Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announce a $4.5 billion plan to build a new assembly plant and add production to existing U.S. plants.
FCA says ” …next step in Company’s U.S. industrialization plan, announced in 2016 to expand Jeep® and Ram brands.”
A new FCA assembly plant is planned for Detroit. According to Automotive News, it’s not a done deal yet. FCA is currently working with the City of Detroit to acquire around 200 acres of land.
Preparing for hybrids
Mack Avenue Engine plant will re-open with a $1.6 billion investment. This will be the manufacturing site for the next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 3rd row SUV and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). This plant would potentially provide 3,850 jobs. Assuming land aquisitions happen.
An overhaul of this plant means it’ll be the first new assembly plant in Detroit city in nearly 30 years.
The rendering is of the new Mack Avenue FCA Assembly Complex once the company invests $1.6 billion to convert the two plants into the future assembly site for the next-generation Jeep® Grand Cherokee, as well as an all-new three-row full-size Jeep SUV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, adding 3,850 new jobs to support production. Photo render: FCA.
Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer also says, ” It allows Jeep to enter two white space segments…and will enable new electrified Jeep products, including at least four plug-in hybrid vehicles and the flexibility to produce fully battery-electric vehicles.”
Modernizing and re-tooling Jefferson North
The Jefferson North FCA Assembly plant gets $900 million to modernize and retool. This is where the Next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee’s and Dodge Durango’s will be built. Jefferson North is will create around 1,100 new jobs.
Jefferson North plant, Photo: FCA
Warren Truck plant prepares for new Jeep
Warren Truck Assembly, Photo: FCA
The 3.31 million square feet plant currently produces RAM 1500’s. Moving forward, FCA is investing $1.5 billion in the plant to produce the all-new Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Warren Truck will also have the capability to electrified counterparts and produce RAM Heavy Duty trucks creating 1,400 new jobs.
Production of Jeep Wagoneer’s and Grand Wagoneer’s will start in early 2021.
1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer was originally produced from 1963-1991). A 4WD station wagon that was the successor to the Willys Jeep Station Wagon.
Warren Stamping is to get $245 million and Sterling Stamping $160 million and 80 new jobs further supporting production.
FCA’s total commitment to investing in the U.S. will reach nearly $14.5 billion since 2009 along with 30,000 jobs created.
“I actually came to Northwest College on a rodeo scholarship and I rodeoed professionally for 6 years and then just kinda stuck in state.”
Horses in Cody, Wyoming. Photo: Matt Wilson (Mw8355 at en.wikipedia), Hobart College [Public domain]
What did you do in rodeo?
“I rode saddle bronc horses actually.”
How long have you worked in the automotive industry?
“I’ve been in the auto industry about 6 years.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
“I’d have to say the diversity of it. I mean, just…everyday is inconsistent. Every day is a different day in the car industry. It changes so much and you talk to so many different types of people.”
How would you describe your day job to a child?
“I more or less help people get in to vehicles.”
What is your biggest achievement?
“Um. I’d have to say, so far is being able to get in the chair I’m currently in at my age. I got into the car industry fairly young and to get into the sales manager role at 25 was a pretty big accomplishment for myself.”
Growing up as a child, what did you want your career to be?
“I always wanted to rodeo for a long long time, but uh, growing up, I realised that’s a young mans sport. So that dreams now fizzled.”
When you aren’t working, what are you doing?
“Usually, I’m somewhere outdoors with my wife or my son. We like to go boating (it’s a big past time for us), skiing, anywhere outdoors with my family.”
What kind of music do you like?
“Almost everything. Rap, country and rock mostly but almost everything.”
How about your favorite food?
“Ooh. Anything Mexican.”
Do you have a favorite movie line?
“Ah. I don’t really have a favorite movie line. Anything from Hot Rod. I can’t really give you one.”
Given the chance, who would you like to be for the day?
“Donald Trump. Chris LeDoux would be a good second.”
What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
“uh.” Jace Salutregui laughs, “I rode bulls. I mean that’s pretty crazy enough right?”
Did you get stomped on?
“Yeah, several times actually. By horses and bulls.”
Tell us, what was your first car?
“Oh it was a 91 Chevy 1 ton dually.”
If money was no object, what vehicle would you own?
Toyota Service Connect provides up-to-date vehicle information, such as status and alerts, maintenance reminders and more. It’s available on select Toyota models.
Is your vehicle equipped with Toyota Service Connect?
To qualify for Toyota Service Connect, you need to own a Toyota and own a model that is equipt with the service. To find out if your vehicle is Service Connect capable, Toyota created a Service Connect Vehicle Identification Number Lookup (VIN lookup).
How Do I Find My Toyota VIN?
A vehicles VIN is located on various cards and on the vehicle itself.
Insurance Card – You can find your VIN on the insurance identification card issued by your insurance company.
Vehicle Registration Card – You can find your VIN on the vehicle registration card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Top Of Dashboard – You can find your VIN on a metal plate on your dashboard, near the windshield on the driver’s side.
