FCA Enhances Purchasing Experience of Electric Vehicles

March 09, 2020 · 3 min read

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has been lagging behind in the fast-developing electric and autonomous vehicle segments. However, according to the automaker's new global powertrain chief, Micky Bly, this is about to change, as FCA is set on repositioning itself in this space over the next few years.

FCA and Electrification: The Past

FCA has not completely steered away from battery-powered vehicles over the years. When the Fiat 500e was released back in 2013, however, former FCA CEO, Sergio Marchionne, made a tongue-in-cheek request to potential clients to not buy the 500e as it cost more to produce than the automaker could sell it for. Sadly, the 500e didn't sell. In the subsequent years, FCA rolled out two-hybrid systems: the Pacifica Hybrid, which is a plug-in, and the Jeep Wrangler, which features a mild 48-volt hybrid system. According to FCA, these vehicles mark the beginning of a whole range of hybrid and electric options that it will be developing and releasing over the next few years. Tough new governmental regulations in China and Europe have already started to affect a definite move toward EVs, and although things aren't that strict in the U.S. yet, FCA predicts that even in this market they will have to start focusing on battery-based drivetrains.

Moving Forward

FCA has implemented many steps over the last few years that mark their increasing commitment to repositioning themselves in the EV and automation segments. A few of these include:

Shortly before his death, Marchionne stated that FCA will invest more than $10 billion in electrification.
His successor, Michael Manley, brought in Bly, who has been working in the plug-in hybrid and EV segments since 2006, as powertrain engineer. According to Bly, his main focus over the next three to five years will be on developing an electrification strategy for FCA.
Recently, FCA announced its merger with Peugeot, which has resulted in the world's fourth-largest automaker. According to these two companies, the merger will result in annual cost savings of over $4.1 billion. This money will allow them to invest in electrification and potentially become world leaders in the autonomous and all-electric vehicle segments.
According to The Verge, FCA is in discussions with two EV companies, namely Faraday Future and Seres, and may secure its electric powertrains from either or both of these for future models.

What Vehicles Will We See On the Market?

Despite the fact that the Fiat 500e has not fared well, FCA is releasing a new iteration that's likely to hit the market sometime this year. The design of the new 500e will apparently be based on a completely new platform, which should make for improved range, performance, and handling. Alfa Romeo is also set to add a whole bevy of electric powertrains to its lineup. The new Alfa 8C supercar, for instance, which is due to be released early next year, will be a plug-in hybrid. And according to hints dropped by FCA insiders, even the Dodge Hellcat models might be sporting a mild-hybrid drivetrain soon. Despite the fact that FCA has been lagging behind in the electrification segment over the years, their commitment to repositioning themselves in this space is fast becoming apparent. Image via chrysler.com

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Nov 03, 2023 in CDJR dealer near york

Time for New Tires? Visit Your Chrysler Dealer

Tires are one of the most important components of your car. They work hard every day to keep you gliding smoothly down the road, but they don't last forever. Recognizing when it's time to swap out those old tires for some fresh ones is crucial for a safe drive, so take a look at the signs you might need to pick up some new tires at the Chrysler dealer. more Tread Depth is Running Low The tread on your tires plays a major role in your vehicle's traction and stability on the road. If it gets too low, your car can't grip like it should. A quick and easy way to check your tread depth is the penny test. Place a penny into the tread with Abraham Lincoln's head pointing down: if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time to consider replacing your tires. Uneven Wear and Tear Over time, tires naturally wear down. However, if you notice uneven wear across the surface of the tire, this could mean you have issues with your alignment, balance, or suspension. Regular tire rotations can help prevent this uneven wear, but once the damage is noticeable, it might be time for a new set. Vibration While Driving If your Chrysler has started vibrating more than usual while driving, this might be a sign that your tires are unbalanced or have worn down unevenly. Don't just crank up the radio and ignore it: get it checked out by the professionals. Visible Tire Damage Regularly inspect your tires for visible damage like cuts, cracks, bulges, or objects embedded in the tire. These can lead to slow leaks or even a sudden blowout while driving, which is something we all want to avoid. Constantly Losing Air If you find yourself having to add air to your tires every time you fill up your gas tank, you probably have a leak. Sometimes leaks can be patched, but other times it's more reliable to replace the tires altogether. Visit Your Chrysler Dealer for New Tires The technicians at the dealership are familiar with the specific needs of your vehicle model. With access to a wide range of tires for your car, the professionals can help you maintain the safety and performance of your Chrysler. We can also check the alignment and balance of your tires to make sure they last as long as possible. Keeping your tires in top condition is one way to make sure you and your car are safe on the road. Pay attention to the signs of wear and tear. If it's time for a new set of tires, visit Thornton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and let us help you give your car the love it needs.

