FCA reverses Lancia strategy - brand survives

Remember how Fiat Chrysler told the media and analysts that Lancia would fade away during 2018? Well, it didn't disappear. And, an eight-year model is still outselling the Alfa Romeo range in Italy. What's going on?

Pressed for a clear statement, a spokeswoman for Lancia told just-auto earlier on 12 February that "It will survive as a brand but it will sell just one model: Ypsilon". Asked when exactly production is scheduled to end, there was this answer: "We will produce and sell it for the domestic market". As for the potential of adding one or more new models, "Lancia's focused on Ypsilon". Hard then to obtain a true picture.

Never mind the future, an air of uncertainty about the here and now clearly hangs over certain parts of the FCA business. By way of contrast to the uncertainty of where FCA Italy finds itself only six weeks into a new year, what we once called Chrysler is way too busy to be vexed by existential anxiety. Busy trying to milk the good times for as long as cheap gasoline, corporate tax cuts and low interest rate vehicle leases/loans continue.

Muscle cars and trucks powering profits

The US-based side of things is pulling in supersized profits and new or updated models are being churned out regularly. Which sounds a lot like the former Chrysler Corporation in the pre 'merger of equals' days. Even the ancient Dodge muscle cars are going gangbusters, much to the annoyance of Ford and GM which sell way more modern and therefore supposedly more appealing alternatives. The eleven years young Challenger is merrily laying rubber all over the Mustang and Camaro's driveways, while the Charger, its development and all other fixed costs long ago repaid, must be almost as extravagantly profitable. GM says it can't make money from a factory in Ontario so Oshawa is to be closed. Chrysler can't seem to make people stop people lining up to purchase the vehicles it builds in two (allegedly high cost, or so some say) Ontario plants.
Then there is Ram, which must make the likes of Volkswagen and BMW wonder why on earth they bother with the supposed prestige of having a high-end make such as Bentley or Rolls-Royce: neither makes anywhere remotely near the margins of the pick-up truck brand.

Forget Fiat? Kill Chrysler? Not so fast...

The quip about FCA being a company which, if it wants to really see its share price soar, ought to ditch the brands which denote the first two letters of its name, is flippant. Even if there is some truth in it. Chrysler is in fact doing well enough thanks to the 300 and Pacifica both being in demand. As for Fiat, well that's another story.

The US-based brands and their model ranges - current and next generation - will be discussed in more detail soon enough, as will Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Ferrari (click here for an analysis of another brand, Abarth). First though, back to FCA Italy and the lack of public statements about what is going on with a once luxury, then rally-sports marque, which was supposed to have been deceased by now. Lancia doesn't seem to want to die just yet.

Does Mike Manley see a future for Lancia?

Mike Manley, keen not to be a mere continuity man, will have had a good look at the equity in this historic marque. And also, at the costs of killing it. Might be have told his boss John Elkann and the board of FCA that it should be saved? Possibly not. Why then is the little Ypsilon, the brand's only car, still being made? And why did FCA build more than 48,000 units of this outmoded city car in 2018? And why were sales up by 55% in January? Lancia's spokeswoman attributes the recent success to a promotional campaign (see image).

Back in May 2014, FCA announced future models plans for all of its brands. That was when we officially learned that Lancia was to be wound down, the last model in its eventual final market due to flame out during 2018.

Sure enough, Lancia was withdrawn from the few countries where it was still going, various rebadged Chryslers were discontinued, and the Ypsilon, in Italy, became the last man standing. What now then? The brand climbed back up the sales charts last month, charming its way into the top ten with deliveries of 6,606 cars, after ending 2018 in sixteenth place. And guess which brand was hustled aside as Lancia landed back in the top ten? Ironically, FCA Italy's star performer of 2018, Jeep: sales dropped by 16% to 6,249 vehicles.

If you look at the media website for Lancia, the most recent press release concerns an historic cars event which took place in November 2016. The information issued prior to this one is dated 27 August 2016. There are then just two others prior to this bulletin which itself concerns FCA's brands' response to the tragedy of the Italian earthquake, and these are concerned with an historic race and an expo in Milan. Only then do you see the most recent announcement on new product for Lancia. Dated 15 September 2015 (an overview of a minor update for the Ypsilon). How extraordinary that the car, and the brand, even survive, let alone, as is so clearly happening of late, thriving. The brand's Twitter feed is way more active, at least. And that's very interesting: if Lancia is doomed, why is there a constant stream of information about the Ypsilon?

One car. One market. And STILL it outsells Lexus Europe.

It's more than two years since a similar look at what FCA's intentions for this division may or may not be. The striking thing is how little has changed. Much money has been poured into Alfa Romeo. The results have been somewhat less than remarkable. Lancia has had a gentle decline while Alfa has risen, but not too steeply. It is an extraordinary thing to report that the one-model and one-country make was more successful than Lexus across all of ACEA-defined Europe in 2018: 48,854 (-19.8%) compared to 46,695 (+2.6%). Imagine what could happen if FCA gave Lancia even one new vehicle. 

Could it happen?

As was pointed out when I last pontificated on this brand in December 2016, there are multiple low-cost ways of saving Lancia and seeing it thrive. Will this be the final time that just-auto reports on the state of the blue shield badge marque? It's hard to say.

Reports for many other manufacturers' future models are grouped in the OEM product strategy summaries section of just-auto.com.

Future product program intelligence

More detail on past, current and forthcoming models can be found in PLDB, the future vehicles database which is part of QUBE.

Fiat was the first, then came Abarth and now this one is the third feature in a series covering current and future passenger vehicles made by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Others to come will focus on Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Maserati, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and finally, Ram.

https://www.just-auto.com/analysis/fca-reverses-lancia-strategy-brand-survives_id186960.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3t5KJz0_HczCuCybhRpOgnd3AKdqHiWs1oHe_o_qNrgh5B4gprIQlABFE
 

 

Blestemele fanilor LANCIA l-au ajuns! RIP Sergio

Doliu în industria auto: Sergio Marchionne a încetat din viață la 66 de ani

 

 

Sergio Marchionne, fostul CEO al Alianței Fiat-Chrysler, a încetat din viață la 66 de ani în urma unor complicații apărute după o operație suferită recent la umăr.

Industria auto este în doliu. Sergio Marchionne, unul dintre cei mai importanți manageri din istorie, care se identifică cu mărci globale de renume precum Fiat, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lancia sau Chrysler, a încetat din viață miercuri în urma unor grave probleme de sănătate.
Anunțul a fost făcut de John Elkann, președintele Alianței Fiat-Chrysler, în cadrul unui scurt comunicat de presă.

"Am aflat cu adâncă tristețe de trecerea în neființă a lui Sergio Marchionne. Din păcate, de ceea ce ne-a fost frică nu am scăpat. Sergio Marchionne, om și prieten, a dispărut. Cred că cea mai bună metodă pentru a-i onora amintirea este să construim pe baza moștenirii pe care ne-a lăsat-o, să continuăm să dezvoltăm valorile umane, responsabilitatea și deschiderea cu ajutorul cărora a fost un campion înflăcărat", este mesajul publicat de Elkann.

Vestea a venit la numai câteva zile după ce Alianța Fiat-Chrysler a anunțat că Marchionne este internat în stare gravă într-un spital din Elveția, motiv pentru care atribuțiile sale au fost preluate cu efect imediat de Mike Manley, fostul șef al Jeep.

Informații neoficiale despre situația medicală

Constructorul a evitat să detalieze starea de sănătate a italianului, însă publicația italiană Lettera43, recunoscută pentru sursele sale de încredere, a anunțase cu numai câteva ore în urmă o serie de amănunte. Astfel, Marchionne a fost diagnosticat "cu mult timp în urmă" cu o tumoare malignă la unul dintre umeri, iar din acest motiv se deplasa cu dificultate. 

