Scoop of the Week is a two-page summary of news from FCA US for the past week. This week’s featured stories are:Scoop of the Week is a two-page summary of news from FCA US for the past week. This week’s featured stories are:
—Dodge unveils powerful 2021 lineup
—All-American vehicle display at Toledo Assembly Complex
—FCA reports 2020 second-quarter sales
—Jeep® brand expands Gladiator lineup with Altitude model
—Volunteers put STEM Camp ‘in a Box’
Scoop of the Week – June 26-July 2, 2020
The post Scoop of the Week for June 27 – July 2 appeared first on The Scoop.
A new Durango SRT Hellcat that’s the most powerful SUV ever, a Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye that’s the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world and an 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock that’s the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car are just some of the highlights of the recently revealed, horsepower-packed 2021 Dodge lineup.
Charger
Dodge is delivering the most powerful Charger SRT Hellcat lineup ever for the 2021 model year with models ranging from 717 to 797 horsepower.
The SRT models create the halo for the entire 2021 Dodge Charger lineup, which offers a full range of powerful engine options designed to meet a wide range of Dodge performance enthusiasts looking for a sedan. In addition to the new Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye with its 797-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V-8, the Charger lineup includes:
2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye: With 797 horsepower the Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye is the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world.
Dealer orders open for 2021 Dodge Charger models this fall, including the new SRT Hellcat Redeye. Vehicles are scheduled to start arriving in dealerships in early 2021.
Challenger
2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock: The newest Dodge drag racing machine with 807 horsepower is the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car.
Dodge//SRT is flexing its muscle and doubling down on its commitment to drag racing by introducing the new 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car.
The 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock is powered by the same supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® high-output V-8 that powers the SRT Hellcat Redeye, but features a revised powertrain calibration that increases power output to 807 horsepower.
The Challenger SRT Super Stock is the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car that offers 0-60 miles per hour (mph) acceleration of 3.25 seconds, a quarter-mile elapsed time of 10.5 seconds at 131 mph and 168 mph top speed (tire-limited).
Dealer orders for the 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock are scheduled to open this summer with production starting at Brampton Assembly Plant this fall. Vehicles are scheduled to start arriving in Dodge//SRT dealerships later this year.
Durango
The Dodge brand has given the three-row 2021 Durango new aggressive exterior styling, a new interior with a driver-centric cockpit and a new 710-horsepower SRT Hellcat version that will be available only for the 2021 model year.
The SRT Hellcat version is powered by the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Hellcat V-8 engine, which delivers 710 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque. The Durango SRT Hellcat runs 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 3.5 seconds, has a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) –certified quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.5, a top speed of 180 mph and runs 1.5 seconds faster than the SRT 392 on a 2.1-mile road course, equal to nine car lengths after one lap.
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat: Dodge//SRT Introduces the Most Powerful SUV Ever – 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat delivering 710 horsepower
“The Brotherhood of Muscle includes families of all sizes and the Durango delivers Dodge performance as the Charger of the three-row SUV segment,” said Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo and Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “And new for 2021, we have raised the bar even higher. The 710-horsepower Hellcat is the most powerful SUV ever. It’s the last piece of the puzzle and, alongside the Charger and Challenger, completes the Dodge brand’s performance lineup.”
Dealer orders open this summer, and vehicles are scheduled to start arriving in Dodge//SRT dealerships this fall. Durango SRT Hellcat orders will open this fall and are scheduled to start arriving in dealerships early in 2021.
The post Dodge unveils powerful 2021 lineup appeared first on The Scoop.
The Toledo Assembly Complex got into the patriotic spirit by displaying a red Jeep® Wrangler, white Jeep Gladiator and blue Jeep Wrangler in front of the facility’s iconic Jeep sign before the Fourth of July holiday.
