in-car communication and infotainment systems for STLA SmartCockpit and improve the STLA Brain. SmartCockpit will offer naviga...

Stellantis has announced that the new PEUGEOT 308 cars will feature FOCAL Premium Hi-Fi audio system, according to a press release dated 12 April. Integrated into the PEUGEOT i-cockpit, The sound system will offer a customized audio experience. The FOCAL Premium Hi-Fi system contains 10 speakers with patented technologies including four TNF aluminium inverted dome tweeters, four woofers/mediums with Polyglass membrane and 16.5 cm TMD (Tuned Mass Damper) suspension, one Polyglass center channe...

FCA is recalling 4,586 units of model year (MY) 2021–22 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles in the United States owing to a missing piece of welding intended to secure child seats in the second row, according to a safety recall report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on 24 March. Significance: The missing piece of weld may cause the child seat tether to disengage from the seat frame in the event of a crash. Due to the missing piece, affected vehic...

Stellantis has announced its participation in a 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) live trial of 5G cellular connected vehicle communication and multi-access edge computing (MEC) technology in Virginia, a company press release on 4 April. The live trial piloted new roaming technology for traffic safety. “Making roads safer for drivers and pedestrians is the ultimate goal of developing these next generation technologies. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid is the perfect vehicle for these liv...

Ferrari is working on an automatic cockpit adjustment system and has filed a patent related to it, Carbuzz reported on 3 March. The patent, filed with the European Patent Office, notes, “every time a driver who is different from the previous one gets on the vehicle, a plurality of manual or half-automatic adjustments have to be made to make the cockpit comfortable for each driver.” Ferrari's wants to use an automatic adjustment of the cabin based on the driver's shape and size and talks a...

Chrysler has halted Pacifica minivan production in the company’s Windsor, Ontario citing components shortage, The Detroit News reported on 28 March. Chrysler has confirmed production halt is not in relation to the semiconductor shortage. The production halt comes as a shortage in automotive components and continues to cripple vehicle production. The unit, which manufactures Pacifica and Voyager models, has been closely working with suppliers to plug the production gap. Significance:...

Stellantis has launched its first venture capital fund called Stellantis Ventures, it said in a press release on 16 March. The fund will initially invest EUR300 million (USD329 million) in early and later-stage startups developing automotive technologies. “We are moving fast in our transformation to a mobility tech company while reimagining the future of mobility for generations to come. The market is changing, the technology is changing, and the way we relate to our customers is changing. ...

Stellantis will slow operations at its key Melfi plant in Italy next month due to worsening microchip supply conditions triggered by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Reuters reported on 15 March citing a statement from metalworker unions. "The company has made it clear that in recent weeks, the dramatic situation of the war between Russia and Ukraine, with those territories as leading producers of raw material to produce microchips, makes any kind of production planning harder and harder...

Geotab has partnered with Free2move, through which it will deliver Geotab Integrated Solution for Stellantis-brand vehicles in North America, including eligible Ram, Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler. According to a 10 March press release, the solution will leverage embedded telematics in Stellantis vehicles, to enable the integration of vehicle data from Free2move servers into the MyGeotab platform for fleet management. “Geotab and Free2move share a common goal, to improve mobility and enhance fle...

Alfa Romeo has unveiled the Tonale model with advanced connectivity and technologies for optimal user experience, it said in a press release on 8 February. The major new features in the Tonale include built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant features, a built-in and all-new infotainment system with customizable Android operating system (OS) and 4G connectivity with over-the-air (OTA) updates. The vehicle also features a fully digital 12.3-inch screen, the main 10.25-inch touchscreen unit, and a smo...

Automakers Toyota, Ford and Stellantis have halted some production as anti-COVID-19 mandate protestors blocked the US-Canada border crossing, reported Reuters on 10 February. Copycat protests spread to New Zealand, France, and Australia. Jen Psaki White House spokesperson, said, "I think it's important for everyone in Canada and the United States to understand what the impact of this blockage is—potential impact—on workers, on the supply chain, and that is where we're most focused," Si...

