Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Archives

Maserati revives the Royale Series for special editions of the Quattroporte, Levante and Ghibli

Throughout its history of over 100 years, Maserati has been well known for creating unique models and exclusive cars. Amongst them, the 1986 Royale version of the 3rd generation Quattroporte stands out. Essentially a restyling project featuring exclusive blue and green colours, improved interiors, with soft leather seats and extensive use of wood in the dashboard and door panels, only 51 units were produced for sale.

Now Maserati is paying tribute to its heritage with the launch of a special series bearing the same name, this time available across all models with V6 engines featured in the current Maserati range. The factory plans to make 100 units of the Quattroporte, Levante and Ghibli Royale with engines ranging from the 275-bhp 3.0-litre V6 Diesel to the 350-bhp and 430-bhp 3.0-litre V6 petrol.

As with the original Royale, the 2020 special series is available in similarly unique blue and green colours: Blu Royale and Verde Royale. To complete the elegant exterior look, the Levante Royale features 21-inch Anteo Staggered Anthracite rims, with Titanium Anthracite rims on Ghibli and Quattroporte, all with silver brake calipers.

Inside the Royale Series
The Royale interiors, based on the GranLusso trim, are available in Zegna PELLETESSUTA Cuoio or two-tone Pieno Fiore leather in Black/Cuoio. The Zegna PELLETESSUTA is a woven leather textile made exclusively for Maserati interiors. Born of old-world Italian traditions and today’s innovative technology, it was ingeniously fashioned using thin strips of Nappa leather to create an ultra-luxurious ’fabric’ that is lightweight, soft and durable.

The extensive equipment list includes Cold Weather, Premium and Driving Assistance Plus Packages fitted as standard. Comprehensive Advanced Driving Assistance Systems actively respond to potential hazards to ensure safety for driver and passengers.

Like the rest of the range, the Royale Special Series features the Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC+) unit, an 8.4-inch touchscreen at the centre of the dashboard. The interface is said to be extremely straightforward to use and controls all the key vehicle functions. The screen also displays the rear view depicted by the reversing camera, with guidelines for ease of use.

Compatible smartphones can interface with the infotainment system using either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. In addition, for iPhone users, Apple’s Siri system acts as a personal assistant, allowing them to carry out tasks using voice command. Through naturally spoken language, it is possible to make a call or access music, messages, reminders, emails, websites and much more.

Although the first deliveries are scheduled for March 2020, orders for this limited series are now being accepted. In the UK, the prices start from £78,900 (around RM417,500) for the Ghibli, £85,300 (RM451,400) for the Levante and £103,150 (RM545,900) for the Quattroporte.

Maserati readies for new era starting in May 2020

Hybrid technology in 2020 Fiat 500 and Panda begins electrification of Italian brand

Some manufacturers believe that when a car has a small engine, say below 1.2 litres, fuel efficiency is already very good and there is no need for the added cost of a hybrid powertrain, not to mention extra weight. However, if fuel consumption can be improved further by adding an electric motor, why not?

This is how engineers at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) see it and part of the reason why they developed FCA’s first city cars with new petrol Mild Hybrid technology. The technology combines the latest 3-cylinder FireFly 1-litre 70 bhp/92 Nm engine family with a 12-volt BSG (Belt-integrated Starter Generator) electric motor and a lithium battery pack.

Compared to the 1.2-litre 69 bhp Fire, the 77-kg Mild Hybrid version improves fuel efficiency, thus reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 30% on average, without sacrificing performance. The BSG system, allows for quiet, vibration-free restarting of the petrol engine in Stop&Start mode.

The BSG system is mounted directly on the engine and is operated by the belt that also drives the auxiliaries. The system recovers energy during braking and deceleration, stores it in the battery pack which has a capacity of 11 Ah. It can then use this energy, at a peak power of 3.6 kW, to restart the engine in Stop&Start mode and to assist it during acceleration.

Customers also benefit from all the advantages of going hybrid (the car is Euro 6D Final-compliant, for instance), which, depending on local regulations, include freedom of access and movement in European city centres, cheaper parking in town centres and tax breaks.

The first models to get the Mild Hybrid technology are the Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda, the two ‘souls’ of the Fiat brand for decades. The first, the more emotional one, is the pop, fashion and design icon. The second, the more functional, trendy one, with 5 doors. Sales will commence from February and March 2020, respectively.