El se trata cu cortizon și lua medicamente și pentru tratarea unei tiroidite cronice. În plus, italianul și-a exprimat o serie de dubii cu privire la o procedură medicală pentru îndepărtarea tumorii maligne.
Totuși, el a fost operat la umăr, iar în timpul operațiunii a suferit un embolism cerebral, caracterizat de astuparea unui vas sangvin în urma unei coagulări de sânge în creier. În urma acestei complicații, Marchionne a intrat în comă și a fost menținut în viață cu ajutorul aparatelor, în timp ce medicii amenționaseră că nu există nicio speranță de recuperare.

Niciuna dintre aceste informații cu privire la starea de sănătate a lui Marchionne nu a fost confirmată oficial de Fiat-Chrysler.

Cariera lui Marchionne in industria auto

Marchionnne a fost ales ca membru independent în consiliul director al Fiat SpA in 2003, iar dupa numai un an a ajuns în funcţia de director executiv. Atunci când a preluat cârma companiei italiene, Fiat plutea în derivă.

Cu pierderi de aproximativ 6 miliarde de euro între 2001 şi 2003, producătorul italian era pe punctul de a se scufunda în ceea ce ar fi fost, la acea vreme, cel mai răsunător faliment al începutului de mileniu. Marchionne a reuşit să pună ordine în vistieria italienilor şi să cârpească datoriile cu două miliarde de dolari, oferiţi de General Motors ca o compensaţie pentru un joint-venture eşuat. Aşa se face că la numai un an după ce a preluat compania, Marchionne a adus Fiat pe profit.

In 2014, la 10 ani de la instalarea sa pe cea mai înaltă poziţie de conducere a Grupului Fiat, Marchionne marca încă o victorie răsunătoare: gigantul Chrysler, al treilea constructor auto din Statele Unite, a devenit subsidiarul mai modestului Grup Fiat.

În ultimii ani, Marchionne a fost aspru criticat pentru strategiile sale din fruntea Fiat-Chrysler, în special din cauza situației precare și a vânzărilor reduse din dreptul unor mărci celebre precum Lancia, Alfa Romeo sau Maserati. În plus, Alianța a înregistrat o perioadă nefastă inclusiv în privința brandului Fiat, iar Marchionne stabilise deja o restructurare radicală a gamei de modele Fiat din Europa, care va rămâne doar cu 500 și Panda, urmând ca Punto și Tipo să fie eliminate.

De asemenea, Marchionne a fost criticat că a reacționat greu la două dintre cele mai importante trenduri recente din industria auto: dezvoltarea sistemelor cu funcții autonome și introducerea tehnologiilor hibride și a mașinilor electrice.

În acest context, Marchionne a încercat în mai multe rânduri să găsească un partener pentru o fuziune, iar una dintre țintele sale a fost Grupul Volkswagen. Cel mai recent, presa internațională a speculat insistent că Hyundai intenționează să cumpere Fiat-Chrysler.

Întreaga strategie a Alianței s-ar putea schimba însă după decesul său, atât în privința tehnologiilor dezvoltate și a mărcilor și modelelor, cât și a prezenței Ferrari în Formula 1.

Citește aici un amplu articol despre viața și cariera lui Marchionne.

Via Fiat-Chrysler, Automotive News, Lettera43

http://www.automarket.ro/stiri/doliu-in-industria-auto-sergio-marchionne-a-incetat-din-viata-la-66-de-ani-85861.html

 

FCA in support of Italy’s earthquake-hit territories

FCA, FCA Bank and Leasys give concrete expression of their solidarity and their closeness to the communities affected by the earthquakes which have hit Central Italy.

In order to provide support for people who have been struck by this disaster, FCA is participating in fund-raising activities carried out by the Italian Red Cross, which is in the front line of emergency assistance operations. The FCA Group is committed to integrating the sums of money donated by its employees to this humanitarian initiative.

As well as this, the Group is making a fleet of vehicles available to institutions involved in emergency operations in the areas affected. These consist of commercial vehicles vital for logistical and operative needs.

Among the numerous company initiatives launched is the suspension of payment of instalments and fees for contract financing, leasing and hire signed by inhabitants of the areas hit by the earthquakes. On top of this, FCA and FCA Bank are making available a solidarity programme for those in the area whose cars or vehicles have been damaged or destroyed, offering those who wish to purchase a new Group vehicle zero-advance contracts with zero interest for five years, in addition to all other promotional offers.

And finally, Mopar, the FCA brand for services, Customer Care, original spare parts and accessories for FCA brands, offers all residents of the affected areas a reduction on spare parts used to repair vehicles damaged by the earthquakes, up to a cost of €1500.

These company initiatives confirm its commitment, in terms of humanitarian, technical and economic aid to the population struck by this tragedy.
Call the Group's toll-free "green" telephone numbers in order to contact the call center in order to obtain further information.

Turin, 27 August 2016

Jeep® Renegade and Jeep Wrangler are “Cars of the Year” according to Auto Bild allrad

• Jeep_® Renegade named best "Off-road vehicle and SUV up to €30,000"
• Jeep Wrangler is the winner in the category "Off-road vehicles and SUVs from €30,000 - €50,000"
• Second top placing in a row for the Renegade since 2015

For the second consecutive year,  the expert readers of the German SUV and 4×4 specialist magazine "Auto Bild allrad" selected the Jeep_® Renegade as their favourite car in the import class of "Off-road vehicles and SUVs up to €30,000". A very important recognition that demostrates that the first Jeep compact SUV, and latest addition to the Jeep family, comes immediately to mind of the German reader.

The Auto Bild allrad readers also chose Jeep Wrangler, the icon of the number one SUV brand, as the winner in the import class of the "Off-road vehicles and SUVs from €30,000 - €50,000" category.

Auto Bild allrad is one of the leading magazines for 4x4 enthusiasts on and off the road in Europe. First published in 2002, it has a monthly circulation of almost 70,000 copies and 260,000 readers.

In addition to the two prestigous awards, the Auto Bild allrad readers awarded both the Wrangler and the Renegade the second place in the respective overall classes incuding all German national brands, further confirming the strong appreciation of the German public for the Jeep icon and its top selling model.

A total of 170 models split into 10 categories participated in the contest. The readers' vote proved that both the Jeep Renegade and the Jeep Wrangler can boast unsurpassed on and off road performance.

Jeep Renegade was introduced in September 2014 throughout the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa) where it is available with a full-range comprising four different trim levels - Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk - and a choice of efficient turbo diesel and petrol engines combined with four-wheel drive or front wheel-drive configurations.

Jeep Renegade is the top-selling model of the Jeep range and the main driver of Jeep commercial success in the region. Its record-setting pace is confirmed in the first quarter of 2016 where, with 19,159 units sold in Europe, Renegade recorded a 51.25% growth compared with the same period in 2015. Through March, Renegade also achieved its best ever quarter in Europe as well as in several markets such as Italy, the UK, France, Spain and Austria.

 The list of awards gained by the Jeep compact SUV in EMEA since its launch includes:

"New Car of the Year 2015"	- Quattroruote (Italy);
"Best SUV of the Year 2015"	- Coches.net (Spain);
"Car of the Year 2016"	- Autoesporte (Brazil);
"4x4 of the Year 2015"	- 4x4 Magazine (France);
"SUV of the Year 2015"	- 4x4 Tout-Terrain Magazine (France);
"Car of the Year 2016" awarded by a panel of specialist journalists in Greece;
"Best Buy Award 2016" in the Subcompact-SUV category for US Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy;
"4x4 of the Year 2016"	- 4x4 Magazine (UK);
"Car of the Year" and "SUV of the Year"	-  Motor24 (Estonia);
"Best Crossover Basta!"	- BilMagasinet (Denmark);
"Offroad Vehicle of the Year 2015" category subcompact SUV	- OFF ROAD (Germany)

Turin, 20^th April 2016

The Successful Partnership Between the Jeep® and Harley-Davidson® Brands Continues in 2016

• The two brands will be joining forces for the third consecutive year.
• The entire line-up of the most awarded SUV range ever available for test drives.
• The official HOG and JOG clubs' members to be Ambassadors and stars of the events.
• The EMEA tour activities can be followed on all Jeep social channels.