Qt Company has announced that Stellantis has picked the company for the development of their in-vehicle HMI systems across the entire portfolio, according to a company press release on 9 February. Qt technology will be used for the development of HMI enhancements for 6 million cars per year. Deliveries began toward the end of 2021. This includes technical and stylistic upgrades to the HMI across all screens within the car, including cluster, head up display and infotainment. “We are th...

Mopar introduces new at-home charging module that can charge the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid models, it announced in a press release on 18 January. The new charging module retails at USD599 and provides seamless and quick charging experience. Mark Bosanac, North America VP, Service, Parts, and Customer Care, Mopar, said, “Our new, factory-backed, at-home, Level 2, plug-in charging units offer a quick, seamless charging solution for Jeep ...

Stellantis has announced a series of multiyear agreements with Amazon related to software, the automaker said in a press release on 5 January. The companies will develop a suite of software-based products and customer-centric services and update it over time through regular over-the-air (OTA). “Working together with Amazon is an integral part of our capability building roadmap, based on both developing internal competencies and decisive collaborations with tech leaders, and it will bring si...

Earlier this month, Stellantis chalked out its software strategy for the decade, validating the paradigm shift in the automotive industry as more OEMs begin to focus on software-driven revenues. The Netherlands-based automaker forecast that its software-enabled products and subscriptions would generate approximately EUR4 billion (USD4.5 billion) in annual revenues by 2026 and EUR20 billion by 2030. Stellantis said that it intends to move to an open software-defined platform from dedicated ele...

German parts manufacturer Continental announced via press release on 14 December its new VanContact A/S Ultra tire for delivery vans. According to the press release, the new tire will be initially produced in four sizes in a diameter of 16 inches and will be designed for installation on vehicles such as the Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, and Fiat Ducato that are used for delivery services and trade businesses. Continental stated that it designed the new Ultra-series tyres to a...

The second-generation Opel/Vauxhall Mokka is assembled at the Stellantis Poissy facility in France. Output of this model, at the French plant, is expected to peak at more than 136,000 units in 2023, according to IHS Markit.

The fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is assembled in Detroit Michigan, USA. Output of this model at the Michigan plants is expected to peak at around 480,000 units in 2023, according to IHS Markit.

Jeep has announced that it has expanded its technologies for model year (MY) 2022 Grand Cherokee family of vehicles, with offerings such as Amazon Fire TV for Auto, a new 10.25-inch front passenger interactive display, new appearance packages and new exterior colors Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky, a company press release on 20 December read. Front- and rear-passenger screens also feature an HDMI plug to project wireless device content onto the screen and through the Uconnect 5 system. Si...

German tire manufacturer Continental announced via press release on 18 November that Italian luxury car manufacturer Maserati had selected its SportContact 7 for OE fitment on the Levante and Quattroporte models. According to head of tire development for Continental's original equipment business, Dr. Holger Lange, “In order to bring the extraordinary power of a Maserati safely to the road at all times for an optimal driving experience without compromise, the tires, as the only connecti...

Jeep has issued a recall of 99,255 model year (MY) 2021 Cherokee and MY2022 Wagoneer vehicles over a software snag that could disable passenger airbags without warning, a report on 19 November read. All the models were all introduced in the second half of 2021. Significance: The vehicle's occupant restraint controller is loaded with an incorrect software, which could disable the airbags without warning, and potentially increase the risk of injury or fatality in the event of a crash. Jeep will...

Stellantis has announced that Stellantis Group Research Center (CRF) has taken part in the “C-Roads Italy: C-ITS cooperative systems aimed at road mobility become a reality,” according to a 16 September press release. The project is in conjunction with the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and other partners. Results shown were the development and implementation of harmonized and interoperable Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) for communication between vehic...

Stellantis has said that it is testing Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) and Safety Cloud technologies in North America, according to a press release by the automaker on 17 September. It will give drivers advanced notification warnings of potential hazards in their path. The technologies will offer advance warnings of close-proximity traffic and pedestrian situations via Uconnect. Using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity and MEC, the localized monitoring system can make decisions at int...

FIH Mobile has entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement with Stellantis to form Mobile Drive, the JV entity, to develop smart cockpit solution for vehicles, it said in a press release on 24 August. Mobile Drive will be equally owned by Stellantis and FIH. The JV will focus on developing infotainment, telematics solutions, and a cloud service platform for a comprehensive smart cockpit solution. Its software innovation pipeline will include artificial intelligence (AI)-based applications, na...