Launch Editions for the first time
Furthermore, for the first time in the history of the two iconic and complementary Fiat brand models, the 500 and the Panda will be available in a special unique series: the exclusive ‘Launch Edition’. The special series can be recognized by the ‘Hybrid’ badge on the rear and the exclusive ‘H’ logo, formed by two dew drops, on the centre panel.

Dew – the symbol of the light of dawn and therefore of the beginning of a new era – has been used as inspiration for the new and exclusive ‘Dewdrop Green’ exterior finish that fits both cars like a bespoke suit, in perfect harmony with the themes of nature and innovation.

Pursuing a sustainable philosophy
On the inside, the seat upholstery is faithful to the sustainable philosophy of the entire project. The Launch Edition seats are the first in the automotive sector to be partly made with SEAQUAL YARN, the weaving of which produces a special material derived from recycled plastic. SEAQUAL YARN is produced by transforming plastics collected from the sea into flakes of polyethylene terephthalate. These flakes are then used in the yarn from which the fabrics are made.

Fiat is collaborating with SEAQUAL INITIATIVE to support ocean clean-ups to act against marine litter. The two Launch Edition models will therefore satisfy the customer who is just as attentive to aesthetics as to environmental issues, in terms of consumption and emissions.

Electrification of the brand
2020 also marks the new milestone in the history of the Fiat brand. With the launch of the new hybrid versions of the 500 and Panda, the electrification of the brand will begin, and will continue with the start of production in Turin of the new 500. This model will be 100% electric and therefore play a key role in the e-Mobility by FCA strategy.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA to merge and become 4th largest global automotive manufacturing group

Just as in the late 1990s when the changing business environment forced companies to merge or form alliances to be more competitive, the same thing is happening as this decade ends. Groupe PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will enter a 50:50 merger of their businesses which will create the 4th largest global automotive manufacturing group (by volume) and 3rd largest by revenue.

The new combined company will have annual unit sales of 8.7 million vehicles, with revenues of nearly 170 billion euros, recurring operating profit of over 11 billion euros, and an operating profit margin of 6.6%, all on a simple aggregated basis of 2018 results. At present, the combined balance sheet is strong and therefore provides significant financial flexibility and ample headroom both to execute strategic plans and invest in new technologies throughout the cycle.

Broad-based brand portfolio
The combined entity will have a balanced and profitable global presence with a highly complementary and iconic brand portfolio covering all key vehicle segments from luxury, premium, and mainstream passenger cars through to SUVs and trucks and light commercial vehicles. This will be underpinned by FCA’s strength in North America and Latin America and Groupe PSA’s solid position in Europe.

The new Group will have much greater geographic balance with 46% of revenues derived from Europe and 43% from North America, based on aggregated 2018 figures of each company. The combination will bring the opportunity for the new company to reshape the strategy in other regions.

Sharing platforms will be key to efficiency
As has been the case with mergers of other groups, sharing platforms will be key to efficiency. The efficiencies that will be gained from optimizing investments in vehicle platforms, engine families and new technologies while leveraging increased scale will enable the business to enhance its purchasing performance and create additional value for stakeholders. More than two-thirds of production volumes will be concentrated on 2 platforms, with approximately 3 million cars per year on each of the small platform and the compact/mid-size platform.

While mergers often see downsizing exercises in facilities and manpower, it has been stressed that this one will not see plant closures or losses of jobs. In a letter to employees, Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer of FCA, said: “The success of this merger will be underpinned by the history of our companies – a history where we have shown our leadership ability to deliver the successful integration of multiple cultures, passionate care for our iconic brands and a smart, tough, creative determination to succeed.”

About FCA and Groupe PSA
FCA was established in October 2014 when Fiat and Chrysler merged into a new holding company with two main subsidiaries – FCA Italy (previously Fiat Group Automobiles SpA) and FCA US. The portfolio of vehicle brands includes Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Lancia, and Maserati from the Fiat side, and Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep from the Chrysler side. In 1998, as Chrysler Corporation, the company had merged with Daimler AG in what was the first of ‘mega-mergers’ in the auto industry. Described as a ‘merger of equals’, it never worked out and the two companies separated in 2007.

