Stellantis Plans "Biggest Comeback Ever"

Issue 84

We strive to make you the smartest automotive enthusiast out there, so we value your opinion.

We listened, so we're moving our newsletter to early morning.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this change, so please reply with a comment!  

This week, we want to shout out our reader, Fun Rascal. Indeed, news should come early.

Key Takeaways

Don’t have much time? Here’s the summary of what we’re talking about:

• Stellantis is planning the biggest comeback in automotive history. It's a gamble, but one that we want to succeed. 

  Cars are getting bigger. While usually this means more comfort, it could also be a massive problem for cities. 

  GM teeters between good and evil as layoffs continue, but it takes over Tesla as America's biggest EV seller. 

  AM radios are no longer standard, but they can save lives. We explain how. 

NEWSBITES

Every week, we scour the web for the most essential news. Here’s what you need to know this week:

• Here are five sports cars you shouldn't buy! 

• Dodge is looking for brand ambassadors. Are you interested?

• What has been the impact of NYC's congestion charge plans?

• This article ranks the best and worst AWD systems. Let us know if you agree!

• EV owners don't pay some taxes, so states are charging them a fee. What are your thoughts?

RECALLS

This week, Ford starts with a flurry of recalls. First, it recalls 149,000 vehicles over a critical suspension issue. 

• In the same article, Chrysler recalls 63,000 Jeep Cherokees over a power transfer unit

• Kia recalls 80,000 vehicles over several airbag issues. Find out which vehicles are affected. 

Video of the week

Do you remember Oldsmobile's tuning division? 

That's right: Oldsmobile's tuning division. Even saying it out loud sounds strange. 

Well, here's its fascinating history.

IN THE KNOW

They're planning the most epic comeback in automotive history

We don't think of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram as successful brands as of late. If anything, we've frequently discussed how they could soon disappear. 

However, things seem to be changing.

A new CEO means a new focus on the future. Stellantis, the parent company, has even reversed its decision to shut down a plant. It will reopen in 2027.

Read more about this positive move here. 

These changes carry over to these troubled brands.

Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler were once American automotive icons. Now, they want to make the biggest comeback in history.

It won't be easy, but they might pull it off. Are you rooting for them?

Cars are getting bigger, but this might be a challenge for parking lots

The 1987 Regular Cab Ford F-150 was 194.1 inches long. The 2025 Regular Cab F-150 is 209.1 inches long.

This isn’t the only example.

So, why does this happen?

There are plenty of reasons, and many of them include safety.

Vehicles are now packed with safety features, crumple zones, and technology to make driving safer. 

Then there's comfort. A driver's seat from 1987 is an entirely different story from a seat from 2025. 

From a driver's perspective, a car's size is usually a positive aspect, but for cities, it's a different story.

Where will you fit cars if they get bigger? This article dives into this impending problem. 

GM layoffs continue, amidst positive news, leaving bittersweet taste

GM's year has been a rollercoaster. As this article states, it topped Tesla in American EV sales, and the world took notice. 

However, it also faces a probe by the NHTSA, which involves nearly one million vehicles.

Plus, sales took a hit in 2024, so the company continues to cut jobs. 

How long will the layoffs continue?

This article explains GM's current situation and how it will worsen in the coming months. 

The fight to save AM radios in cars

When was the last time you used an AM radio? Unless you're a radio aficionado, chances are you haven't done so in years. 

However, AM radios can prove vital in emergencies, given how they work. So, when fires ravaged California, many industry experts highlighted their importance. 

Such has been the pressure that automakers could be forced back into putting AM radios in their cars.

What are your thoughts?

Do you want to work with us?

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OUR THOUGHTS

Is the Toyota RAV4's AWD system always on?

You might have never thought of this question. I know I haven't. 

Often, I forget my RAV4 is AWD, but it's essential to understand how your AWD system works. 

This way, you can be better prepared for those situations when your AWD is crucial. 

In this article, we explain your Toyota RAV4's AWD system and whether it's always on. Read it to learn more, and let us know what you think!

BEST AND WORST

Which Jeep Wrangler holds its resale value best? Manual or automatic?

Used cars are becoming more critical every day, and manuals even more so.

With rising costs and a trend towards automatics, some believe manual transmissions will fetch a higher resale value. 

This discussion applies to Jeep Wranglers as well.

So, we decided to explore the topic of resale value and the difference between a manual and an automatic transmission.

TIPS AND KNOW-HOW

Let's talk about overheating

Overheating is often a driver's worst nightmare.

It's a dreadful experience that can also cause lasting damage to your engine. 

So, what causes overheating?

There are many reasons why it could occur, and more importantly, there are many ways to prevent it. 

In this article, we discuss overheating, how it can damage your car, and what you can do to prevent it.

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