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Infotainment Systems Take a Beating in Latest Consumer Reports Survey

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The Consumer Reports 2014 Annual Reliability Survey is out, what paints a highly critical and negative picture of in-car technologies, particularly infotainment systems. Such systems typically provide audio, information and navigation access, but often do not deliver as promised. Instead, users may find these systems confusing, unreliable or simply unworkable, leading Consumer Reports (CR) to say that they present a “growing reliability plague” for manufacturers.

Infiniti QX60

Consumer Reports took exception with the Infiniti QX60.

Problem First-Year Models

CR especially pointed to flaws found in first-year models for several brands, including Cadillac, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Fiat, Jeep and Ram, with each having numerous bugs and glitches in their infotainment systems. CR surveyed owners of more than 1.1 million new vehicles, identifying 17 problem areas. Topping the list were in-car electronics, easily outpacing consumer complaints in other areas.

As before, CR found that the Asian brands usually outperformed all others with the American brands finishing far down the pack. Most European brands were in the middle of the pack or toward the end. Audi, however, continues to excel, finishing in the fifth spot for the second consecutive year. Porsche took the ninth position.

Lexus, Toyota, Mazda and Honda nabbed the top four spots. Following Audi, Buick, Subaru, Scion, Porsche and Kia rounded out the top 10. Fiat Chrysler, however, took the last four spots of the 28 brands surveyed with Dodge, Ram, Jeep and Fiat rounding out the group.

And if you think technologies are the sole problem, CR insists otherwise. “Infotainment system problems generally don’t exist in a vacuum,” said Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing at Consumer Reports, “A close look at the results suggests that cars with a lot of in-car electronic issues usually have plenty of other troubles, too.”

Chrysler Defies the Odds With Strong Sales

Despite the apparent quality issues, Fiat Chrysler continues to thrive. Indeed, the Chrysler Group has experienced 54 consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases through Sept. 2014. Chrysler Group sales are up 15 percent for the year, nearly three times the industry average. The Chrysler Group is seeing Jeep sales up by 45 percent and Ram sales up by 25 percent for the year.

For its report, CR gathered data for 248 models, looking at 17 potential problem areas. From its survey it has been able to accurately point out future problems owners may have with their new vehicles as well as to spot trends.

One trend that isn’t boding well for Infiniti is the reliability of two of its models: the new Q50 sedans and the QX60 crossover. Both models have had their share of problems, causing Infiniti to take the largest plunge of any brand, falling from 6th place last year to the 20th position this year.

Improved Infotainment Systems

CR did find that some manufacturers are making changes that have made their infotainment systems easier to use. CR has criticized Ford and Lincoln for their technologies, but the two Ford Motor Company brands have made steady improvements ever since the organization slammed the 2011 Ford Explorer’s quality. While Ford rose three positions this year, Lincoln had the largest year-over-year increase of any brand, jumping 12 positions to the 15th spot.

Mercedes-Benz fell 11 spots on the heels of introducing its CLA-Class sedan and high-end S-Class. A few of its models, including the GLK utility vehicle and the E-Class V-6 sedan, outperformed the market.

Poor Performers by Segment

American manufacturers need to pay closer attention to certain segments where these vehicles are not performing up to par. CR found that the subcompact Chevy Sonic, the compact Chevy Cruze, the compact Ford Focus and the compact Dodge Dart turbo each performed below average. Large pickup trucks have been a problem too with the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and Ram 1500 each performing below average.

See Also — Auto Reliability: Consumer Reports Slaps Acura, Cadillac and, Yes, the Tesla Model S

About the 2015 Jeep Renegade

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2015 Jeep Renegade

The Jeep brand continues to set sales records and shows no signs of losing ground. New or updated models have propelled the brand as have new markets and consumers who are embracing America’s iconic 4×4 brand.

2015 Jeep Renegade

Jeep is not resting on its laurels. The Chrysler Group, indeed parent Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, N.V., is pinning much of its growth on Jeep. To that end a new model, the subcompact Renegade, goes on sale early this fall. It is the first Jeep model that benefits from the company’s cross-Atlantic alliance.

Indeed, the Jeep Renegade will share the same platform and major components with the Fiat 500X, itself similar to the 500L. Both models will be built at Fiat’s Melfi plant in Italy, representing the first Jeep model ever built abroad.

The 2015 Jeep Renegade will be sold as 4×2 or 4×4 models and will offer a naturally-aspirated 2.4 four-cylinder engine or an available 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The larger engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission; the smaller engine with a six-speed manual transmission.