American carmaker Chrysler has announced that it will conduct a recall of certain models over an issue with their side curtain airbag inflators. According to a notification published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on 12 August, the reason for this recall is that a separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash. ...

Stellantis has launched the new Jeep Compass with interior features such as a new 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 center stack display, 10.25-inch frameless full-color thin-film transistor (TFT) digital cluster, among others, the automaker announced in a press release on 14 July. The interiors feature a gloss black center stack display that positions either an 8.4-inch or a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen. The 10.1-inch touchscreen is in a bonded glass lens positioned in the center of the instrument panel. The...

SVOLT Energy Technology has announced a partnership with Stellantis for the supply of lithium-ion battery packs. According to a press release issued by SVOLT on 12 July, Stellantis will source battery packs from SVOLT from 2025 onward. SVOLT will provide Stellantis with a broad product portfolio that includes battery cells, high-voltage storage systems, and battery management systems (BMS). For the order, SVOLT will use its production capacities in mainland China and future producti...

TotalEnergies and Stellantis have announced that they have renewed their partnership for the next five years for the Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles brands. According to a press release issued by Stellantis on 22 June, the partnership has now been expanded to include Opel and Vauxhall. Furthermore, the expanded partnership now enables Free2Move, the Mobility Brand of Stellantis, to use the network of EV charging stations operated by TotalEnergies for its car-sharing activity in Paris. Th...

The second-generation 2021 Jeep Compass is assembled at Stellantis’ facility in Melfi, Italy. Output of the new version of the compact crossover SUV is expected to peak at more than 77,000 units in 2022, according to IHS Markit. If you would like your company included in this feature or the car cutaways published in Automotive News or Automotive News Europe, please e-mail Aman.kapoor@ihsmarkit.com.

Italian car maker Fiat has announced that it will convert to a pure-electric automotive OEM by 2030. According to a report filed by Electrive on 5 June, Stellantis revealed its electrification plans that included four platforms for electrified models and more battery factories. As of now, the only electric vehicles offered by the Stellantis brand are the Fiat 500 and the E-Ducato van. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) completed its merger with Groupe PSA in January 2021 to create Stellantis. ...

Peugeot has begun series production of e-EXPERT Hydrogen compact utility van (CUV) according to a company press release on 27 May. Significance: The latest addition to the EXPERT variants is line with Peugeot’s "Extended power of choice" strategy, which allows customers to choose from a wide range of engines. The EXPERT range was introduced in an electric battery-powered variant in 2020. The Peugeot e-EXPERT Hydrogen includes a new “mid-power plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric system....

Stellantis has announced a partnership with Foxconn under which the companies will form a joint venture (JV) named Mobile Drive to develop in-vehicle user solutions, a company press release dated 18 May read. The JV will leverage Stellantis’ vehicle design and engineering expertise with Foxconn’s software and hardware expertise, and focus on advanced consumer electronics, HMI interfaces, and develop digital cockpits and connected services. “Today, there’s something that matters just a...

Opel unveiled a new electrically powered light commercial vehicle, the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN, which is a plug-in fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). According to a press release issued by Opel on 17 May, the vehicle has a driving range of more than 400 km (approximately 249 miles) and it has a cargo capacity of 6.1m3, which is the same as that of its diesel and battery electric variants. Opel will offer the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN in lengths M and L (4.95 m and 5.30 m) and it plans to start delivering t...

Stellantis will extend its downtime by a week at its Chrysler minivan plant in Ontario, Canada, The Detroit News reported on 11 May. The extension comes as a shortage in automotive semiconductors continues to cripple vehicle production. The plant will be idled for the week beginning 17 May. The unit, which manufactures Pacifica and Voyager models, has been down since March and was shut down for three weeks in February. The auto chips are used in electronics from the steering wheel to the infotai...

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain model year (MY) 2021 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. According to a notification by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published on 4 May, the reason for the recall is the fact that the transmission oil cooler hose may have been incorrectly cured, allowing transmission fluid to leak. Significance: In total, 18,800 units of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUV will be recalled, as a transmission fluid leak increases the risk of fire. Owners’ ...