For the third year running, the Jeep_® brand will be the official partner of Harley-Davidson^® and will attend the main events organized by the legendary motorcycling brand in the EMEA region. The prestigious collaboration is based on the authentic shared values of passion, freedom and team spirit.

The partnership between the two American icons has been renewed for 2016 in the wake of the success of the past two editions, which attracted more than 600,000 participants in 2014 and over one million in 2015. From end April to September, the program is packed and consists of 13 events in eight European countries (e.g. France, Germany, Netherlands , Austria, UK, Italy, Slovenia and the Czech Republic) plus one event in South Africa. The first gathering will be at the Euro Festival, from April 28^th to May 1^st, on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez at the same time as the event in South Africa.

The Harley Village, set up for each event, will host the Jeep stand where the public will be able to discover and test drive the full Jeep SUV line-up beside a selection of Jeep showcars customized with exclusive Mopar accessories.

The JOG (Jeep Owners Group) and the HOG (Harley Owners Group) will be stars of the various European gatherings. Launched in August 2014, JOG is 'the one and only' official fan club run centrally by the Jeep brand, and it is active in 24 countries across the EMEA region with 64,000 members. HOG was born in 1983, and it counts a total of 116,000 members in the EMEA region.

The two official clubs gather owners and enthusiasts who share common values: the pride of driving an icon, the longing for freedom and the desire for adventure. But affinities do not end there. The members of both clubs share the passion for travel and adventure, and transfer their own personalities to the vehicles they drive, in terms of loyalty and customization. Not by chance, Jeep drivers and Harley-Davidson riders feel that they belong to a great community.

Follow Jeep EMEA news and video on:
Brand blog: www.jeep-people.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JeepOlllllllOpeople
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeeppeople/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Jeep_People
YouTube: www.youtube.com/JeepOlllllllOPeople

Turin, 11 April 2016

JEEP news martie 2016

Jeep® Renegade to Make Big Screen Debut in Warner Bros. Pictures Upcoming Action Adventure Film “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”

• Jeep_® brand launches new marketing campaign as part of co-Branded partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures' "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice"
• Hero of a dedicated commercial, the new Jeep Renegade Dawn of JusticeSpecial Edition is available in dealerships across the EMEA region starting this month
• Exclusive 'Battle of the Renegades' online experience

As a result of the recently announced global partnership between FCA US LLC and Warner Bros. Pictures' action adventure film "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice", coming to European theaters in the next weeks, the Jeep_® brand launches in the EMEA region an important marketing and communication campaign for the introduction of the new Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition. The new campaign will involve a major brand marketing action that will include branded TV and print commercials, digital advertising activities, local events also at the Jeep dealerships and exclusive online experience. All these activities will be created in collaboration with the filmmakers bringing "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" to the screen.

The participation in the movie of the compact SUV Jeep Renegade allows the vehicle, which features the best-in-class off-road capabilities in its category, to be exposed to an incredibly vast audience.  It is also the first time that the Jeep Renegade, the first Jeep model to be built globally and sold in more than 100 countries worldwide, is seen on the big screen.

The new advertising campaign for the launch of the new Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition in the EMEA region will kick off on March 13th with the debut of the TV commercial  "Into the Storm", across television, radio, print and web. First EMEA markets to go on air with the TV commercial  will be Italy and the UK, shortly followed by all major European markets, according to their respective launch plan.

Available as a 30-second and 20-second film, the new Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition TV commercial, which is having its EMEA premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in these days, being displayed to the guests that are visiting the Jeep stand, features footage from "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" with Bruce Wayne, played in the film by Ben Affleck, behind the wheel of the Jeep Renegade. Opening on city street ruins, the commercial speaks to how he feels compelled to move toward danger rather than run away from it. While several scenes of destruction follow in sequence, the voice over comments on that impulse:  "There is a dangerous instinct that lives within you. You like chaos. And in these times, we need that. We need you to rush in when everyone else is running away."

In "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice", the world's most iconic Super Heroes clash for the first time ever on the big screen.  To reflect the renegade spirit of the Super Heroes whose epic conflict drives the film, the Jeep brand will launch an online experience called 'Battle of the Renegades'. This interactive digital experience invites users to choose their allegiance between Batman, the BLACK, or Superman, the BLUE, and become a hero themselves by using the Jeep Renegade to help others and evade impending catastrophe. Participation in this interactive online experience can be effected by entering the link http://www.battleoftherenegades.co.uk/. All users involved in the experience will be rewarded with a range of prizes, including epic live driving experiences and cinema tickets to "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice".

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE and all related characters and elements © & TM DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition
Revealed to the European public at the recent Geneva Motor Show, the Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition is based on the Longitude trim level and features a distinctive dark appearance, with a host of Gloss Black exterior and interior accents, enhancing the 18-inch alloy rims, the fog lamp and rear light cluster surrounds, the grille and the Jeep badge, in addition to several style accents in the passenger compartment.
Under the hood the new limited edition model offers a choice of two engines: the  1.6-liter MultiJet II 120 horsepower diesel engine and the 1.6-liter E-TorQ 110 horsepower gasoline engine, both combined with manual transmission and front-wheel drive.
Four are the exterior colors available on the new limited edition model:  Carbon Black Metallic, Granite Crystal,  Colorado Red and Alpine White.

About "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice"
From director Zack Snyder (Man of Steel) comes "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice", starring Oscar winner Ben Affleck (Argo) as Batman/Bruce Wayne and Henry Cavill (Man of Steel) as Superman/Clark Kent in the characters' first big-screen pairing.  Snyder directed from a screenplay written by Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer, based on characters from DC Comics, including Batman, created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, and Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.  The film is produced by Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder, with Wesley Coller, Geoff Johns and David S. Goyer serving as executive producers.  Warner Bros. Pictures presents, an Atlas Entertainment/Cruel and Unusual production, a Zack Snyder film, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice".  The film will be released in 3D, 2D, and in select IMAX 3D theaters worldwide in the next weeks, from Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.  batmanvsupermandawnofjustice.net

Turin, 14th March 2016

***************

Jeep® and Mopar Unveil Seven Concept Vehicles Built for 50th Annual Easter Jeep Safari

Vehicles showcase a wide variety of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts*

• Jeep® Crew Chief 715: a salute to legendary Jeep military service vehicles
• Jeep Shortcut: inspired by the classic CJ-5 to handle tight, winding trails
• Jeep Renegade Commander: built to blaze a trail deep into the secluded wilderness
• Jeep Comanche: designed to be off-road ready with practical utility
• Jeep FC 150: heritage cab-over design, rich in history and capable of tackling any terrain
• Jeep Trailcat: Hellcat-powered off-roader capable of crawling or high-speed runs
• Jeep Trailstorm: added capability with 2-inch lift kit, 37-inch tires and Dana 44 axles

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Seven new, ultra-capable Jeep® concept vehicles - featuring an array of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts available to consumers - will conquer the famous and challenging trails of Moab, Utah, at Easter Jeep Safari, March 19-27.  Thousands of off-road enthusiasts are expected to descend upon Moab this year to celebrate what will likely be the most popular Jeep Safari ever, as the 50th annual event coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Jeep brand.

"Every year the Jeep team looks forward to pushing the limits with new, exciting and capable concept vehicles for our most loyal enthusiasts at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, where we receive a tremendous amount of valuable feedback," said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand - FCA Global.  "This year is extra special, as together with our biggest fans, we celebrate Jeep's 75th anniversary - as well as the 50th running of the Jeep Safari.  We're delighted to share seven of the most capable and eye-catching concept Jeep vehicles we've ever created at this year's historic event."