Groupe PSA, earlier known as PSA Peugeot Citroen (between 1991 and 2016) has brands with a very long history, notably Peugeot which was founded over 200 years ago and Citroen which celebrated its 100^th anniversary in March this year. The Group currently has 5 vehicle brands – Peugeot, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Opel and Vauxhall, the last two brands having been acquired in 2017.

BREAKING: Sergio Marchionne, CEO Of FCA Has Passed Away [+Videos]

Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) who was very recently replaced by Mike Manley due to failing health, has died. He was 66.

WXYZ-TV Detroit shares this video report.

Another report from CNBC Television honours the man that brought FCA back from the brink…

Rest in Peace Sergio, thank you for all you’ve done.

BREAKING: Sergio Marchionne’s Health Worsens, FCA Appoints New CEO

In its entirety with no editing, this is the news Piston.my received today.

London, 21^st July 2018 – With reference to the health of Sergio Marchionne, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (“FCA”) (NYSE: FCAU / MTA: FCA) communicates with profound sorrow that during the course of this week unexpected complications arose while Mr. Marchionne was recovering from surgery and that these have worsened significantly in recent hours.

As a consequence, Mr. Marchionne will be unable to return to work.

The Board of Directors of FCA, meeting today, firstly expressed its closeness to Sergio Marchionne and his family and underlined the extraordinary contribution, both human and professional, that he has made to the Company in these years.

The Board resolved to accelerate the CEO transition process that has been proceeding over the past months and named Mike Manley as CEO. The Board will therefore propose to the next Shareholder Meeting, to be called in the coming days, that he be elected to the Board and serve as an executive director of the Company.

In the meantime, in order to provide for his full authority and operational continuity for the company, the Board has with immediate effect granted Mr. Manley all the powers of CEO. He will also assume responsibility for the NAFTA region.

Mr. Manley and his management team will proceed with the implementation of the 2018 – 2022 Business Plan as presented on 1 June this year, a plan that will further assure FCA’s strong and independent future.

Featured Image from F1 Undercover.com

FCA invests RM925,999 on grants for robotics

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles or FCA, has invested some serious dough into the future of robotics. The FCA Foundation, its charitable arm has announced more than $228,000 (RM925,999) in grants to 51 US-based FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams.

This will ease the burden on teams competing in the upcoming 2018 FIRST® POWER UP challenge. FIRST or (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an international non-profit organisation founded to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.

“We are proud to partner with an organization that is committed to inspiring the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals,” said Phil Jansen, Head of Product Development, FCA – North America.

This year alone, FCA has awarded more than $400,000 (RM1,624,560) to student robotics programmes, including FIRST Tech Challenge, First in Michigan and 2018 FIRST Championship. The automaker is banking on these young minds to create and innovate at an early age, in order to make a much bigger impact later in their professional lives.

Alfa Romeo set to return to F1 in 2018

If you thought that the Honda and McLaren Fiasco would be the only thing to look forward to in the 2018 Formula One season, you would be sadly mistaken. Alfa Romeo has just announced its return to the sport after a 30 year hiatus.

It will be joining forces with the fourth oldest team in F1 history, Sauber. The existing team will be officially renamed next season to Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team. According to an article by Petrolicious, this newly forged partnership will give Sauber access to Alfa’s engineering and technical know-how – a treasure trove of knowledge.

In case you didn’t know, Alfa Romeo is owned by Fiat Chrysler Automotive or FCA, and the same is true with Ferrari. This means that next year’s Sauber will be powered by a Ferrari engine, and won’t be a relic either, instead the team will have power units with 2018 specs.

Alfa Romeo was a pioneer of competitive racing during the early days of the automobile. It was involved in Motorsport very early in the company’s history. In fact, it allowed for an environment where young drivers were able to prove what they were made of, including Enzo Ferrari.

Over the years, Sauber has partnered with a number of teams including BMW. But none of them will offer the same prestige as teaming up with the likes of Alfa Romeo. Despite Sauber being a very capable team with an equally good car, they were never really able to keep up with the charging pack.

There was the odd occasion or two, where the team’s brilliance would dominate the TV screens, but these instances were few and far in between. This is partly due to the fact that Sauber never received the required financial backing or technical know-how to take on the factory back teams.