2015 Jeep Renegade

Room for Five

With room for five, the Renegade is fairly light, its curb weight ranging from 3,095 to 3,490 pounds. When fuel economy numbers are announced later this month, Jeep expects highway fuel mileage to easily top 30 mpg. That would put Jeep close to the top of the fuel mileage range among small SUVs. All models take regular grade gasoline.

Going small does not mean that the Renegade departs from Jeep’s core design of offering rugged, muscular and upright bodies that define the brand. The seven-slot vertical grille, a Jeep signature, is flanked by round head lamps. The lower part of the fascia advances a burly design and is matched with daytime running lights, available fog lamps and tow hooks.

Short overhangs, distinctive wheel arches and a raised belt line give this model a formidable look on a small footprint. A new “X” design crisscrosses the tail lamps what Jeep says is a “theme inspired by military equipment” to convey strength. Rear tow hooks are available too.

2015 Jeep Renegade

Modern, Updated Interior

Inside, the Renegade provides a unique steering wheel, marked by a beefy rim section. Secondary driver controls, including voice, vehicle and audio controls are located near the grip points. A heated steering wheel option is available.

Large analog speedometer and tachometer displays flank a digital driver information center. The 3.5-inch display provides vehicle information and can be upgraded to a 7-inch display. Across the lower section of the instrument panel USB, auxiliary input and 12-volt connectivity points align with the climate control switches and the glove box.

The center console, featuring a wrapped armrest, provides ample storage. Each door offers additional storage room, useful for holding beverages or gadgets. The ergonomically-shaped seats are draped in cloth or covered in leather. Standard 60-40 split second row seats can also be upgraded to 40-20-40 split seats with an available cargo area pass through.

The cargo area provides 18.5 cubic feet of standard storage area, expandable to 50.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The front passenger seat also folds forward, providing enough room to accommodate a five-foot ladder.

2015 Jeep Renegade

Trailed Rated Renegade Trailhawk

The Renegade, like other Jeep models, will also offer “trail rated” packages, representing the brand’s internal rating scheme. Applicable 44 models have been tested on some of world’s toughest trails and must successfully perform well in the following five off-road conditions: articulation, ground clearance, maneuverability, traction and water fording.

The Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is the best model for off-road adventuring as it is equipped with an active drive low 44 system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, a terrain selection system with five modes to include: auto, snow, sand, mud and rock modes, 17-inch off-road wheels, a 0.8-inch off-road lift, hill descent control and skid plates.

2015 Jeep Renegade

Aggressive Jeep Growth

With the Renegade filling the bottom end of the Jeep portfolio, it joins the Patriot, Compass, Wrangler, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The Patriot and Compass will be discontinued midway in 2016, replaced by a single new model according to Chrysler’s five-year plan as reported by Automotive News.

Chrysler expects Jeep sales to top 1 million units this year, a first, and continue to expand aggressively as the brand is introduced to new markets, particularly Asia. For now, Fiat Chrysler will be watching the Renegade’s progress closely, expecting sales to strengthen as production ramps up.

See Also — Compact SUV Value: 2016 Jeep Renegade Sport

Photos courtesy of the Chrysler Group.

Fighting Back: Chrysler v. NHTSA

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Forget the rest of the automotive news you have been hearing this week. Chrysler’s rejection of the NHTSA’s request to recall 2.7 million Jeep vehicles is big news. It is so big that Chrysler risks sullying its image if it is sued by the NHTSA yet still manages to win the not-yet-filed lawsuit.

Problem Jeep Models

Chrysler contends that the NHTSA’s request to have 1993 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002 to 2007 Jeep Liberty models recalled is an over reach by the federal government. Specifically, the NHTSA wants Chrysler to make repairs to vehicles that may cost the automaker at least $500 million to fix, a huge amount for a company that is preparing to merge with Fiat.

It is also a company that was saved by American taxpayers though a 2009 bail out that essentially awarded the Chrysler Group to Fiat. Approximately $1.3 billion was never recovered to save America’s third largest automaker now controlled by a foreign manufacturer.

NHTSAThe point of recall contention is the location of the fuel tank in the two Jeep models. The Center for Auto Safety, founded by consumer activist Ralph Nader, has been pushing for a recall for years. CAS contends that a safety issue is present, one that has led to 246 fatal fire crashes with 350 deaths. In a June 4 notice posted to its website, CAS stated that Chrysler must install a 3 millimeter steel skid, a new fuel tank valve and an improved fuel filler hose to retrofit each model to acceptable safety levels. It puts that cost to Chrysler at $300 million.

Chrysler Fights NHTSA

Chrysler, however, is not seeing things the same way as CAS or the NHTSA. The company insists that the rear-mounted fuel tanks were government approved when designed and met the safety standards of that time. Essentially, Chrysler is being asked to bring old vehicles up to current safety standards, requirements that were not in place when those vehicles were built. Said Chrysler, “The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective.”