The 2016 crop of Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles utilizes both production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts. The Mopar brand is responsible for developing, building and ensuring that all Jeep Performance Parts meet rigorous specifications and with 4x4 capabilities in mind, allowing Jeep owners to further enhance their stock vehicle.

"These seven vehicles have been modified with Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts to take on the toughest trails, to go beyond where the road ends," said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA - Global. "Mopar's mission is to provide all FCA US vehicle owners with unique performance parts and accessories  to tailor vehicles to their individual lifestyles. Nothing supports that more than demonstrating how we can equip Jeep owners to take on some of the more extreme trails in the world."
The seven new Jeep concept vehicles built for Moab this year were created by a team of dedicated, passionate engineers, designers and fabricators that have been customizing production vehicles since 2002, and have introduced more than 50 concept vehicles for the enthusiasts who attend the popular Easter Jeep Safari.
The 2016 Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles include:

Jeep Crew Chief 715

The Jeep Crew Chief 715 concept vehicle was built as a salute to legendary Jeep military service vehicles, in particular the Kaiser M715. This open-air Wrangler Unlimited-based concept vehicle showcases a burly design with heritage styling cues. The Crew Chief 715 utilizes modern-day construction with a rear seat and extra doors for additional passenger capacity while staying close to its classic military roots.

Original Jeep military service vehicles were legendary for getting troops through rugged terrain, and the Jeep Crew Chief 715 illustrates this legacy.  Steel front and rear bumpers, 20-inch beadlock wheels, and 40-inch NDT military tires pay homage to the original Jeep military vehicles. The Crew Chief 715 utilizes an on-board air system with a hard-mounted quick-disconnect fitting for airing up or lending assistance to other vehicles on the trail. Other features include a master cylinder brake upgrade, cold air intake and a modified exhaust.
Exterior features such as Jeep Performance Parts off-road rock rails, a winch mounted into the front and rear bumpers, Dana 60 front and rear axles and a 4-inch lift kit with Jeep Performance Parts/Fox 2.0 Remote Reservoir shocks give the Crew Chief 715 increased capability. The "Tactical Green" color scheme runs from the custom modified M715-inspired front-end to the tailgate. The Crew Chief 715 features a military themed 5-foot cargo bed.
Inside, the no-nonsense interior features leather bucket seats with canvas inserts, aircraft-inspired control switches and Mopar all-weather mats. The media center features a centrally located navigational compass.
The Jeep Crew Chief 715 is powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Shortcut
A carefully crafted take on the beloved Jeep CJ-5, this Wrangler-based concept vehicle invokes the spirit of 1950s Americana with a shortened body and functional simplicity.
Exterior styling cues include a unique grille, hood, tailgate, front and rear wheel flares and custom chrome front and rear bumpers. A modified exhaust, 17-inch red steel wheels and 35-inch BF-Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires help the Jeep Shortcut maintain the look of an icon.
Jeep Performance Parts featured on the Shortcut include a front and rear Dana 44 axle and a 2-inch lift with Fox shocks. Overall body length has been reduced by more than 12 inches to keep the Shortcut concept vehicle light and maneuverable on the trails.
Inside, the simple yet functional interior features low-back leather bucket seats with plaid inserts, a red ball shifter handle, four-point safety cage and Mopar all-weather mats.
The Jeep Shortcut is powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Renegade Commander
The Jeep Renegade Commander concept vehicle is equipped with an assortment of Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts for the ultimate off-road adventure. A 2-inch lift kit and 17-inch Rubicon aluminum wheels with 29.5-inch BF-Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires increase the off-road capabilities of the Jeep Renegade Commander.
The "Fluorescent Gray" exterior features Renegade's MySky open-air roof with removable panels, custom body decal, Mopar off-road rock rails, skid plates and a modified exhaust.  Also featured are the Mopar brand's trailer hitch receiver and front and rear auxiliary lights.
Inside, the Renegade Commander includes Katzkin seat covers, body color bezel accents, a pedal kit, Mopar off-road kit and Mopar all-weather floor mats.
The Jeep Renegade Commander is powered by the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine with MultiAir2 mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with Jeep Active Drive Low.

Jeep Comanche
Based on the Jeep Renegade, the Jeep Comanche concept vehicle is designed to be off-road ready with practical utility. A nod to Jeep pickup trucks of years past, the Comanche concept takes styling cues from military and civilian Jeep heritage.
The Comanche's "Beige Against the Machine" concept exterior paint is accented with a Satin Black hood, a concept lower front fascia, winch, steel rear bumper, soft top, and spare tire in the bed. The wheelbase has been stretched an additional six inches versus a production Renegade to accommodate Comanche's 5-foot bed.
Inside, the Comanche features custom seat covers, pedal covers, door sill guards, and Mopar all-weather mats. Jeep Performance Parts like off-road rock rails, a 2-inch lift kit and a winch bolster the Comanche's off-road capability. The Comanche rolls on 16-inch painted wheels and 32-inch BF-Goodrich All Terrain T/A tires.
The Jeep Comanche is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel I-4 engine and mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with Jeep Active Drive Lock, which includes low range and a locking rear differential.

Jeep FC 150
A true American workhorse, this 1960 Jeep FC 150 concept vehicle is rich with heritage and built to tackle both challenging rocky trails and the harshness of a western cattle ranch. Originally built from 1956 to 1965, the FC 150 is based on the CJ-5 and offered a clever packaging solution by keeping overall length to a minimum for maneuverability, but maintained a full-length cargo box for utility.
This heritage Jeep vehicle continues to utilize its original steel body that proudly bears battle scars while components underneath have been revamped. The FC 150's off-road prowess has been enhanced courtesy of a 2005 Jeep Wrangler chassis modified to accept a Dana 44 front axle, Dana 60 rear axle and 17-inch white steel wheels wrapped in 33-inch BF-Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires.
Inside, the FC 150 features vinyl seat covers, a custom headliner wrapped in a vintage duck hunting pattern, CB radio, analog compass and Mopar all-weather mats.
The Jeep FC 150 heritage vehicle is powered by a 4.0-liter PowerTech I-6 and is mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Trailcat
The Jeep Trailcat concept vehicle is the ultimate off-road machine, equally at home on Moab's rugged trails or a high-speed section. Utilizing the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Hellcat V-8 engine, and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a custom shifter ball featuring an embossed Hellcat logo, the Trailcat concept vehicle leaves everything else in a cloud of dust.
To get the 707-horsepower Hellcat engine into the Trailcat, designers stretched the wheelbase an additional 12 inches while chopping the windshield two inches for a sleeker look. Mopar exterior enhancements include a power dome vented hood, Satin Black grille, LED headlamp and fog lamps and rock rails.
The robust off-road look is further aided by steel front and rear bumpers, 17-inch beadlock wheels and 39.5-inch BF-Goodrich Krawler T/A KX tires, front and rear Dana 60 axles and Fox shocks.
Subtle design cues, such as a Hellcat decal on the front quarter panels and a "Trailcat" decal on the side of the hood, hint at the horsepower that lurks beneath, making this much more than a typical production Wrangler. The Trailcat's interior is simple yet functional and features sport bucket seats from the Dodge Viper, made from carbon fiber and featuring Katzkin leather seat covers with accent stitching.