Now however, with Ferrari power, that should change and allow it to take on the front runners like Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari itself. The upcoming 2018 Formula One season is going to be an absolute sizzler. Defending champion Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes-Benz are going to have some stiff competition next year.

Source: Petrolicious

Chrysler 300 is the most wanted vehicle in the US

Modern muscle cars do not get the respect that they deserve because many prefer to ogle at their ancestors, specifically those from the 1960s and 1970s. Thankfully, the Chrysler 300, considered by many as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, has been recognized for all the right reasons.

The car has emerged as the winner of the Large Car segment in Edmunds’ Most Wanted awards. This competition recognizes vehicles that are the most in-demand based on sales, days-to-turn and shopper interest data.

Winners of each of the 17 categories are determined by analyzing data from the first nine months of 2017 for all models on sale during that period. Edmunds tabulates its site data and traffic to gauge, which vehicles garnered the most attention.

The rankings for each of these data sets were weighted equally to determine the winners in each segment. Unlike many other automotive competitions, Edmunds’ is based on pure data alone and not the subjective input of a panel of judges.

“Bold and aggressive, the Chrysler 300 stands out in a class of largely look-alike sedans, and its originality makes it one of the most popular large cars on the market,” said Jessica Caldwell, executive director of industry analysis, Edmunds.

The Chrysler 300 is said to offer world-class performance, efficiency and quality. It is also equipped with cutting edge tech that include a sophisticated entertainment system. That said, its main party piece has to be its sweet sounding 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine.

It isn’t the only powerplant offered however, there’s a more docile 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 available that produces decent amount of power. But it’s no match for its bigger and power powerful brother. The Chrysler 300 is a fan-favourite in the US and should continue to be that for quite a while.

Dodge Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport signals end of an era

Dodge has announced a special edition variant of its ever popular Ram 1500 pick-truck as a send off for the 2017 model year vehicle. Called the 2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport, the Blue body-coloured vehicle features a black-decaled performance hood, body-colored grille with black billet inserts and black R-A-M letter badges, as well as other upgrades.

Apart from this, the vehicle also receives a body colored front fascia, rear bumper, side mirrors and door handles. The 4×2 model rolls on 22-inch aluminum wheels while the 4×4 one, gets slightly smaller polished 20-inch ones.

On the inside, this particular Ram gets blue colour-matched highlight stitching on the instrument panel, heated steering wheel and door trim. There’s also Blue Sport accents spread throughout including the Ram head logos that are on the headrests. Blue anodized surfaces make up the instrument panel bezels, center console trim and door spears.

“The custom look and high-impact colors have been well received in the marketplace and this new Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport will surely stand out on dealers’ lots and in customers’ driveways,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep & Ram Brands.

“Enthusiasts demand that their trucks get noticed and our Ram 1500 Sport lineup delivers a durable, powerful alternative with great visual appeal,” he added.

According to the automaker, there will only be 2,000 examples of the Hydo Blue Ram will ever be produced for the US market, which should make it a rare offering. That said, the Hydro Blue pearl paint job is available as an option for customers who purchase a Ram 1500 Sport crew cab with short-bed body styles and the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8.

The Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport will go on sale this month and should be of interest to those looking for a pick-up truck with far more street credibility.

Jeep make subtle changes to new 2018 Wrangler

Jeep has updated its stalwart, the Wrangler, for the 2018 model year. Though the automaker touts that the changes are quite extensive, many of them aren’t as obvious as they may seem. Both the two and four door versions largely resemble their predecessors with the exception of certain tweaks done here and there.

The vehicles get refined styling that maintain the look of the original but improved further. The Wrangler’s unique elements include a keystone-shaped grille, iconic round headlamps and square tail lamps, improved aerodynamics as well as a fold-down windshield that should appease off-road purists.

These vehicles have been made available with a number of different door, top and windshield combinations. Jeep has also loaded them with the latest safety features and advanced technologies. This should make them enticing vehicles for those looking for an SUV that offers bang for their buck but also offers a certain level of individuality.

One of the oldest SUV manufacturers to date, Jeep has been in the business for more than 75 years. It’s been at the forefront of developing very capable offroading vehicles that can handle the toughest terrain. The automaker is owned by FCA or Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and is a major player in the SUV market especially in North America.

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