VIN Driver-side Doorjam – You can find your VIN on a label on the driver-side doorjamb.
Today Toyota’s come with an assortment of high-tech features. Many Toyota vehicles come standard with the Toyota’s Connected Services.
Read on to learn how you can register and enroll your Toyota with Toyota Connected Services.
13 Steps to enroll your Toyota vehicle for Toyota Connected Services
Make sure your Toyota has the necessary equipment and capabilities for Toyota Connected Services and download any applicable Toyota apps on your connected device.
Enter registration info, including name, email, and password, which will be used to access your account in the future. Click Create Account.
An activation link will be sent to your email, so go there to finish activating your account.
The link will take you to a page where you will be notified that your account is active. Sign in using the email and password you set during step 3. Click Let’s Go.
After logging in, you’ll want to enter the VIN for your Toyota vehicle. Press Submit.
Enter your zip code and select your preferred dealer for service appointments. Click Add Vehicle.
On the following page, select Enroll.
Next, you’ll be able to see the applicable services available for your vehicle.
Review the opt-ins and click Continue.
Fill out your contact information and select Confirm Order.
Review the information and press Read Here to see the Terms and Conditions. When finished, check the box under Authorize and press Submit.
If your vehicle comes with Toyota Remote Connect functionality, the next screen will show the authorized user. Click Submit to receive an authorization code to your email. Enter the code into your vehicle’s Entune multimedia system to initialize the feature.
Issues With Toyota Service Connect
If you run into any issues while registering for Toyota Connect, Contact our expert Toyota team at Fremont Motors Toyota or get in touch with your local Toyota dealer.
2019 is becoming one of the best years for truck tailgates. GMC introduced their GMC Sierra MultiPro Tailgate and hot on their heals RAM fired back with the RAM 1500 60/40 tailgate setup.
While the RAM 1500’s 60/40 tailgate is good, GMC takes it up a notch with an awe-inspiring design and layout.
The MultiPro Tailgate is available for the following 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 models including the
Note: Check your local Wyoming dealer for available model options to make sure your GMC truck comes with the new MultiPro Tailgate.
MultiPro Tailgate
The GMC MultiPro tailgate opens and closes like a traditional tailgate or can be opened/closed using a key fob or by pressing a button the driver’s instrument panel.
GMC uses a torsional spring and a damper on the tailgate to make a smooth operation of raising and lowering the gate.
So to recap you can open/close the tailgate in 1 of 3 ways
Tailgate Handle (traditional method)
Key Fob Button (hands-free)
Driver’s Instrument Panel Button (hands-free)
MultiPro Tailgate Load Stop
2019 GMC Sierra MultiPro Tailgate with Load Stop
Need to hall longer items? No problem, the GMC MultiPro is equipped with a load stop feature to prevent objects such as plywood, lumber and other longer pieces from sliding out the back of the truck.
The Load Stop is located on the inner side of the tailgate. Folding it provides a vertical stop to prevent things from sliding outwards.
MultiPro Tailgate Access
2019 GMC Sierra MultiPro Tailgate showing easy access
Need to get closer to your items? Well GMC has you covered. Just lower the inner gate and you will be 7-9″ closer to the back of the truck.
MultiPro Tailgate 48″ Full-Width Step
2019 GMC Sierra MultiPro Tailgate with with 48″ step
Sometimes you just need a boost up and GMC delivers big time with a 48″ full-width step incorporated in the MultiPro.
To fold out the step, the tailgate and inner gate need to be down. Once down the step can be unlatched and used.
Note: The step is rated for a maximum weight of 375 pounds.
MultiPro Work Surface
2019 GMC Sierra MultiPro Tailgate showing work surface
Need a place to write or just a surface to work on, again GMC’s engineers got you covered. By lowering the inner gate, MultiPro provides a perfect work surface at a comfortable height. GMC also includes a 120-volt outlet to power tools and other electronic devices.
MultiPro Audio
2019 GMC Sierra MultiPro Tailgate with Kicker sound system
Looking for a little music to jam to at a tailgate party or campsite, good news the MultiPro comes equipped with the Kicker MultiPro sound system. The Kicker packs a 100-watt exterior audio system integrated within MultiPro’s inner gate panel.
New 2020 F-450 Super Duty driving in Wyoming. Photo: Ford
Why did Ford Choose Wyoming for Super Duty photographs?
Wyoming is the second least populated state (after Alaska). Fewer people, less chance of being seen with a brand new truck design? On top of that, Wyoming offers some beautiful mountain scenery.
Ford says, Wyoming a natural fit for photographing the new 2020 Super Duty
Samantha Vanhoef from Ford says, ” It was important to our team to show the new 2020 F-Series Super Duty doing the real work that Super Duty customers do. Whether it’s towing a massive horse trailer or working on the ranch, our customers need a durable, reliable and powerful truck to get the job done. Wyoming was a natural fit for photographing the new 2020 F-Series Super Duty – between the incredible scenery and the ability to show the truck performing day-in and day-out in the harshest of conditions, Super Duty was right at home during the shoot.”