Jeep Trailstorm
The Trailstorm concept vehicle is the ultimate Jeep Wrangler for exploring off the beaten path. Offering  room for extra gear and fuel tanks, it is based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, and delivers elevated capability to conquer trails with ease.
Off-road capabilities are enhanced with several Jeep Performance Parts, including 17-inch concept off-road wheels wrapped in 37-inch tires, a 2-inch lift kit with Jeep Performance Parts/Fox shocks, a Jeep Performance Parts Rubicon winch, and Dana 44 front and rear axles.  Half doors offer a clear view of obstacles ahead and a bedlined interior makes cleaning up after a day on the trails easy.
Mopar exterior enhancements include a winch guard, Satin Black grille, LED headlights and fog lights, high top fenders, power-dome vented hood, Mopar off-road rock rails with a step, Big Brake Kit, a concept fast-back soft top, tail light guards and a Mopar fuel filler door. Finishing the Trailstorm's exterior upgrades are a steel front and rear Rubicon bumper and a Jeep Performance Parts tire carrier. The Trailstorm is wrapped in camouflage allowing it to blend into its surroundings in the Utah desert.
The Trailstorm's bedlined interior also features Katzkin seat covers and Mopar all-weather floor mats. The Jeep Trailstorm is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Brand
Built on 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.
The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.

Mopar Brand
Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked in 1937 with the launch of an antifreeze product, but it truly made its mark in the 1960s during the muscle-car era. From Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use, the brand soon expanded to include technical service and customer support.
Today, Mopar is FCA's service, parts and customer-care brand and distributes more than 500,000 parts and accessories in over 150 markets around the world. With more than 50 parts distribution centers and 27 customer-contact hubs globally, Mopar integrates service, parts and customer-care operations in order to enhance dealer and customer support worldwide. Mopar is the source for genuine parts and accessories for FCA brands.
Mopar parts are engineered together with the same teams that create factory-authorized specifications for FCA vehicles. This offers a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide. A complete list of Mopar accessories and performance parts is available at www.mopar.com.

Jeep Performance Parts

The Jeep Performance Parts portfolio, created in 2012 and offered by Mopar for the Jeep brand, provides enthusiasts with high-end, hard-core, quality aftermarket accessories and performance parts including axles, lift kits, bumpers, winches, skid plates, suspension components and more.  These aftermarket offerings are engineered together with the same teams that create factory-authorized specifications for FCA vehicles and help elevate the Jeep vehicles' already best-in-class off-road performance to the next level.  Each part and accessory is specifically designed, built and quality tested to help transform stock rides into even more capable trail performers.

Easter Jeep Safari

Easter Jeep Safari consists of trail rides, mostly day long trips, departing from Moab, Utah, throughout the nine-day-long event. The Jeep Safari was started in 1967 by the Moab Chamber of Commerce as a one-day trail ride. Over the years, as participation grew, the Safari expanded until it finally reached the current nine-day event. "Big Saturday" still remains the culmination of the event on the Saturday of Easter weekend.

*Parts and specifications applicable in U.S. only. Jeep Performance Parts availability may vary by market.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles news

 

Alfa Romeo BT45, the queen of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

The prestigious American event reserved for vintage cars has started. Starring the BT45 - a Formula 1 car, more commonly known as the "Brabham-Alfa". The model belongs to the Alfa Romeo Historical Museum in Arese, referred to as "The time machine", and it resembles the one driven in 1977 by the German racing driver Stuck, whom this edition of the Concours d'Elegance honours. The beguiling new Giulia Quadrifoglio, 4C Spider and 4C Coupé are also on show.

The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance (Florida, USA) is set to take place from 11^th to 13^th March. Owing to the vintage cars on show and the flock of visitors, this event is confirmed as being the second biggest event in the industry in the United States, immediately after the number one event in Pebble Beach. Now in its 21^st edition, the event is set to be hosted at the prestigious local Golf Club and will be welcoming over 30,000 visitors from across the globe.

For the second time running, the Alfa Romeo brand will be attending the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance with vintage cars and models currently in production, to symbolise that unbreakable bond between past and present which distinguishes its legendary history spanning more than one hundred years.
The star of the American event is set to be the Formula 1 BT45, which belongs to the renovated Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese, also known as "The time machine", along with some of the latest models, including the multi award-winning Alfa Romeo 4C (Coupé and Spider versions) and the Giulia Quadrifoglio, the perfect blend of the new Alfa Romeo paradigm and supreme expression of the "meccanica delle emozioni" (mechanics of emotion) concept. Among other things, visitors will get the chance to enjoy a thrilling driving experience behind the wheel of the 4C Spider, and also to purchase Alfa Romeo memorabilia.

The Brabham BT45, equipped with an Alfa Romeo engine, will be the main piece of the "Hans Stuck cars" category with which the US event pays homage to the German driver in this particular edition of the event. Indeed, it is on a Brabham-Alfa Romeo that Hans-Joachim raced in the 1977 United States Grand Prix before more than 100,000 spectators: held at the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Race Course, Stuck started the race at the front of the grid, and was overtaken only by the reigning champion, James Hunt. After 14 laps, the BT45 retired due to a technical problem, without tarnishing the German driver's impeccable racing up to that point, who proved himself to be a genuine master at driving in the rain.

The enchanting story of this race car began in 1976, after the World Sportscar Championship won by the "33 TT 12" in 1975, when Autodelta - Alfa Romeo's racing department - decided to join Formula One by supplying the Brabham team with the 500 HP 12-cylinder boxer on the "33" itself. In actual fact, Alfa Romeo had already fitted an engine on a single seater March in 1971, but the experience had immediately been stopped. The year 1976 thus became a "good" year: the car referred to as the "Brabham-Alfa" was presented, retaining the "Martini Racing" livery, but the basic colour, by virtue of the Italian maker's engines, switched from white to red.

The entire operation was orchestrated by the engineer Carlo Chiti, founder of Autodelta, and by Bernie Ecclestone, who owned the Brabham team at the time. The talented Gordon Murray designed the car, built around the overall dimensions of Alfa Romeo's "flat" engine and distinguished by two side periscopes to feed the twelve cylinders. In 1976, the official drivers of the Brabham "BT45" were Carlos Reutemann (ARG) and rising star Carlos Pace (BRA), while Larry Perkins (AUS) and Rolf Stommelen (GER) only competed in some races. This initial season should be considered as "preparatory": the three fourth places achieved, two of which by Pace and one by Reutemann, are the most significant results.

The Brabham-Alfa "BT45-B", the evolution of the previous version for the 1977 season, started off in the best possible way: in the début Grand Prix, in Argentina, Carlos Pace came second, while his team-mate John Watson (GBR) held pole position for around ten laps. Pace demonstrated excellent performance in the Brazilian Grand Prix as well, on home turf, although he was forced to retire.

In March, the Brabham team was devastated by the loss of Carlos Pace in a plane crash. The team decided to recruit German driver Hans-Joachim Stuck, who during the season won two third places in Hockenheim (GER) and Zeltweg (AUSTRIA). In an interview, Stuck said he was excited about racing in a car fitted with an Alfa Romeo engine: these are the exact same cars against which his father had raced with Auto Union in the 1930s. In Monza, during the qualifying rounds of the Italian Grand Prix, the passenger compartment of the English single seater was occupied by Giorgio Francia, test pilot for the Milanese Car Maker. John Watson ended the season with second place at the French Grand Prix (Dijon) as best result.
The engine was fitted on English cars up until 1979 (with other architectures), with varying degrees of luck (2 Grand Prix won in '78) and with the experimentation of innovative technical solutions (such as the BT46 "fan-car" at the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix). At the end of the Seventies, the partnership between the Italian brand and the English carmaker came to an end: Alfa Romeo decided to produce its very own Formula One single seater, known as the "Alfa-Alfa".

Turin, 11 March 2016 

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Abarth 595 “OT”: a new car with two personalities engineered to compete in the Italian Tourism Championship and the Abarth Selenia Trophy

• The stamp of a vintage code to be applied to a very successful race car.
• An exclusive model for racing only.
• Eligible to compete in seven events of the Italian Tourism Championship and the 2016 Abarth Selenia Trophy.
• Designed to race both in the new Aci Sport championship and in the 2016 Abarth Selenia Trophy.
• The technical innovations of the car include.

