Groupe PSA and FCA to become Stellantis

Groupe PSA and FCA have agreed to merge effective January 16, 2021 to create Stellantis. PSA includes the Peugeot, DS, Citroen, Opel, and Vauxhall brands, while FCA (Fiat Chrysler) includes Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Ram, Mopar, Chrysler, and Dodge. The Boards of Directors, government agencies, and shareholders of each firm have overwhelmingly approved the merger. There has only been speculation at this point, but some cuts will be made and brands will begin to share platforms and technology. An early rumor suggested that the Chrysler brand might be in danger, but no official information has been released. If a brand is doing well, like Jeep, Opel, Vauxhall, and Ram you can expect them to be around in the future. Time will tell. Stay tuned. For the official media release and forward-looking statement click on the "read more" jump. More to come. Maybe we can get a version of the amazing Vauxhall Mokka-e now (below, previous post).

Source: Groupe PSA/FCA - Media release

AVWWG - Fiat reveals all-new 500e 3+1 EV

What you see here is another vehicle we won't get (AVWWG). the Fiat 500e 3+1. It's a pity on many levels. Firstly, the 500 and the 500e are small. sub-compact, city cars that are made for the cities and hills of Italy, but don't play well in the wide open spaces of the US's mid-west and other areas. But Fiat had some initial success with the 500 in the US when it was first released mostly in cities and urban areas. But with FCA's handling of Fiat vehicle updates, US customers lost some interest due to the mild updates or evolutions rather than major revisions. While the all-new 500 is changed and you can see it in the pics and video, without a big marketing push by FCA (Fiat/Chrysler Automobiles), most US customers wouldn't notice (evolution not revolution). But the one change that would be welcomed is the new 3+1 model (shown above) that has three doors for vehicle entry and the rear hatch. Sub-compacts are hard to get into, especially the back seat, if you're more than 10, but the 3+1's small rear passenger door takes care of that problem. The rear door is hinged in the back providing a large(er) opening for entry but the front door must be open for the rear door to be activated. This a good idea that many automakers have used to improve on the accessibility of small cars. Just look at BMW's i3 for instance. BMW has sold thousands of its i3 EV city cars and Fiat could as well with this new version of the 500e. We shall see. FCA is going through a tough time right now, so the funds may not be available for the push that the new 500e 3+1 would require for success. It's a shame too because the updates that have been made to all 500s are substantial and bode well for any customers. They'll sell bunches of these in Italy and the rest of Europe. For lots and lots of information about the new 500s and the 500e, check out the informative (Euro) media release after the "read more" jump. Also, enjoy the video below. Who knows, maybe FCA will have a change of heart and bring the 500e 3+1 to the US. Bring that one and the Cabrio, in EV form, and leave the rest at home, Consider it FCA.

Source: Fiat/FCA - media release, video, and pics

Jeep unveils Grand Wagoneer PHEV flagship concept

This concept wasn't quite what I expected. FCA has been talking about a new flagship Grand Wagoneer for the Jeep brand for some time now. This supposedly is it. I expected a new EV and not the PHEV that Jeep has rolled out here. In fact Jeep is rolling out plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) versions of most of their models available today. I felt that this new Grand Wagoneer would be the perfect vehicle for FCA to showcase their EV powertrain, but no. Instead we get a plug-in hybrid with an electric range of just 25 miles. While this is a step in the right direction, it is a disappointment. Possibility lost. In the media release after the jump, Jeep goes into word-extravagant detail about the finery and technology attached to this reborn model. Don't get me wrong, this new Jeep is a nice piece even if it is a bit stylistically conservative and possibility outdated. Some folks will love it, especially if they had a previous Grand Wagoneer. Although the possible six-figure price tag might give them pause. The Wagoneer (referred to but no info) and Grand Wagoneer will go into production next year. Expect some changes before then. Maybe Jeep can contract with Tesla or someone else and slip in the expected (by me) EV fitments. BTW automakers, quite referring to your hybrids as electrified. While it is technically true, it only disappoints when you find out that it's just a marketing ploy. (FCA is in a bit of turmoil with mergers, etc. so maybe I was expecting too much.) For more info, check out the media release and check out the previous post for the intro video.

Source: Jeep of pics and info