By rejecting NHTSA’s recall request, Chrysler is taking a stand that other car manufacturers will be watching very closely. The company understands that it risks losing in the court of public opinion, but it also knows that a precedent would be set if it caves in. After all, if its vehicles met government safety standards when they were built, what would stop regulators from ordering further recalls on other older vehicles that also fall short of current standards that were not in place earlier? And let’s not kid ourselves here: other industries would be similarly affected by such a precedent. Open Pandora’s box, anyone?

The Right Thing

CAS is not letting this matter go and has said that it has asked Fiat and Chrysler five times to recall and fix the Jeeps, but has received no response. It said, “The CEOs appear more willing to watch children die in child seats than to do the right thing – recall these Jeeps.” Such is the emotional appeal for its argument.

What Chrysler is not doing is claiming that the vehicles were built under the old Chrysler entity and are not the current company’s responsibility. The federal government saw to it that the new Chrysler assumed the old Chrysler’s liabilities, warts and all.

Court of Public Opinion

As the NHTSA considers what to do next, the court of public opinion is now in session. And those opinions vary widely: ranging from people insisting that Chrysler comply with the NHTSA and issue a recall to those who want the automaker to hold its ground. Chrysler is gambling that its unusual defiance of the NHTSA will play well before the public. Perhaps Chrysler senses that Americans are in no mood for government interference, especially as another government agency, the IRS, is embroiled in multiple scandals of its own doing.

Chrysler’s NHTSA gamble will have far-reaching consequences regardless of how it plays out. If you thought that the summer news cycle for the auto industry is typically a slow one, then you are right. But, not this summer.

Further Reading

NHTSA Slaps Volvo With Late Notification Fines

Back to School Driver Safety Tips

Chrysler Announces 2014 Fiat 500L Pricing

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2014 Fiat 500L

And then there were five. This June, a fifth Fiat 500 model goes on sale when the extended wheelbase 500L debuts. The new model seats five and joins the standard, Abarth, Cabrio and EV versions of this now well-known Italian motorcar.

2014 Fiat 500L

Priced from $19,100, the 2014 Fiat 500L will be available in Pop, Easy, Trekking and Lounge editions. It is powered by a 1.4-liter four cylinder turbocharged engine and paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an available six-speed dual-clutch six-speed. Fiat tapped its manufacturing plant in Serbia to assemble the vehicle.

2014 Fiat 500L

  • Sticker price from $19,100
  • Available in four trim levels
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 1.4-liter SOHC 16-valve I-4 engine
  • 160 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
  • 184 foot-pounds of torque @ 2,500 rpm
  • 2.83 inches bore by 3.31 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 9:8 to 1
  • Six-speed transmissions
  • Wheelbase: 102.8 inches
  • Length: 167.1 inches
  • Width: 69.8 inches
  • Height: 65.7 inches
  • Passenger Volume: 99.7 cubic feet
  • Storage Volume: 23.1 cubic feet
  • Towing Capacity: not rated
  • EPA: MPG TBA
  • Fuel Tank: 13.2 gallons
  • Curb Weight: From 3,203 pounds
  • Vehicle Assembly: Kragujevac, Serbia

Notably, this B-segment multi-purpose vehicle offers 122.8 cubic feet of interior space putting it in the “large car” category for EPA reporting purposes. That’s a noteworthy fact as other 500 models offer room for four and not much storage capacity. The Fiat 500L is as close to being a non-500 model as possible with additional Alfa-Romeo and Fiat models still to come.

Small-Wide Platform

For now, leveraging the 500 franchise is what Fiat does best — at least in North America. Extending the wheelbase and adding two doors adds 26 inches to the 500′s length and six inches each to the width and height. The Fiat 500L actually harnesses different vehicle architecture, sitting on the company’s “small-wide” platform.

Besides the expected 500 styling cues, the 500L offers unique glass roof pillars that make it possible to see around the vehicle without obstruction.

Technology Grade

Technology is a key feature of all models today and the Fiat 500L will not disappoint. Chrysler’s UConnect system comes to a Fiat model for the first time, bringing to this model hands-free calling, text-message receiving, voice-controlled audio and a special driver’s app.

The exclusive Beats by Dr. Dre audio system, smartphone compatibility and available SiriusXM satellite radio round out the package. A five-inch touchscreen display is standard; a 6.5-inch screen is available and brings in navigation.

Safety Features

The current Fiat 500 has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “top safety pick” rating. It will be interesting to see how the Fiat 500L holds up especially with the roof strength tests the IIHS has been conducting these past few years. Glass pillars, anyone?