For Abarth the letters O.T. stand for "Omologata Turismo", roughly translated as "Touring Car Homologated". Since 1965 these two letters have identified a successful series of race cars and sporty coupés which made a name for themselves on international race tracks and in hillclimbing events. The acronym was created by Karl Abarth to reassert the bond between the race cars and their standard production counterparts, from which most of the components were derived.

Today, the letters are making a comeback on the new Abarth 595 OT. The car was tuned by the Abarth Racing Team engineers to comply with the rules of the new Italian Touring Car Championship which will be kicking off on May 22 at the Monza racing circuit. The championship will comprose seven events in total: Monza will be followed by Misano Adriatico (June 12), Magione (July 3), Mugello (July 17), Vallelunga (September 4), Imola (September 25) and Adria (October 9).

Developed exclusively for racing, the Abarth 595 OT will be competing in the TCS (Turismo di Serie - Production Tourism) category fitting turbo engines up to 1,400cc in size, and  it will also be replacing the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse in the 2016 Abarth Selenia Trophy. However, the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse can be easily upgraded to 595 OT by fitting aerodynamic elements to comply with the Italian Tourism Championship rules. The exclusive service for converting a 500 Assetto Corse into a 595 OT is offered by Abarth at Racing Team workshops.

From a technical point of view, the new Abarth 595 OT is a highly competitive car featuring a new 1.4 T-Jet 190HP engine paired with a six-speed gearbox, a new ride and spacers installed for widening the front and rear tracks. A "Performance" kit, consisting of a racing exhaust and 305mm floating front brake discs to make the car even faster and more efficient, is also available. Orders are now open for both the car and the kit.

With the new Abarth 595 OT, the joy and excitement of wheel-to-wheel racing will remain accessible to another generation of enthusiasts . Abarth has already enabled hundreds of drivers to experience the thrill of racing in keeping with the philosophy expressed by founder Karl Abarth who wanted to offer a competitive car within the grasp of all enthusiasts -  the same spirit that has underpinned the Abarth Selenia Trophy, now in its eighth season.

The new Abarth 595 OT will be joining the Abarth 695 Assetto Corse Evoluzione which has been racing for the past three seasons. This year's calendar consists of seven races: Monza (May 1), Imola (May 29), Misano Adriatico (June 12), Magione (July 3), Red Bull Ring (Austria, July 24), Vallelunga (September 11) and Mugello (October 16).

Turin, 10 March 2016

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Great Success of the ‘Jeep® Winterproof’ Tour

 

• The European winter Tour of the Jeep_® brand ended on February 21 in Italy, after having stopped in Switzerland, France and Austria.
• The entire Jeep lineup was showcased at each leg of the tour, together with a fleet of eleven test drive cars.
• Over 2,600 people were involved and more than 12,000 kilometers were driven during the on- and off-road test drives.
• The Italian events of the Jeep Winterproof tour ended at the end of February in Bormio (Sondrio area).

The 'Jeep _® Winterproof' tour has just ended after having stopped in some of the most renowned skiing resorts in Europe to celebrate the Jeep brand's distinctive spirit of adventure. The tour kicked off on January 13 in Gstaad (Switzerland) before stopping in Megève (France), Montafon (Austria) and Selva Val Gardena (Italy).

Snow and ice were the ideal conditions and perfect backdrop for putting the Jeep SUVs to the test. Not by chance, the Jeep brand has always enjoyed a strong relationship with the world of mountains. More than any other, the mountains are the location where the technique, reliability and safety of a 4x4 can guarantee the  confidence needed to take on the most demanding trails and the most extreme challenges.

During the four European legs of the tour, visitors were given the opportunity to live an authentic Jeep brand experience with thrilling test drives onboard the models of the most awarded SUV range ever: from the iconic Jeep Wrangler to the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV ever, from Jeep Cherokee, which blends the legendary Jeep 4x4 capabilities with a cutting-edge design, to Jeep Renegade, the compact SUV with the best off-road capabilities in its category. All these cars are capable of transforming an ordinary driving experience into an extraordinary journey, in all weather, all year round, as the freedom-loving attitude cannot be stopped.

The 'Jeep Winterproof' convoy traveled over 2,700 kilometers. Star of each leg was a fleet of eleven cars, including four Jeep Grand Cherokee, three Jeep Renegade, three Jeep Cherokee and one Jeep Wrangler, made available for test drives. Over 2,500 tests were organized covering over 12,000 kilometers and involving more than 2,600 people. More in detail, 1,056 kilometers were driven during the four-day event in Gstaad. The number gradually increased to 2,104 kilometers driven in Megève, 5,292 kilometers in Montafon and 3,874 kilometers in Selva Val Gardena.

The tour offered more than just test drives: several exclusive activities were organized during the 'Jeep Winterproof' events, including the 'famous' Renegade Skiing Experience. During each leg of the European tour, visitors could  test drive the compact SUV built in Italy on ice-covered tracks and put themselves to the test with the Jeep Ice Experience, a safe driving lesson held by professional drivers who taught them how to tackle extremely difficult surfaces. At the end of the test drive, guests were offered the chance to take part in the Jeep Skiing Experience: a winter 'wakeboarding' experience that allowed them to ski on a special, dedicated snow trail, while being towed by a Jeep Renegade.

A model customized by Mopar, the FCA reference brand for services, Customer Care, genuine spare parts and accessories, was showcased in each location. In Switzerland, for instance, a Grand Cherokee Summit sporting ski-rack, special mats and chrome mirror caps was on display during the event, while a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 2.8 CRD featuring chrome steel door sill plates, matte black grill and fuel cap and special rubber mats was on show in Austria.

The Italian tour was staged in parallel to the successful European 'Jeep Winterproof' tour. In Italy, the four weekends in Cervinia (Aosta), Roccaraso (Aquila), Livigno and Bormio (Sondrio) attracted a large crowd of visitors who put themselves to the test through exciting Jeep test drives. The Italian 'Jeep Winterproof' tour was just one of the activities staged by the Jeep brand in some of the country's most famous skiing resorts, in addition to ensuring constant visibility to the brand on the ski slopes and developing communication campaigns with winter settings.

Turin, 10 March 2016

 

Jeep® at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show

• Presentation of 75^th Anniversary special edition line-up
• Overland new trim debuts in EMEA on Cherokee
• Grand Cherokee SRT Night new Special Edition of the fastest and most powerful Jeep_® ever
• Premiere of Renegade Dawn of Justice Special edition
• Garage Italia Customs reinterprets Cherokee with a one of a kind showcar

Jeep_® and its legendary spirit are returning to the 86^th Geneva Motor Show with a stand "packed" with history and excitement where the models of yesterday will meet those of today to celebrate the brand's 75^th Anniversary. More than just an important achievement, this is also a milestone on the brand's ambitious future faced with the same determination which made 2015 the third consecutive year of sales success for the brand in the EMEA region and the fourth consecutive globally.

The history of Jeep is strewn with remarkable records and legendary models, starting from the unstoppable 1941 Willys-Overland MB and the famous 1945 CJ-2A (Civilian Jeep), which created the modern mass production off-road vehicle. Jeep also pioneered the Sport Utility Vehicle segment in 1946, with the launch of the Willys Wagon, featuring versatility and room for 7 persons. In addition, Jeep brand pioneered, as early as 1963, the "Premium Large SUV" class with the Jeep Wagoneer, and then again revolutionized the SUV segment with the introduction in 1984 of the Jeep Cherokee, the first SUV ever with a Unibody frame design.

To celebrate these and other Jeep milestones, visitors to the Motor Show will be shown three outstanding classic models: a 1941 Willys-Overland MB, a 1946 Willys Wagon and a 1963 Jeep Wagoneer. As further confirmation of Jeep's path from past to present, the new 75^th Anniversary special editions will be showcased on the stand and available at dealerships across the region starting from the second quarter of 2016, featuring an exciting new livery, celebratory badge and exclusive interiors and equipment.