The post All-American vehicle display at Toledo Assembly Complex appeared first on The Scoop.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Altitude
The Jeep® brand is introducing the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Altitude model, a new edition of the most off-road capable Jeep truck ever that delivers a new level of personalized content for a distinct appearance combined with legendary Jeep 4×4 capability.
“Our Jeep Gladiator Altitude model is a direct response to customers who ask for a ‘blacked-out’ look directly from the factory. The Jeep Altitude models continue to resonate with customers and adding Gladiator completes this lineup,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. “We are thrilled that the popular Altitude model joins the Gladiator lineup and is another way for Jeep to connect with customers.”
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator Altitude, based on the Sport S model, has exterior highlights that include a body-color grille with Dark Gray throats and headlamp rings, body-color fender flares, black Jeep and Trail Rated badging and 18-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels wrapped in 255/70R18 Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain tires. A black Freedom hardtop is standard on Gladiator Altitude, while the dual top is an available option.
Inside, the Gladiator Altitude features standard black cloth seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel with black stitching, Wizard Black instrument panel mid-bolster and bezels.
Gladiator Altitude is available in black, white, Firecracker Red, Billet Silver, Granite Crystal, Sting Gray, Hydro Blue, Gator and Gobi.
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Altitude Edition is priced at $40,340 (plus $1,495 destination). Gladiator Altitude models will be available in Jeep showrooms early in the third quarter.
The post Jeep® brand expands Gladiator lineup with Altitude model appeared first on The Scoop.
FCA US LLC reported second-quarter sales of 367,086 vehicles – a 39 percent decline over the same period a year earlier – as the economic havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in April was partially offset by the stronger than expected retail sales rebound in May and June.
Fleet sales were impacted in the quarter as customers initially delayed or reduced their orders, in addition as production restarted deliveries have been focused on the dealer channel.
“This quarter demonstrated the resilience of the U.S. consumer,” said Head of U.S. Sales Jeff Kommor. “Retail sales have been rebounding since April as the reopening of the economy, steady gas prices and access to low interest loans spur people to buy. Our fleet volume remained low during the quarter as we prioritized vehicle deliveries to retail customers. As a result, we have built a strong fleet order book, which we will fulfill over the coming months.”
This was also the first quarter consumers could completely purchase their vehicles online through the company’s new Online Retailing Experience (ORE). ORE is accessible through the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo websites, participating dealer sites and a variety of social media applications. Customers simply click on the link to begin the process.
About 20 percent of new sales leads now come from online retailing compared with about 1 percent a year earlier.
“ORE is another tool dealers can now use to reach those consumers who like shopping from their home computer,” Kommor said.
The post FCA reports 2020 second-quarter sales appeared first on The Scoop.
Chris Sorgatz, a project chief for validation at FCA, wears a 3D face shield he builds for local organizations.
Chris Sorgatz, a project chief for validation at FCA, may be working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic but the virus that’s on the top of everyone’s minds is keeping him busy in his spare time.
Sorgatz is using his passion for 3D printing to change people’s lives by printing and donating face shields to local hospitals, nursing homes and anyone else that he can safely reach.
Demand is through the roof, said Sorgatz, citing that among those who have expressed interest in his face shields are nursing homes, grocery stores and the VA hospital in Ann Arbor.
“I would like to help anyone that could take advantage of these and feel safer, be safer in their work environment,” said Sorgatz, describing how the labor of love that inspired him to turn on his printers came from reading a Facebook post. “A gentleman out of Sweden had already made a design … so he’d done the prototyping for us and was open source sharing the file. And the beauty of it was its simplicity and functionality.”
Sorgatz’s two printers have been producing an average of 40 to 50 face shields per day. The face shields consist of two parts: a 3D-printed frame or headband (made using 1.75 mm polylactic acid, or PLA, 3D filament) and a sheet of clear transparency film, the kind that are used for overhead projections.
He then uses a paper punch to create mounting holes along the long side of the transparency before attaching it to the studs on the frame.