The vehicle’s airbag system includes a driver’s knee air bag and side-curtain airbags. Other safety features include electronic stability control, hill-start assist, daytime running lights and traction control.

Other Fiat 500L models are priced as follows: Easy: $20,195, Trekking: $21,195 and Lounge: $24,195. All prices do not include an $800 destination charge.

See Also — Tiny SUV: 2017 Fiat 500X

Photo courtesy of the Chrysler Group.

In Canada, Chrysler Is First

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Chrysler Minivans
Since rolling out in the 1980s, all Chrysler Group minivans have always been built in Brampton, Ontario.

Our Canadian readers know full well the impact that the auto industry has on their country. General Motors, the Ford Motor Company and the Chrysler Group are well represented in Canada, with numerous car manufacturing plants located in Ontario. Toyota and Honda are represented as well, building passenger vehicles for domestic consumption and global export.

Distinct Markets

Although there are some parallels between Canadian and American consumer markets, there are some stark differences too. Indeed, when the US economy fell into a pothole in 2009, the Canadian economy continued to hum right along with the auto industry seeing its sales rise. The US auto industry nearly collapsed as sales fell by more than one-third, gradually beginning to recover in 2010 and continuing that upward movement today.

US sales have yet to return to peak levels, while Canadian new car sales hit its second highest levels ever in 2012 reports the Globe & Mail. This year, however, Canadian sales are down slightly over 2012, while US sales continue to rise despite higher taxes and continued weak job demand.

Chrysler Canada

There is one other distinction that should be noted here. The Chrysler Group may be a distant fourth in the US behind GM, Ford and Toyota, but in Canada it is the top selling car manufacturer. Whats more, Chrysler has run off a string of 39 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains, and even enjoyed a 2 percent increase in sales in Feb. as some of its competitors, including Toyota and Kia, experienced double-digit losses.

Chrysler Canada reports that sales of its Chrysler 200 line rose by 2 percent, while the similar Dodge Avenger surged by 65 percent. Sales of the Dodge Dart came in at 510 units for an all-new model that was not introduced until last summer. The Dart replaces the Dodge Caliber, discontinued in December 2011.

Truck Sales

The bulk of Chrysler’s Canadian sales are trucks, a category that includes pickups, SUVs and minivans. Nearly one in three sales last month were for the Ram pickup, the No. 2 best-selling vehicle in Canada. Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler Town & Country sales also contributed to Chrysler Canadas rise last month.

Said Dave Buckingham, Chief Operating Officer, Chrysler Canada, ”Not to be outdone, our passenger car sales continue to perform equally strong, as evidenced by a 16 per cent sales improvement compared to the same month, one year ago… thanks in great part to the Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger, Fiat 500 and Dodge Dart.” Fiat sales have been included in the Chrysler Groups sales calculations since the Fiat 500 was reintroduced to Canada in March 2011 after a 27-year absence. Fiat took over operational control of Chrysler beginning in 2009.

Manufacturing and Development

Chrysler Canada, headquartered in Windsor, Ontario, was formed in 1925. Chrysler has one of the largest manufacturing footprints in Ontario with plants in Windsor and Brampton. The Windsor plant is where North American minivan production is sustained. The Bramptom plant builds the company’s large sedans, the Dodge Charger sport coupe as well as the Lancia Thema for European export.

Chrysler also has an aluminum casting plant in Etobicoke and a research and development center in Windsor. As of Dec. 2012, 10,308 people were employed by Chrysler Canada with approximately 440 dealers scattered across the country.

Canada is also personally important to Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne. When he was 14, Marchionne’s family emigrated to Canada from Italy, setting up a home in Toronto and continuing his education there. To this day, Marchionne maintains dual Canadian-Italian citizenship, and regularly travels between North America and Europe to oversee his vast global automotive empire.

See Also — Chrysler Pacifica Minivan Throws Down the Gauntlet

Jeep Drops Liberty, Revives Cherokee

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2014 Jeep Cherokee

One of the most popular names in modern day Jeepdom is Cherokee, an appellation ascribed to not to one, but two models. The Cherokee name first appeared in the 1970s and was essentially the cheaper version of the Wagoneer. In the 1980s, a new model emerged, and this time it had no parallel in the Jeep line up.

2014 Jeep Cherokee

Jeep Cherokee Returns

Quite soon the Jeep Cherokee became as instantly recognizable as the iconic Wrangler, staying in production until 2001. The Cherokee moniker, however, never disappeared as a top-of-the-line Grand Cherokee model has been in production since 1993. Beginning with the 2014 model year, Jeep will revive Cherokee, a replacement model for the Jeep Liberty, itself retired following the 2012 model year.