Stellantis has announced that its planned vehicle production for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 was down by 190,000 units or 11% due to the shortage of semiconductors in the automotive industry, a company press release on 5 May read. The automaker also said that despite limited visibility of full year impact due to the shortage, the second quarter is expected to be worse than the first quarter, with some improvement forecasted in the second half of this year. Overall, its consolidated shipm...

Sirius XM has announced that its Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (ACN+) technology will be available in select Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Alfa Romeo models with SiriusXM Guardian services subscription, according to a 4 May press release. The service will be available across the US. “ACN+ enables us for the first time to immediately send detailed information from both the vehicle and our databases direct to 911 centers. We are very pleased that SiriusXM Guardian subscribers are th...

Stellantis has announced that it would replace digital speedometers with analogue ones in one of its Peugeot models due to the semiconductor shortage, Reuters reported on 21 April. Stellantis is set to change only Peugeot 308 cars, among group brands that include Chrysler, Citroën, and Jeep. “It's a nifty and agile way of getting around a real hurdle for car production, until the chips crisis ends,” Reuters reported, quoting a company spokesperson. Production of the Peugeot 308 models ha...

Dongfeng Peugeot is introducing a new iconic “Lion” logo and presenting its new strategy designed by Peugeot made for its customers in mainland China, at the Auto Shanghai 2021, according to a company press release on 19 April. The company is also launching its new range of Peugeot 4008, 4008 PHEV and 5008 sports utility vehicles (SUVs) at prices ranging from CNY169,700 (USD26,043.60) to CNY263,700 at the show. Apart from this, the automaker will also be showcasing its electric range of...

Stellantis has extended the suspension of operations at its Windsor Assembly Plant for another week as the automaker grapples with the shortage of automotive semiconductors, Windsor Star reported on 16 April. The plant has been idle since 29 March and will restart on 3 May. The initial target was to resume operations on 26 April. The suspension at Windsor assembly plant would take the total number of weeks to seven this year. The plant was previously shut down for three weeks in February and ...

Fiat has announced a partnership with Google under which Google Assistant will be incorporated in the automaker’s 500 series models, according to a press release in March 2021. It is called 500 Hey Google, and is the integration between Mopar Connect and the Google Assistant in the My Fiat Action. This enables customers connect to their car remotely, using their own voice. Owners will receive information about the car and interact with it through a compatible smartphone or using the Google Nes...

Stellantis is developing a light commercial vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells, and it is targeting a launch date in Europe at the end of 2021. According to a press release issued by Stellantis last month, the company stated that it has entered into strategic partnerships with Faurecia and Symbio, a joint venture of Michelin and Faurecia. The partnership will develop the two main system components—the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen storage system. The hydrogen fuel cell system will be...

Android Automotive has taken the automotive headunit by storm. From its initial introduction in early 2017 until now, six global automakers across more than 10 brands have signed on, accounting for nearly one-fifth of all vehicles once fully rolled out. The significance of Android Automotive lies with Google Automotive Services (GAS). The GAS suite provides options for automakers to embed a series of services from Google, including Maps, Play Store, and Assistant, among others. The other side of...

Stellantis has announced its plan to provide a plug-in hybrid version of its Peugeot 308 hatchback and an electric version of its Opel Astra. According to a video issued by Peugeot on 31 March, the company stated that these two models will be among a series of new additions to the carmaker’s electrified model lineup in 2021. Stellantis’ strategy is to have fully-electric or hybrid versions of its entire product range made available in Europe by 2025. In line with this plan, the company is...

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling 19,214 vehicles in the United States over the risk of fire, according to a recall notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety (NHTSA) website on 11 March. The recall affects certain model year (MY) 2021 Ram 2500, 3500, and 3500, 4500, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. The recall is expected to begin 30 April 2021. Significance: In the subject vehicles, an electrical short...

Stellantis and Engie EPS have announced updates regarding the joint venture announced in January 2021. According to a press release issued by Stellantis on 31 March, the new JV will be called ‘Free2Move eSolutions’. Free2Move eSolutions will work on supporting and easing the transition to electric mobility by offering innovative and tailor-made electric solutions. The scope of Free2Move eSolutions activities will range from charging infrastructures (installation, servicing and operations)...

