2013 Dodge Challenger recalled over fire risk

Chrysler is recalling 4,051 units of the 2013 Dodge Challenger due to a problem with the battery positive cable. The affected vehicles were built from December 3, 2012 through January 24, 2013 and equipped with a V6 engine.

"The battery positive cable at the starter motor may experience an electrical short circuit to ground," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem. "A short circuit could lead to a vehicle fire".

The American carmaker has began notifying owners and they are being advised to immediately refrain from driving their vehicles and to contact their dealers. The company further advises affected owners not to park their vehicles in, or near, any structures.

The recall is underway and dealers will replace the under hood starter cable assembly, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

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2013 Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger recalled for fuel-tank valves

Chrysler is recalling 1,934 units of the 2013 200 and Dodge Avenger due to a problem with the gas tank, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"These vehicles may have a gas tank that has a broken control valve in the fuel tank assembly," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem. "A broken control valve in the fuel tank assembly may lead to an engine stall or fuel leakage. An engine stall while driving may contribute to a vehicle crash. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire."

The North American carmaker stated that it has not been aware of any accidents, injuries, or complaints related to the problem.

The affected vehicles were manufactured from October 30 through November 2, 2012. The recall is expected to begin in March and dealers will inspect and replace the affected parts for free. Meanwhile, owners can contact Chrysler at 1-800-327-4236.

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2003-2004 Dodge Viper recalled for faulty airbag modules

Chrysler is recalling 3,660 units of the 2003-2004 Dodge Viper due to a problem with the airbag system. The affected vehicles were manufactured from November 1, 2001 through June 30, 2004.

"A component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front airbags and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated. This could increase the risk of personal injury and the possibility of a crash," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem.

The recall is expected to begin in February and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge when the remedy is available later this year. Meanwhile, owners can contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

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2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier Edition priced from $36,845

Chrysler has announced the 300 Glacier Edition is currently on sale with a starting price of $36,845, excluding a $995 destination charge.

Based on the 300S, the Glacier is described as the "ultimate all-weather athlete" and distinguished by a black chrome grille, gloss black mirrors and 19-inch aluminum wheels with a satin carbon finish. Customers can order in three exterior colors: Bright White, Billet Silver Metallic and Glacier-exclusive Glacier Blue Pearl.

Inside, the cabin gets leather sport seats, piano black trim and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. There's also embroidered floor mats and "matte carbon hydrographic accents."

Under the bonnet, engine options will include: a 3.6-liter V6 with 300 hp and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 363 hp. Both engines are linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

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Fiat 500X & entry-level Jeep to be built in Italy

Fiat has recently announced plans to build two new models at their Melfi assembly plant in Italy in 2014.

This plant will be invested more than €1 billion to start assembling an entry-level Jeep and the Fiat 500X. Both models will be based on the company's new modular Small Wide platform and be available with all-wheel drive.

"The first of the two new models will be a Jeep utility vehicle that represents the brand’s entrance into a new market segment," Fiat said in a statement. "Melfi will be the only plant in the world to produce this model and, as for all Jeep products, it will be sold in markets worldwide."

The Fiat 500X will follow shortly thereafter, while the Italian carmaker also hinted that once the plant upgrades are complete, Melfi can build up to four different models on the same assembly line, with 1,600 vehicles per day.

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2013 Chrysler 300 Motown Edition revealed

Chrysler has just revealed a new special edition of its 300, called the Motown, ahead of its debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

According to the North American carmaker, the special edition is available exclusively in four exterior colors: Bright White, Gloss Black, Deep Cherry Red or Jazz Blue. It is distinguished by bright chrome front and rear fascia accents, mirror caps, door handles and daylight-opening surround, along with a unique Mopar bright chrome grille, special badging and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.

Inside, the cabin comes nicely equipped with Pearl White Nappa leather seats with black piping and debossed 'Motown' logos. There's also Black Olive Ash wood trim, satin silver accents and a Beats Audio sound system which includes 10 speakers, an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen display and an SD card pre-loaded with 100 songs from Motown recording artists.

Motivation is provided by a 3.6-liter V6 engine which produces 292 hp and 352 Nm of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that allows the sports sedan to return up to 31 mpg highway.

The Chrysler 300 Motown Edition will go on sale in the spring of 2013 and pricing starts at $32,995 (including destination charges).

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2013 Dodge Durango recalled for seating capacity problem

Chrysler is recalling 734 units of the 2013 Dodge Durango due to a problem with the seating capacity which may be overstated. The affected vehicles were manufactured from April 27, 2012 through September 14, 2012.

"The vehicle may have been built with incorrect seating capacity information labels," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem.

"The seating capacity information on the tire placard label may incorrectly state the total seating capacity as seven and rear seating capacity as five on certain vehicles with second row captain chairs, when it should have stated six and four, respectively," as Chrysler told federal safety regulators.

The recall will begin in February and dealers will provide owners with replacement labels. Owners can contact the North American carmaker at 1-800-247-9753.

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Jeep coming to India in 2013

In a press conference yesterday, Fiat has announced that the Jeep brand will be launched in India in 2013.

At launch, the Jeep vehicles will be distributed through network of 32 dealers in 25 cities. The first models, which will be launched in the third quarter of 2013, will be the classic Wrangler and the legendary Grand Cherokee.

 "Our vision for India will revolve around a three-pronged strategy. First, introduction of new vehicles that will soon include the legendary Jeep brand. Second, the expansion of our independent dealer network and, finally, strong marketing initiatives that will continue to improve our awareness and brand perception in the market", said Mike Manley, Fiat-Chrysler Asia Pacific COO and Jeep brand boss.

"Initial interest from the investors has proved to be strong. Therefore, we will be able to establish 120 independent dealers by 2013," said Enrico Atanasio, Managing Director of Fiat Group Automobiles India Private Limited. "We are optimistic about our prospect for growth in the Indian car market, which grew 12 percent in 2011 and is rapidly becoming one of the major markets in the world. With the launch of the Jeep brand, new Fiat products, an expanding dealer network and upcoming marketing initiatives, we will be in a strong position to capitalize on this growth".

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2014 Ram ProMaster announced

Chrysler has officially announced plans to offer an all-new large van in North America, called the Ram ProMaster.

Based on the highly successful Fiat Ducato which shares its FWD platform with the Peugeot Boxer, the Ram ProMaster will be significantly redesigned to appeal to North American commercial consumers. Additional information is limited, but the car will adopt "familiar Ram Truck styling cues" and a revised engine lineup.

"We feel that from a product-feature and launch timing standpoint, the all-new Ram ProMaster van is going to be a home run with commercial customers," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO of Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico. "Our relationship with Fiat, one of the world’s foremost commercial truck makers, has given us access to great products and technology that will resonate with our U.S. and Canadian Ram Truck customers."

The 2014 Ram ProMaster will go on sale in the third quarter of next year.

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2013 Chrysler Town & Country S to debut in Los Angeles

North American carmaker Chrysler will introduce the Town & Country S at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Designed to appeal to style-conscious buyers, the special version features a black chrome grille, tinted headlights and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels with black accents. Exterior colors include black, red, white and silver.

Inside, the cabin gets glossy black trim with a combination of leather and cloth seats. There's also a dual-screen Blu-Ray entertainment system with HDMI input, two USB ports and two power outlets (12v and 115v).

Power still comes from a 3.6-liter V6 engine which produces 283 hp and 352 Nm of torque. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission which allows the minivan to return 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway (US).

The Chrysler Town & Country S is also fitted with a sports suspension for improved handling and comfort.

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