That Jeep plans to revive Cherokee shouldn’t be too surprising. The Jeep Liberty never received the plaudits that the Jeep Cherokee enjoyed and for good reason: it was too heavy, it consumed much too much fuel and it was a non-factor among small SUVs. Quality problems dogged this model too.

2014 Jeep Cherokee

New York Debut

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be officially unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show in March. Usually, teaser photos are offered in advance, but pictures of the new model were posted (leaked) to enthusiast websites on Friday. The Chrysler Group then quickly decided to release more photos along with a brief news release. This wasnt the first time a car manufacturers release was spoiled online, although other details about the model were not shared. At least for right now.

As far as its design, the new Cherokee upholds the Jeep look. The most significant difference are its very narrow headlamps a look that this writer admittedly found disconcerting at first. However, as our posted photos show, the other design details about this model show a quite pleasing frame. The new model will be built in Toledo, Ohio, and go on sale in third quarter of 2013. The Chrysler Group claims a fuel economy improvement of up to 45 percent. Auto Trends full expects that this feat will be accomplished by an optional FIAT-supplied turbo-diesel engine.

2014 Jeep Cherokee

FIAT Platform

The all-new Jeep Cherokee will have one thing in common with the Jeep Liberty: it will be of unibody construction. Moreover, it is expected to deliver a more car-like, putting it closer in competition to the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Toyota RAV-4. Its platform will be ported from FIAT and all-wheel-drive will be optional. As far as its trail rating capabilities…we shall see.

2014 Jeep Cherokee
2014 Jeep Cherokee

See Also — Delivered: 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4×4

Photos courtesy of the Chrysler Group.

Michigan Automotive Engineering Internships

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The state of Michigan remains a strong location for U.S. automotive industry jobs as the Great Lake State is home to General Motors, the Ford Motor Company and the Chrysler Group. Other OEMs have a presence in the state and numerous automotive suppliers have manufacturing facilities or offices in Michigan.

Student Interns

smile man faceCollege students majoring in automotive engineering must gain hands-on experience before they finish their education. An automotive engineering internship can provide much experience with numerous opportunities available in Michigan.

Please note that the following companies have posted information about internship opportunities, details that are correct as of publication. Visit the link provided for more information and to apply:

Company: Chrysler Group LLC

Position: Automotive Design Intern Job No. 1001004

Location: Auburn Hills, Mich. at the Design Office Studios

Summary: College students pursuing a bachelors degree in automotive, product or industrial design, who have completed their sophomore year and have at least a 3.0 GPA are invited to apply. Students must be skilled in Microsoft Office, Photoshop, Alias or similar software programs and demonstrate leadership skills and initiative. Students will work in on-site design including clay sculpting, computer support, engineering and fabrication.

Company: Nexteer Automotive

Position: Summer Intern

Location: Saginaw, Mich.

Summary: Nexteer Automotive is a developer of steering and driveline systems. The company offers numerous internship and co-op opportunities for college students, with specific opportunities for students related to their area of study. Students pursuing a degree in computer, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering as well as computer science, supply chain management and business management are invited to apply. Applicants must be full-time students with a GPA of at least 3.0. Opportunities in various departments are available.

face pretty girlCompany: U.S. Steel Corporation

Position: Intern Product Technology

Location: Troy, Mich.

Summary: Full-time college students majoring in mechanical engineering, metallurgy or material science are invited to apply. Students must be computer literate and possess excellent communication skills. This job entails working on various projects testing steel, lab operations and sample preparation. Students will also be introduced to sheet formality projects.

Company: Nissan North America

Position: Student Intern Virtual Garage

Location: Farmington Hills, Mich.

Summary: Interns will research current and future technologies to discover what digital technologies can benefit Nissan. This position is open to college students pursuing a degree in 3D design, architectural design, computer design, automotive design, mechanical engineering or other related field. Interns will work on projects involving upcoming models, make 3D models using applied technologies, and interact with vendors and Nissan departments.

college students menCompany: Volkswagen Group of America

Position: Environmental Materials Intern Job No. EEO000012

Location: Auburn Hills, Mich.

Summary: College students possessing strong technical research skills and having knowledge of government agencies and rule-making, are desired for this position. Interns will identify current legal requirements and log upcoming laws and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials and other substances. Students will work within Volkswagen and with outside groups including Canadian and American government agencies and various non-governmental groups.

Job Opportunities

Prospective interns should apply as soon as possible for available positions. Follow each company’s application process to apply.

See Also — The Average Salary of Automotive Engineers