Stellantis-brand Dodge has announced a software upgrade designed prevent theft of its Charger and Challenger models equipped with 392-cu.-in. HEMI V-8 or supercharged 6.2L HEMI V-8 engines, a 22 March press release read. The software update will limit the vehicle’s engine speed to idle (675 rpm) and help prevent theft. It can be done by using the Dodge owner’s four-digit security code. “Today, Dodge is launching a new owner-customized ‘double verification’ security system. When flas...

Stellantis is recalling more than 20,000 heavy-duty Ram diesel trucks globally over an issue that could cause an engine compartment fire, according to a report by Automotive News on 24 March. the recall affects certain model year (MY) 2021 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups and 3500, 4500, and 5500 chassis cabs equipped with a Cummins 6.7-L turbodiesel engine. In the United States, the recall covers about 19,200 vehicles. It also covers an additional 685 vehicles in Canada and 223 in certain markets...

China Automotive Systems (CAAS) has updated its new electric power steering (EPS) product offering, according to a company press release on 22 March. The new EPS system has been developed based on the company’s proprietary technologies. CAAS has begun mass production of this product for new vehicle models of Great Wall Motors. The EPS system connects seamlessly with vehicle data and enables drivers to adapt to different driving situations. Significance: CAAS claims that the company’s rese...

Jeep’s model year (MY) 2022 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs will feature Amazon’s Fire TV entertainment platform, The Verge reported on 4 March. Fire TV will be accessible from the main display as well as the rear seat screens. Jeep has said that a privacy filter will prevent the driver from watching Prime Video content while driving, but they will be able to watch videos when the cars are parked, the report said. Significance: Called Fire TV for Auto, the software can work alongside Uco...

Stellantis is planning to offer fully electric or hybrid versions of all its models in Europe by 2025, Reuters reported on 3 March. Speaking about the merger of PSA Group and FCA, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said, “This is not a crisis merger. This is a merger that is going to open new opportunities for a company that is sound, with talented people ... who do not want to be cornered in a legacy or a dinosaur position.” He also said that the company wants to produce more electric vehicles (...

SolarEdge has won an order to supply full electrical powertrain units and batteries from Stellantis for Fiat E-Ducato light commercial vehicle (LCV), the company announced in a press release on 16 February. “We are excited to be a part of this significant moment for Stellantis as they introduce an electric version of the very popular Fiat E-Ducato light commercial vehicle to the European market. In combining our full electrical powertrains with Stellantis’ expertise, we are able to offer the...

American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. (AAM) has announced that it has secured the next generation axle and driveshaft program for Ram’s heavy-duty pickup trucks. According to a press release issued by AAM on 12 February, the company stated that this development ensures that AAM will remain as Ram’s strategic driveline supplier through 2030. As a result, AAM also expects current and future sales related to this program to exceed several billion dollars over the lifetime of this award...

Jeep is set to showcase an all-electric concept of its Wrangler sport utility vehicle (SUV) at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, US, in March, the company announced on its website. More details about the vehicle is expected to be announced during the unveiling. According to a report by Autocar on 11 February, the all-electric Wrangler could get a similar longitudinal gearbox and transfer case as seen on the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. Significance: Jeep launched the Wrangl...

Carmakers Renault and Stellantis will cut vehicle production at temporarily halt operations at vehicle assembly plants globally, Reuters reported on 5 February. This is due to the shortage of supply of semiconductors. Renault will suspend production at one site in France and two in Morocco and Romania from the week beginning 8 February, going on for several days. Stellantis reportedly suspended production at its Eisenach unit in Germany last Friday and will also suspend operations at its Zara...

Ford Motor will cancel shifts at two plants that build the F-150 pickup trucks from next week because of a global shortage of semiconductors, Reuters reported on 4 February. Ford said that the shortage could result in a loss of 10–20% of planned first-quarter vehicle production. Separately, Stellantis will slow production at its Melfi plant in Italy owing to the shortage and put over 7,000 employees on furlough, another Reuters report said. The plant reportedly produces the J...

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Engie EPS have signed a full set of agreement, including the investment and shareholders’ agreement to set up a new joint venture (JV) in the e-Mobility sector, Stellantis, the parent company of FCA announced in a press release on 26 January. The joint venture will offer a full suite of innovative services and solutions—such as residential, business and public charging infrastructures, as well as energy charging subscriptions and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) tech...