“They’re good and flexible. Somebody in a pinch could use it, maybe up to a week,” he said, describing the face shields. “And I love what it does. I’ve handed them to people and I can tell, just the act of giving … for something that is designed to protect you, it’s changing people’s lives. And I love the idea of, you know, helping to preserve folks’ lives.
“So, yeah, you get invigorated when you’re doing something good to help people,” Sorgatz said.
The post Employee uses 3D printing to change lives appeared first on The Scoop.
Dodge//SRT is creating some fireworks of its own leading into the July 4 holiday weekend with the reveal of its new 2021 muscle car lineup at dodge.com at noon ET July 2, 2020.
The brand is marking the occasion by creating a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” with sounds of its iconic supercharged HEMI® engines. The combination of high-speed revving, upshifting, downshifting and supercharger whines comes together to make a one-of-a-kind national anthem.
“The sound of a screaming supercharged HEMI is so distinctive that this teaser video doesn’t need a single image … if you know, you know,” said Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo and Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “Tune in July 2 to celebrate with Dodge the pursuit of life, liberty and 8,950 horsepower.”
An initial 30-second teaser video will launch on dodge.com. Dodge will continue to build anticipation throughout the week leading up to the reveal by revealing three more unique teaser videos on July 1 across its social media channels, one each on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
One final reminder teaser will launch across all Dodge social media channels on July 2, the morning of the reveal.
After the July 2 reveal, Dodge//SRT will introduce a new full-length second video that showcases its new performance lineup set to the music created for the teaser.
The post Dodge to reveal 2021 muscle car lineup appeared first on The Scoop.
Scoop of the Week is a two-page summary of news from FCA US for the past week. This week’s featured stories are:
—FCA’s committed to diversity and inclusion on Juneteenth, and everyday
—Dodge makes history in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study
—Tipton Transmission reaches 4M milestone
—Chrysler practices social distancing in new Pacifica campaign
—A Historic Celebration: 110 Years of Alfa Romeo
Scoop of the Week – June 20-June 26, 2020
The post Scoop of the Week for June 20-26 appeared first on The Scoop.
Kokomo Transmission Plant employees observe 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence on Juneteenth.
A diverse and inclusive workplace has been a long-standing commitment of FCA where all people are respected and fully engaged in meeting and exceeding customer demands.
This commitment has driven many accomplishments through the years and includes the establishment of ten employee-directed business resource groups. These groups represent a diverse range of affinity communities and focus on supporting greater intercultural understanding.
While the process of improving business practices in the diversity space is continuous at FCA, the company has made several key decisions in recent weeks to raise the discussion on diversity and inclusion matters to a new level.
In a June 2 employee letter, CEO Mike Manley reaffirmed his and his leadership team’s commitment to taking a stand against racism and violence while encouraging FCA’s diverse team of nearly 200,000 employees to address these issues and listen to each other.
“As employees of one of the largest companies in the world, we absolutely have the individual and collective power to make a difference. Starting from how we treat each other at work through to creating opportunities for everyone to fulfill their potential, FCA can be a powerful and meaningful force for change,” Manley wrote in his letter. “One of our key corporate values is inclusion, celebration of diversity and the absolute rejection of racism and bigotry, for me this goes beyond a corporate value. We have an obligation to celebrate the diverse culture of who we are, we owe it to our company but more importantly we owe it to ourselves.”
This commitment was reinforced by COO Mark Stewart who joined business leaders from Detroit’s largest companies on June 3 in an unprecedented show of public unity to speak out against racism and injustice.
Stewart stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the CEOs of automotive companies, financial services companies, utilities, health care and others in the Detroit City Council chambers to speak out following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
“It is tragedy and injustice that has brought us together today and we mourn the loss of our brothers and sisters,” Stewart added. “Sadly, our society today has settled into a senseless state of compliancy — where we tolerate and accept social injustice. I say to you today, no more.”
