Merger News

It may take 12-14 months before the FCA-PSA merger is finalized

Negotiations are underway as part of the closing elements of the FCA-PSA Group merger.

Photo courtesy of FCA-PSA

In an interview with Reuters, Michael Manley, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said merger talks are progressing well with PSA Group but that it may take 12-14 months before a deal is complete.

Late last year, the two companies agreed to a $47 billion merger to create the fourth largest automaker in the world by volume and the third largest by revenue. Using 2018 tallies, the two companies accounted for a combined 8.7 million vehicle sales.

The comments reiterate the timeline Manley had publicized after the deal was signed in December, signaling an early 2021 merger completion date.

In December, a news release issued by the companies indicated that there are no plans to close any factories and that the company expects to be cash flow positive from the get-go.

Americans should expect at least 13 vehicle brands to be caught up in the FCA-PSA merger but persons worried about the fate of Chrysler and Dodge should be comforted by side comments made by PSA personnel this week at indicated that the merger will not include the loss of the historic nameplates, at least right away.

Current negotiation points in the merger include how the variety of the companies' platforms will work on vehicles made by the combined automakers, and where shared resources in regards to underpinnings, powertrains, etc. can benefit the company as a whole.

Trending News

 
 

You can apply to become a Dodge ambassador with some great perks.

Dodge

One lucky person is about to win the car enthusiast's job of a lifetime, though only for a year. Beginning today, Dodge is accepting applications for its new and temporary Chief Donut Maker

If the title alone isn't enough to make the job sound appealing, the benefits are seemingly endless. The lucky new Dodge "employee" will pick up a $150,000 salary, along with the opportunity to drive an SRT Hellcat company car for the year. Additionally, the winner will participate in all manner of racing and car-related events, take courses at Radford Racing School, and get a load of Dodge-branded clothing.

Dodge is Hiring a Chief Donut Makerwww.youtube.com

If you're reading this and thinking it sounds like a blast - you're right. There's a catch, however, which comes in the form of an intense consideration process that culminates in a racing event with a pro driver on a closed course. A panel of judges will evaluate the video entries, and wrestler Bill Goldberg will oversee the race between the top ten finalists. Dodge says the series of eliminations will air like a reality TV show, with the winner being revealed in the final episode.

Today is the opening day of the application period. You have until February 28 to submit your short video, which can be a maximum of two minutes. Get busy making your video and head here to submit it before the deadline.

Trending News

 
 

The Grand Cherokee is now available with three rows.

Stellantis

The Grand Cherokee has always been the Jeep that could haul the family to the mall as easily as it could traverse serious off-road terrain. The design was starting to age, however, after ten years on the market without a major redesign. Jeep fixed that for the 2022 model year, and after a week behind the wheel, there are three things we think you should know about the new SUV.

It Comes in Two Formats

The three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L debuted in 2021 as the first Grand Cherokee with more than two rows of seating. The standard Grand Cherokee followed it with many of the same features and upscale finishes, but in a more familiar two-row SUV format. The move to a two-body-style lineup for the Grand Cherokee does not mean there's less choice. The standard two-row model is offered in a staggering number of configurations, including a 4xe plug-in hybrid variant.

2022 Jeep Grand CherokeeThe new Grand Cherokee ups the luxury considerably. Stellantis

It's Luxurious

Top Grand Cherokee trims have long been plusher and more luxurious than most people expect from a Jeep, and the new model takes things further down that road. Top trims feature luxurious materials such as quilted leathers and real wood trim, along with desirable and innovative electronics features. An optional passenger-side touchscreen offers climate controls and other functions to front-seat passengers, and Stellantis' UConnect infotainment software is among the easiest to use and most intuitive interfaces in the auto business.

2022 Jeep Grand CherokeeThe Grand Cherokee can take its passengers far off the beaten path.Stellantis

It's Available with Three Strong Powertrains

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is available, and Jeep's excellent 4xe plug-in hybrid can be added to certain trims. The Wrangler was the first vehicle to use the system, which provides instant torque and excellent all-electric driving range. When the battery is depleted below a certain level, the vehicle then switches to operate as a normal hybrid.

Trending News