Software services provider Wipro has announced that it has been selected as a technology services partner by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to establish it’s a Global Digital Hub in the Indian city of Hyderabad, a company press release dated 15 January read. The digital hub, called FCA ICT India, will support information and communication technology operations to focus on delivering premium mobility services and Wipro will employ over 1,000 consultants and technologists for the hub. “...

FCA has announced that it will integrate Amazon’s Alexa Custom Assistant into its vehicles, becoming the first OEM to do so. In a press statement dated 15 January, FCA said that the Alexa Custom Assistant solution will be built directly on the Alexa technology stack within its Uconnect system. The technology introduces two in-vehicle voice assistants, enabling the FCA intelligent assistant to act as the product specialist with features and capabilities specific to the vehicle, while Alexa h...

Dana Incorporated announced that it will be supplying its rear axle to the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX pickup truck. According to a press release issued by Dana on 12 January, the company stated that the axle will be the Dana 60™ AdvanTEK® solid rear axle with Spicer PerformaTraK™ electronic locking differential. This axle is based on a full-float axle design and uses a 3.55 gear ratio, in addition to the company’s AdvanTEK technology, to deliver increased torque and carrying capacity over ...

Lear Corporation has announced that its Xevo software business has partnered with Grubhub for contactless food ordering services in FCA vehicles, according to a company press release on 11 January. This is an expansion on Uconnect Market's transaction capabilities for contactless transactions in a variety of areas, including food, fuel, and parking, without touching shared surfaces. The service can be availed via an app on the Uconnect Market connected services platform, which is available...

In the past week, Ford Motor, Toyota, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and Nissan Motor have all announced that they would cut vehicle production in January due to a shortage of semiconductors, according to a Reuters article on 8 January. Ford also announced that it would idle the Louisville Assembly plant this week due to the shortage. Ford builds the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair SUVs in the Kentucky plant. Honda said that its output in Japan could be affected by the supply shortage. Signifi...

The Indian subsidiary of Italian-American carmaker, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), has announced that it will be making a fresh investment of USD250 million in India in order to widen its product range and increase localization. According to a report filed by business news publication Mint on 5 January, FCA India will also be launching four new SUVs in India during the 2021–22 time frame. In addition to locally manufacturing the Jeep Compass, this investment will also go toward manuf...

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has announced that Amazon’s Alexa voice services will be embedded in the new Fiat 500 electric vehicle (EV), according to company press release on 29 December. It is offered as part of the Uconnect services and will be first available in Italy, followed by Austria, France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. “The New 500 is the first FCA car 100% born electric and, beyond being an iconic car since 1957, the third generation of Fiat 500 aims at being as ...

Groupe PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have announced that their respective shareholders’ meetings, which were held on 4 January, has approved the merger of the two companies to form Stellantis N.V., which will be the fourth largest automotive group after the Volkswagen Group, Toyota, and Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi. According to a press release issued by Groupe PSA on 4 January, the shareholders also approved merger related matters including adoption of the Stellantis’ Articles of ...

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has planned to invest PLN755 million (approximately USD204.28 million) in its manufacturing facility located at Tychy in Poland. According to a report by motoring publication Automotive News Europe on 29 December, FCA stated that this investment will upgrade the Tychy plant to manufacture new electric and hybrid vehicles. As of now, this plant produces the Fiat 500 and Lancia Ypsilon hatchbacks. FCA intends to commence the production of three new models at the ...

FCA-owned American carmaker, Jeep, has launched its latest hybrid SUV, the Wrangler Sahara 4xe and Wrangler Rubicon 4xe. According to a press release issued by Jeep on 23 December, the company states that the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4xe integrates two electric motors and a 17 kWh, 400V lithium-ion (Li-ion), nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery pack with a turbocharged, 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. Both versions of the vehicle produce a combined system power output of 375 hp and a peak...

The European Commission has approved the previously announced merger of Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group, according to a press release by the executive arm of the European Union on 21 December. The approval will pave the formation of Stellantis, which will be the fourth-largest automotive group after Volkswagen (VW) Group, Toyota, and Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi (RNM). The European Commission gave approval for the merger after PSA agreed to address the commission’s competiti...