Oct 20, 2023 in CDJR dealer near york

Does Your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or RAM Need a Tire Rotation?

Rotating your Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Charger, Jeep Cherokee, or RAM tires involves switching the front and rear tires to different positions. When you get a regular tire rotation at your Chrysler dealer, it will help maintain even weight distribution and minimize uneven tread wear across all four tires, extending the life of your tires and saving you money. more Irregular Wear on a Front Tire If one side of your front tire has less tread than the other, it's a sign of irregular wear. Don't ignore irregular wear. A timely rotation can help to prevent severe wear. However, if the wear is already severe, replacing the tire is best. Uneven Wear Between Front Tires If you notice that the wear of your vehicle's front tires is uneven, with one tire being more worn than the other, ask your technician to swap your tires. If the wear is extreme, having your technician inspect the tire is highly recommended to see if a replacement is necessary to ensure your safety on the road. Uneven Wear Between Front and Rear Tires Another sign that your tires need switching is when the front tires are wearing down faster or seem more worn than the rear tires on your vehicle. Ask your technician to swap the front and rear tires as soon as possible to ensure all four tires wear more evenly. Vibrations Through the Steering Wheel Feeling vibrations through your steering wheel when driving at speeds over 45 miles an hour could be a sign of uneven tread wear. Ask your technician to switch your vehicle's tires, but to be safe, get them balanced as well. Loss of Air Pressure If one tire loses air slowly yet faster than the others, it could mean it bears more of your vehicle's weight than the other tires. In this case, asking your technician to take a closer look, rotate, and balance your tires would be a good idea to prevent tire damage. Recommended Rotation Intervals To avoid uneven tread wear and prolong the life of your tires, rotate them regularly. Typically, tires are repositioned 5,000 to 8,000 miles or when you take your vehicle for an oil change. However, different models have their own rotation guidelines based on time or mileage. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended rotation intervals, or speak to your technician for more information.Pay attention to the warning signs to avoid further damage to your tires that could result in you having to replace the entire set. Regularly swapping your tires will improve your vehicle's performance with the added advantage of saving you money. Stop at Thornton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today, and the certified technicians will rotate your vehicle's tires to ensure even tread wear, longer tire life, and safety on the road.

Sep 29, 2023 in CDJR dealer near york

6 Benefits of Getting Car Financing at Your Chrysler Dealer

When you explore car financing at your Chrysler dealer, you'll discover a process that can streamline your journey towards owning a vehicle. Financing is a serious step, so let's review some of the concrete reasons to consider going the dealer route. more 1. Tailored Financial Solutions When you step into a dealership, you're not just another number. A bank is only concerned about the loan; a dealership actually wants to get you into a car, and their financing professionals understand each person has a financial situation and work diligently to create tailored solutions. Our goal is to present options that fit into your budget and lifestyle. 2. Convenience Imagine taking a test drive, falling in love with a car, and handling your financing—all at the same location. It's not only practical but also time-efficient. Instead of juggling your limited free time between lenders and the dealership, everything is consolidated, making your experience smooth and hassle-free. 3. Competitive Rates Dealerships have robust relationships with various financial institutions, and, as a result, you can access competitive interest rates that might be challenging to find elsewhere. Plus, dealers regularly offer promotional financing rates, especially during special sale events. Again, our goal is to get you into a car, not make money off your loan, as is the case with a financial institution. 4. Flexibility Maybe you're considering a longer-term loan to reduce monthly payments, or perhaps you're inclined towards a shorter term, so you can become debt-free faster. Whatever your preference, we offer the flexibility you need to meet your goals. 5. Genuine Product Knowledge Who better to explain the features of your chosen car and align it with a financial plan that works for you than those who live and breathe Chrysler vehicles? Our representatives are well-versed in every model, ensuring you're not just making a financial decision, but also one rooted in genuine appreciation for a vehicle's value and how it's going to meet your specific needs. 6. Trade-in Opportunities At your dealer, we offer trade-in options. This means you can use the value of your current car as a down payment for the new one, effectively managing costs and eliminating all the hassle and risk of selling your vehicle independently. From personalized solutions and competitive rates to unmatched product knowledge and trade-in opportunities, the advantages all work for you. If you're ready to get your next Chrysler, contact our financing department at Thornton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram right away. We've got a car, and a loan, that will work for you.