The Jeep legend continues with the debut of Cherokee Overland priceclass, the new top-of-the-range model that combines the brand's legendary off-road capabilities and even more sophisticated and elegant features. The spotlight will also be on the Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition starring in the upcoming "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" movie, and the exclusive Grand Cherokee SRT Night, the most recent example of the fastest and most powerful Jeep vehicle ever. The display at the stand (5130, Hall 5) will be complemented by an exclusive one of Cherokee showcar designed by Garage Italia Customs.

Jeep History and Milestones
Tracing the 75 years of history which connect today's Jeep range to the first original 4x4 of 1941 means browsing some of the most legendary pages in books of the modern automotive industry.

It all started in 1941 with the production of the unstoppable Willys-Overland MB. In 1945, at the end of the war, it was transformed into the first non-military Jeep named CJ-2A ( "CJ" stands for Civilian Jeep), which became the first modern off-road vehicle.

The legendary US brand also pioneered the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) segment, one which is particularly appreciated by the public. It was 1946 when the Willys Wagon, a station wagon with a closed body entirely made of steel, rolled off the lines (its four-wheel drive version dates back to 1949). Since then, Jeep has led the evolution of this category by continuously introducing innovations, like the Jeep Wagoneer, the forerunner of today's Grand Cherokee,  which created the "Premium Large SUV" segment in 1963. Peculiarities of this model included an automatic transmission (fitted for the first time on a 4WD) and a modern, functional body suited for city streets and dirty trails.

Two decades later, in 1984, the Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was launched. With this model, that was the first SUV with a unibody, Jeep introduced a further innovation and created a new category of SUVs . The new chassis allowed for increased rigidity, considerably decreased weight and improved fuel efficiency. A similar leap forward was made by Jeep in mid 1992 with the first generation of the top-of-the-line Grand Cherokee, which over the years would define the new reference standard in terms of style, quality and performance in the Premium SUV segment. The flagship would be enhanced over the next three generations with new technological features to perfect the car's on- and off-road handling capacities and achieve unprecedented levels of excellence.

Another Jeep milestone was in 2007 with the launch of the Wrangler Unlimited, the only open air 4 doors 4x4. The Wrangler - first launched in 1987 and currently in its third generation - is the direct descendant of the original 1941 Willys-Overland MB and the expression of the most authentic Jeep values. The success of the model is due to many factors, but above all its natural flair for customization, as demonstrated by the sequence of special versions, some in limited edition, that have been launched over the years. Each one celebrates an important anniversary or grueling location where Wrangler is known to show off its best attributes, while ensuring a peerless driving experience every time.

Another key year was 2013 when rear axle disconnect - engineered to reduce wasted energy when 4x4 mode is not in use - debuted on the Jeep Cherokee for the first time in the "Mid size SUV" segment. But that was not all. The new Jeep Cherokee was also the first "Medium SUV" to fit an automatic nine-speed transmission to give excellent performance, low emissions and improved fuel efficiency.

A new chapter in the brand's legendary history was opened in 2014 with the launch of Renegade, the first Jeep to enter the increasingly relevant "Small SUV" segment. Built in Italy and sold in more than 100 countries worldwide, Jeep Renegade was the first in its category to fit a nine-speed automatic transmission for superior performance both on- and off-road. And, it was the first SUV in its segment to come with rear axle disconnect combined with state-of-the-art 4x4 Jeep Active Drive and Jeep Active Drive Low.

The 75^th Anniversary Special Edition
It is a Jeep tradition to celebrate key anniversaries or the conquering of inaccessible places with special editions. And today, to celebrate its 75 years of history, the legendary brand is introducing the 75^th Anniversary special edition offered on all models of the lineup and available in dealerships from the second quarter of 2016.

Produced in limited quantities - 8.000 units only for the entire EMEA region - all celebratory models are distinguished by a new livery, a 75^th Anniversary badge, Low gloss bronze rims, bronze and orange exterior inserts and exclusive interiors with seats sporting the 75^th Anniversary logo in relief.

Visitors to Geneva will see four examples, such as the Renegade 75^th Anniversary sporting a unique Jungle Green livery and equipped with a 1.4-liter Turbo MultiAir II 170 horsepower engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and the class exclusive Active Drive 4x4 system. The equipment includes 18-inch Low Gloss Bronze rims, the exclusive MySky sunroof with removable panels and new, specific fabric seats with Tangerine stitching.

The spotlight will also be on the Jeep Cherokee 75^th Anniversary with a Brilliant Black livery, the new MultiJet II 2.2-liter 200 horsepower turbo diesel engine with Jeep Active Drive II 4x4system with two speed power transmission units and low mode, Nappa leather seats with dual tone Tangerine/Pearl stitching, 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen radio, bi-xenon headlamps and dual pane panoramic sunroof.

The 75^th anniversary version will be available with both Jeep Active Drive I and Jeep Active Drive II systems.

The iconic Jeep Wrangler has received similar treatment. The 75^th Anniversary edition for this model boasts a Sarge Green body and comes equipped with a powerful 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine. Standard equipment includes body-colour grille with slots and low gloss bronze headlamp surrounds and grille throats, Power Dome hood with functional air vents, limited slip differential, navigation system with premium sound system, Ombre Mesh leather seats and body-colour dual top.

The lineup is completed by the Jeep Grand Cherokee 75^th Anniversary featuring a Brilliant Black livery and powerful 3.0-liter V-6 MultiJet 250 horsepower engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Equipment is comprehensive, and includes 20-inch light alloy rims, navigation system, and Quadra-Lift air suspension that adjusts ground clearance to five different levels for improved driving dynamics on and off-road.

Jeep Cherokee Overland

Jeep Cherokee Overland, the new top-of-the-line model that combines sophisticated style, elegant interiors, premium equipment and the brand's legendary off-road prowess, is making its debut in Geneva.

The showcased model has a new Light Brownstone livery and comes equipped with a 2.2-liter MultiJet II 200 horsepower turbo diesel engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The exterior of the new Cherokee Overland features a polished bright front grille, new body-colour door cladding and wheel flares, new 18-inch polished bright aluminium wheels, standard HID bi-xenon headlamps and Overland badge on the tailgate. Its refined looks are complemented by a rich host of premium enhancements, including a leather-wrapped instrument panel (optional), power front driver and passenger seats with four-way lumbar adjustment, a new steering wheel with wood inserts, anodized silver trim, Nappa leather ventilated and heated seats with the Overland logo, Berber mats, Alpine Premium sound system, Uconnect radio with 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, GPS navigation  and memory driver's seat, radio and exterior mirrors.

Standard on the Overland are also panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Crosspath Detection and ParkSense front and rear backup assist system.
Jeep Cherokee Overland will be available in markets across Europe starting this summer.

Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition
The Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition pays homage to the model's silver-screen debut in the "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" to be released in March. Based on the Longitude trim level, the Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition has a bold appearance, a stunning Granite Crystal livery and a host of polished black painted accents, like the 18-inch alloy rims, the fog lamp and rear light cluster surrounds, the grille and the Jeep badge. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter MultiJet II 120 horsepower engine with six-speed transmission.
The Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition will be available in selected markets across Europe starting this month.
The Limited-edition Jeep Renegade is part of a broader partnership between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the Warner Bros. Studios film "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" that will allow the vehicle to be exposed to an incredibly vast audience, thanks also to its unique and dark appearance package.