Just two weeks prior to that meeting, Stewart announced Lottie Holland the Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement, FCA – North America and established her as one of his direct reports. During the same town hall, he also stated that FCA would make improving diversity among its primary corporate objectives.
These important announcements were followed by a panel discussion featuring diversity leaders from across the company during Stewart’s most recent virtual town hall. The discussion was moderated by Holland and focused on creating greater understanding on racial differences and social injustices.
“Diversity and inclusion is something I love,” said Head of Design Ralph Giles, who added that younger generations want to work for companies with a conscience. “We have no choice. We can’t go backwards.”
Marvin Washington, chair of the Fiat Chrysler African Ancestry Network (FCAAN), discussed some of the group’s top initiatives during the town hall. These included hosting a job fair for the new Detroit assembly plant, providing career development opportunities for African American employees, and hosting social events such as the Black History Month Legacy Gala.
Greg Hawkins, chairperson of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance (GALA) business resource group, provided an update on the group’s annual Pride Month activities during the round table. While most of these activities moved online due to the ongoing pandemic, the tower at the company’s Auburn Hills complex once again was lit purple for Pride Month.
In addition to supporting activities for Pride Month, FCA also issued a statement in support of the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court protecting LGBTQ employees in the workplace. In the past, the company has supported the Court’s opinion on same-sex marriage efforts in Michigan to extend the Eliot Larsen civil rights act to LGBTQ employees.
Chief Technical Compliance Officer Mark Chernoby also joined the round table participants in urging all employees to be allies and advocates for those of different backgrounds, to listen to diverse voices and to stand up for what’s right.
“To be an ally you’ve got to be there, you have to be active and you have to listen,” said Chernoby, who challenged employees to do this at work and in their personal lives.
Following the town hall, Stewart announced in a letter to all employees that FCA would observe Juneteenth at all of the company’s U.S. facilities. The corporate observance of Juneteenth included 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence, which represented the length of time a Minneapolis police officer knelt on George Floyd’s neck before he died.
The company has maintained long and valuable relationships with organizations that promote diversity and inclusion such as the National Association of Black Journalists and National Association of Hispanic Journalists. FCA also supports minority business with a minority supplier program. Since 1983, the company has purchased more than $88.2 billion from minority-, women- and veteran-owned suppliers.
These past several weeks have offered a glimpse of history, but also define FCA’s path forward to continue to support diverse employees and communities.
The post FCA’s committed to diversity and inclusion on Juneteenth, and everyday appeared first on The Scoop.
Vicki Wood with a 1955 Chrysler 300.
Vicki Wood, who broke down gender barriers in the early days of NASCAR racing and was supported early in her career by the Chrysler Corporation, died June 5, in Troy, Mich. She was 101.
Wood, who was called the “fastest woman in racing,” got her start in motorsports by competing in powder-puff races in suburban Detroit in the early 1950s. From the moment she took to the track, it was apparent she was going to be a driver who would be competing to win.
She finished ninth in her first-ever race in 1953 against 25 other drivers, according to her biography on the Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame. The following day in her second race, she won. She then won again in a race the following week, according to Autoweek.
Her continued success eventually led to a meeting with a Chrysler executive who provided a Chrysler 300 for her to drive in the 1955 speed trials in Daytona. Driving the Chrysler 300, Wood posted the third fastest time overall in the Daytona speed trials with a speed of 125.838 mph in the two-way flying mile.
Despite posting record times and showing she could compete with her male counterparts, some did not welcome her to the track. An Autoweek article recounted how in 1959, Wood went to drive at the new Daytona International Speedway and was stopped by someone saying women weren’t allowed in the pit area.
According to the article, Bill France, NASCAR’s first president, came up and said, ‘Vicki Wood is not a woman. She’s a driver, and she’s allowed in the pits.’”
Wood went on to set records at a variety of tracks and collect 47 wins according to Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame.
The post Vicki Wood, a gender-breaking, Chrysler-supported driver, dies at 101 appeared first on The Scoop.