2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty next to a barn in Wyoming. Photo: Ford
We also ask Ford, what goes into selecting photography locations?
“Our F-Series Super Duty trucks are as different as the customers who buy them. We’re always looking to show the variety of work our trucks are tasked with. From year to year, we try to find locations that show the truck delivering more of what professionals demand – which is what the truck does best. Of course, a stunning landscape doesn’t hurt!”
What’s new on the 2020 Ford Super Duty?
New 7.3-liter V8 gas engine
An all-new 7.3-liter V8 gas engine joins the 6.2-liter V8 in the line up gas engine choices. Paired with the 10-speed heavy duty TorqShift automatic transmission designed for towing.
Ford says, “It uses an all-new cam-in-block, overhead valve architecture with cast iron block and forged steel crankshaft for maximum durability. Port injection with vvt optimizes the intake and exhaust to match performance with workloads. Oil jets cool the pistons under heavy loads.”
Ford also says, it is expected to be the most powerful V8 in it’s class.
Upgraded 6.7-liter Power Stroke
The 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel also gets the 10-speed heavy-duty TorqShift automatic transmission.
The third generation diesel will get all-new fuel injection system including injectors. A redesigned electronic-actuated variable-geometry turbocharger is also new. Ford is strengthening internal structures including new steel pistons. This, in turn, will allow for more horsepower and torque capability.
2020 Ford Super Duty on a ranch in Wyoming, Photo: Ford
Selectable drive modes
Ford’s all new 10-speed transmission features selectable drive modes. Those include; normal, tow/haul, eco, slippery, and deep sand and snow.
2020 F-Series F450 DRW, Photo: Ford
Technology
Towing
In a never ending battle/competition between trucks brands attempt to outdo one another, this is especially prevalent in towing numbers. With Ram trucks recent announcement of 1000 lb-ft torque and towing capability of 35,100 lbs. Ford will most likely try to beat those numbers. No numbers are available as of yet.
Pro Trailer Back Up Assist
What they have published, is a reminder of the high tech Pro Trailer Back Up Assist system which is exclusive to Ford. Available for use with Gooseneck and 5th-wheel trailers. A system designed to make backing up trailer super easy, lets the driver use a Pro Trailer Backup Assist knob to guide the trailer with input on the steering wheel. Trailer Reverse Guidance will provide steering suggestions based on trailer direction and angle.
Ford Pass Connect
Allows connection for up to 10 devices, as well as being Wi-Fi ready. Wireless charging and USB-C ports also enhance connectivity options.
Safety
Standard safety features on XLT trim level and above include;
Lane Keep Alert,
Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking,
Blind Spot Monitoring (including with trailers).
Exterior
Optimized for cooling and lighting, the front end is new, with a new front bumper and air dams. Dually’s have a different grille (optimized for cooling).
New 2020 F-450 DRW grille. Photo: Ford
LED headlamps and the tail lamps are new along with tailgates having bolder Ford Tough styling.
Interior
Limited trim levels (top of the range) will get a completely new look with color changes to Ebony (black) and Highland Tan. Genuine Leather, wood, and aluminum accents enhance luxury as well as decorative stitching and embroidery.
Availability
2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty’s will be available at Ford dealerships this fall.
Multifunction Split Tailgate added to 2019 RAM 1500s
2019 RAM 1500 Multifunction Tailgate, Photo: RAM
It seems the battle of truck designs in heating up, with engines and torque numbers increasing and tailgate designs. The battle of tailgate design started with Ford introducing a built in step. Then came the easy drop tailgate from GM. GM has also introduced multi-pro tailgates. Think swiss army knife but a tailgate. RAM has joined in with the tailgate battle, bringing a split tailgate (multifunction tailgate) and tailgates with a remote drop function. Check it out.
There were rumors of a split tailgate. The all-new 2019 RAM Truck came out and there was no sign of a split tailgate design. Now it’s here.
Adding extra functionality for cargo management, the tailgate can open in several different ways. With a 60-40 split, the tailgate can open on either side or opens down like a regular tailgate. Each door can swing 88 degrees.
Immediately useful
“The Ram multifunction tailgate is intuitive to operate and owners will find it immediately useful,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand – FCA. “Combined with Ram’s class-exclusive RamBox feature and new tailgate step, we’re taking Ram’s cargo management and storage to the next level.”
Trailer friendly
RAM Trucks, say that the unlike other multi-element tailgates, this one doesn’t have to have the hitch removed before opening.
2000lb load rating
Multifunction tailgates retains capability. RAM says the load rating is 2000 lbs. Which…is enough for a horse (although I don’t recommend trying to put a horse on there).
RAM Multifunction Tailgate Video
Availability
Multifunction tailgates will be available on all 2019 RAM 1500’s in the second quarter of 2019. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price is $995. An optional center step is $295. Contact your preferred RAM dealer for more info.
Which on is your favorite tailgate design? Let us know in the comments section waaaay at the bottom of this page.
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