Cerence has announced that FCA has picked Cerence to provide conversational AI in the Fiat 500 electric vehicle (EV), according to a company press release dated 16 December. The system can be activated with a “Hey Fiat”. The automotive assistant features Cerence’s edge conversational and interactive AI for voice-powered access to features like navigation, which has been developed in partnership with TomTom, media and entertainment, phone and messaging, temperature controls, and access to A...

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will invest USD150 million to set up a new global digital hub in the southern city of Hyderabad in India, Money Control reported on 16 December. The facility is expected to create 1000 new jobs by the end of 2021 and there are plans to increase hiring over the next two to three years. “Our goal is to build an innovation powerhouse that will harnesses the intelligence enabled by data to build new products and services to deliver at the speed of our customers�...

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and NewMotion, a European smart charging solutions provider, have partnered to support FCA’s business customers’ transition to electric mobility, according to a press release by NewMotion on16 December 2020. Under the partnership, FCA’s business customers will receive access to NewMotion’s full charging ecosystem ranging from smart charging infrastructure to back office services to emergency customer care. This will help them achieve a seamless transition ...

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and ENGIE have been awarded with 25 MW of capacity to provide ultra-fast frequency regulation services to Terna, FCA announced in a press release on 11 December. The innovative grid service, named ultra-fast frequency regulation (Fast Reserve), will contribute to improving the stability of the electrical grid frequency in the context of the increasing penetration of renewable sources. The 25 MW power will be supplied from 2023 to 2027 “It is a great resu...

SiriusXM has announced that Maserati will offer SiriusXM with 360L as a standard feature across all model year (MY) 2021 vehicles in the United States, according to a press release on 9 December. For Maserati, the SiriusXM with 360L will feature Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora, which allows drivers to create their own ad-free music stations and skip songs. Customers will get a 12-month trial subscription to SiriusXM's All Access package. “Maserati's lineup of high-performance luxur...

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles–owned luxury and sports car manufacturer Maserati has announced that its entire product portfolio will be equipped with either a hybrid or purely electric drivetrain within the next five years. According to a report filed by news agency Reuters on 26 November, this commitment was announced by Davide Grasso, CEO of Maserati. The Maserati Grecale, the company’s new upcoming sport utility vehicle (SUV) that will go on sale in 2021, will be made availa...

South Korean Hankook Tire will equip two Fiat models with its OE tire, Kinergy Eco², according to a company press release on 26 November 2020. The company will supply tires for Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda models in 175/65R14T size. “Finding the perfect combination of compound, construction, and profile to meet all necessary performances was the key to developing Kinergy Eco². We achieved a breakthrough by developing the innovative compound and a mold profile specialized to post low rolli...

Maserati selected Ubigi to offer in-vehicle Wi-Fi services for its cars in certain European countries, Ubigi said in a press statement on 23 November. Passengers will be able to stream, browse, and share while up to eight devices can be connected through the in-built Wi‑Fi hotspot. Maserati will offer customers a complimentary trial plan of 3GB over three months. The data bundle includes the option to purchase additional data top-up packages or subscription. Maserati owners have a choice be...

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has partnered with Kaluza to develop smart electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, FCA announced in a press release 18 November. During the first phase of their partnership, the two companies will develop a smart charging service for Fiat 500 EV customers using the Kaluza platform. A select group of Fiat 500 EV customers in the UK will be invited to trial the smart charging service during the first half of 2021, and provide ongoing feedback through dedicated for...

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling 5,450 vehicles in Canada to replace the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler, according to a recall notice on the website of Transport Canada on 18 November. The recall involves certain model year (MY) 2014–19 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. Significance: In certain vehicles equipped with a 3L EcoDiesel engine, the EGR cooler could crack internally and leak. In such a scenario, the driver may notice a low coolant level or a heater that ...

The US-based chassis components supplier American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) is supplying its EcoTrac® Disconnecting All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)’s new 2021 Chrysler Pacifica minivan, according to a press release on 19 November 2020. AAM's system provides AWD safety and performance only when the vehicle senses it is needed including during cold temperatures, windshield wiper use, front wheel slip, heavy accelerations, electronic stability control activation, a...