The Renegade presence at the motorshow will be completed by a Trailhawk version fitting Jeep Active Drive Low traction system and equipped with an efficient 2.0-liter MultiJet 170 horsepower turbo diesel engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Coming with a Solar Yellow livery and black leather interiors, the car has 17-inch alloy rims, tinted windows, skid plates, Hill Descent Control, tow hook, TPMS, two-zone climate control and a selection of Mopar accessories.
Key Mopar equipment includes specific bright black elements, such as the sticker on the door, the grille and mirrors, and an extreme off-road stance.

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE and all related characters and elements © & TM DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night
In Geneva, Jeep will be presenting a new limited edition of the fastest and most powerful Jeep ever, the  Grand Cherokee SRT Night. It features a stealth-like appearance with the front grille bezels, B and C pillars and side window surrounds all adorned in Matt Black. The front applique is Satin Black, as is badging on the bonnet and rear lift-gate. 20-inch wheels are also finished in an exclusive Satin Black and are designed to showcase the Grand Cherokee SRT Night standard Brembo brakes. Unique interior appointments include the luxurious Black Laguna leather seats with Silver accent stitching, leather covered door armrests and centre console including light Black Chrome bezels. Available colors for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night include Velvet Red, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal.

When it comes to performance, the SRT Night is powered by a 6.4-liter V-8 that delivers 468 horsepower (344 kW) and 624 Nm of torque. Performance includes 0-100 km/h acceleration in less than 5 seconds, quarter mile (400 meters) in the mid-13 second range and a top speed of 257km/h.

The 2016 Grand Cherokee SRT and SRT Night come standard with exclusive Performance Pages which have been revised with an expanded array of performance timers and gauge readouts, while all-new drive modes allow Grand Cherokee SRT owners the ability to personalize their driving experience both on-road and on-track.

In addition, standard launch control mimics a professional driver's inputs to optimize Grand Cherokee SRT's performance by bringing engine, transmission, driveline, stability control, and suspension in line for a textbook launch.

The Selec-Track system on the Grand Cherokee SRT uses performance-tuned software to distinguish the five dynamic modes: Auto, Sport, Tow, Track, and Snow, enabling drivers to choose a vehicle setting that ideally meets their requirements and ambient conditions.

Jeep Stand
The Jeep stand at the Geneva Motor Show is typified by clean-cut geometries. The simple yet contemporary space is divided into various thematic areas to showcase the models on display and represent all the expressions of the brand. Selected natural materials - such as wood and stone - are finely worked and blended to create a setting that combines nature and urban landscapes through a parquet catwalk. The idea is to reassert the brand's extreme off-road vocation combined with its premium DNA. The use of curved led wall surfaces reasserts the technological and innovative attitude of Jeep.

The Swiss event will also be the ideal opportunity to announce the prestigious partnership, for the second year running, between Jeep and the Montreux Jazz Festival, one of the most important music events in the world, which has an extensive music library of over 5,000 hours of live performance recordings and is listed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Program. The partnership is even stronger considering that this year will be the 75^th anniversary for Jeep and the 50^th for the Montreux Jazz Festival. The double anniversary underscores a shared history of innovation, evolution readiness and attitude to anticipate trends while remaining authentic and true to themselves.

Three models of the past will be telling the history of the Jeep brand, its development and its records on the stand: a 1946 Willys Wagon, a 1963 Jeep Wagoneer and a 1941 Willys- Overland MB, the latter placed on an amazing platform made with real logs of various sizes and heights. A dedicated station will be set up to allow visitors to travel on the Jeep Time Machine through the Oculus technology and get close to the models that made the history of the US brand.

An area dedicated to Mopar, the FCA reference brand for services, customer care and accessories, will be set up in the stand and showcase merchandise. Finally, by handing out informative leaflets and providing dedicated material on the stand, visitors will be introduced to the products of FCA Bank, the financial company specializing in the automotive sector. The company operates on the main European markets - and in Switzerland through FCA Capital Suisse SA - with a sole mission: to support the sales of all Fiat and Chrysler Automobiles brand vehicles through innovative financial products and high added value services dedicated to dealer networks, retail customers and companies.

Follow Jeep EMEA news and video on:

Brand blog: www.jeep-people.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JeepOlllllllOpeople
Instagram: www.instragam.com/jeeppeople
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Jeep_People
YouTube: www.youtube.com/JeepOlllllllOPeople


Turin, 24 February 2016

Jeep® Brand Celebrates 75 Years With Two Commercials Honoring the Brand’s Anniversary During the Super Bowl 50 Broadcast

 

Jeep® Brand Celebrates 75 Years With Two Commercials Honoring the Brand’s Anniversary During the Super Bowl 50 Broadcast

 

 

 Jeep® brand debuts :60 "Portraits" and :60 "4x4ever" videos highlighting the brand milestone

 

February 8, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Jeep® brand celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and it is highlighted by two new distinct videos launched during the Super Bowl 50 broadcast that recognize the brand milestone, both paying tribute to its legacy and looking ahead to its future.

The first :60 video "Portraits" is a nod to the past, an acknowledgment to the many people, faces and moments that have shaped the history of the brand beginning in 1941. "We don't make Jeep, you do" recognizes the global truth that the rightful ownership of the brand resides within its worldwide community of fans, followers and drivers. From the brave soldiers of World War II, to boundary-breaking mavericks of the past and the trailblazers of the present, every person has an incredible story to tell about how Jeep has enabled them to see, feel and do. Set behind an original music score, "Portraits" uses more than 60 carefully curated images from around the world, including famous icons (Marilyn Monroe, Jeff Goldblum, BB King, Aretha Franklin, Bobby Jones, Steve McQueen, Amelia Earhart) and pop culture moments ("Jurassic Park," "The Terminator"), linked together with iconic Jeep vehicles to bring to life and pay tribute to both the true spirit and humanity that has come to embody the brand.

The :60 "Portraits" spot can be viewed/embedded here.

If "Portraits" pays homage to the brand's past and the people who have formed it, the :60 video "4x4ever" is the battle cry meant to bind its global community and drive Jeep brand followers toward the future. In a custom music track created specifically for the brand and performed by Sony Music artist Morgan Dorr, "4x4ever" brings to life in song the idea that 4x4 goes beyond solely representing those who blaze the Trails of the Rubicon and Moab to living a life that is without boundaries, with lyrics conveying the attitude that embodies the vehicles' off-road soul and on-road performance, all while fueling the dreams and aspirations of all adventurers around the globe. "4x4ever" is the cornerstone of the brand, telling the formidable story of capability that has transcended time and designs while providing a glimpse into the breadth of what it means to live 4x4 today, tomorrow, and to never say "never".

The :60 "4x4ever" video can be viewed/embedded here.

The Jeep brand's "Portraits" was created in partnership with iris New York; "4x4ever" was created in partnership with DDB Chicago.

About Jeep Brand
Built on 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.

The Jeep brand recorded sales of more than 1.2 million units worldwide in 2015 - the highest total in its 75-year history - setting a global sales record for the fourth consecutive year. Sales of 1,237,583 Jeep vehicles improved upon the brand's 2014 global record of 1,017,019 by 22 percent. In the U.S., sales of 865,028 units bettered the 2014 total of 692,348 units by 25 percent.

About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker with a new name and a long history. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA US designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles under the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brands, as well as the SRT performance vehicle designation. The company also distributes the Alfa Romeo 4C model and Mopar products. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler, the innovative American automaker first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925; and Fiat, founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli.

FCA, the seventh-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FCAU" and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol "FCA."

Follow FCA US news and video on:

 
FCA Content On Demand (COD): www.fcacod.com
Company blog: blog.fcanorthamerica.com
Company website: www.fcanorthamerica.com
FCA360: 360.fcanorthamerica.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/chryslergroup
Media website: media.fcanorthamerica.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/fcacorporate
Instagram: www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA
Streetfire: www.streetfire.net/uploaded/chryslervideo.htm
Twitter: www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA
Twitter (Spanish): www.twitter.com/fcausespanol
YouTube: www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo