Fiat Chrysler
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Fiat Chrysler teams with startup Archer to build an electric air taxi
Archer Aviation has announced a partnership with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
Maserati says all of its cars will be hybrid or fully electric in five years
Over the next five years, Maserati plans to electrify its entire lineup.
Ram is working on an electric version of its popular pickup truck
Fiat Chrysler's CEO confirmed a Ram EV or hybrid is in the works.
Fiat Chrysler's early EV plans include an Alfa Romeo SUV in 2022
Fiat Chrysler's EV plans are finally taking shape, and they should include a small SUV in 2022.
Fiat may automatically switch hybrids to electric-only mode in city centers
Fiat may allow its hybrid plug-in cars to automatically switch to electric-only mode when they enter congested city centers.
Fiat Chrysler and AutoX confirm plans to work on robotaxis
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is joining forces with the Chinese startup AutoX to bring self-driving robotaxis to China. The companies confirmed rumors of their partnership today and announced that the AutoX AI Driver platform will be installed in FCA Chrysler Pacificas. The robotaxis could appear in Chinese cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai in the first half of 2020.
Fiat Chrysler's Android-based Uconnect 5 supports Alexa and wireless CarPlay
Fiat Chrysler's collaboration with Google on in-car Android tech is bearing fruit. The car maker has unveiled an Android-based Uconnect 5 infotainment system that should help it keep up with an influx of modern tech. It includes personalization for up to five drivers, and an interface that takes better advantage of screen real estate with "cards" that provide fast access to features like your media or phone contacts. You can order food or pre-authorize fuel, too. However, some of the biggest changes lie underneath the surface -- this is as much about acknowledging the rapid evolution of car tech as anything else.
Amazon is bringing Fire TV to cars and Dolby Atmos to its soundbars
Amazon plans to bring its Fire TV platform to in-car entertainment systems. Today, Amazon announced that Fire TV Edition for Auto will appear in future BMW and Fiat Chrysler vehicles. It will include access to Alexa, a touchscreen interface and offline playback capabilities. Content will be available through the vehicle's WiFi or LTE connection, a mobile hotspot or a WAN-enabled device.
Jeep is showing off its first three plug-in hybrids at CES this week
This week, CES attendees can check out Jeep's first three plug-in hybrid models: the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the Jeep Compass 4xe and the Jeep Renegade 4xe. All three are scheduled to debut in 2020, but they aren't quite ready yet, so Jeep is offering a VR-based test drive. The Jeep 4x4 Adventure VR Experience simulates a ride in the Jeep Wrangler 4xe on Hell's Revenge trail in Moab, Utah, and CES attendees can take it for a spin.
Fiat Chrysler's Airflow Vision concept car touts an all-digital cabin
Have you wondered what would happen if Fiat Chrysler embraced fully digital car cabins? You're looking at it. The automaker has unveiled an Airflow Vision concept car for CES 2020 where the interior is effectively all-digital, with six screens handling the experience for the driver and passengers. Virtually the only physical buttons are the starter button and the on-wheel navigation keys. That might not be thrilling if you still prefer tactile input, but FCA is promising that the screens won't be overwhelming.
Fiat Chrysler may strike Renault deal to survive changing car industry
Fiat Chrysler hasn't been on the cutting edge of automotive change as of late. Unless you count concepts like the Centoventi, the company hasn't done much with EVs -- and its support for autonomy mostly involves supplying minivans to Waymo. The automaker might make a huge deal that could prepare it for the future, though. Financial Times sources have claimed that Fiat Chrysler is in advanced talks to create "extensive ties" with Renault to help it cope with a changing industry. It might even join the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance in the future, although the tipsters cautioned that nothing was set at this stage.
Fiat Chrysler will pay Tesla to avoid EU emissions fines
Environmental regulations can create strange bedfellows, it seems. The Financial Times has learned that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will pay Tesla hundreds of millions of euros (specific numbers aren't available) to pool the EV brand's cars with its own fleet and avoid fines for violating stricter EU emissions rules in 2020. The move should help FCA meet the EU's CO2 emissions target of 95g per kilometer by lowering its average from a higher-than-usual 123g. Fiat Chrysler has been relatively slow to adopt electric and hybrid cars -- this buys it time to catch up without having to take many (if any) radical steps.
Jeep preps plug-in hybrid versions of its Compass and Renegade SUVs
Jeep isn't exactly synonymous with eco-friendly cars, but it's bent on changing that reputation. The 4x4 maker has unveiled plug-in hybrid versions of the 2020 Compass (below) and Renegade (above) crossover SUVs. Both meld a 1.3-liter conventional turbo engine with an electric motor to deliver both more power and, of course, a lower environmental footprint. They can pump out up to 240HP when both powerplants are engaged, hitting 62MPH in about 7 seconds, but they can also drive for up to 31 miles solely on electric power. You could commute emissions-free in the city while still having plenty of range and raw grunt for your off-road excursions.
Fiat's CEO still telling people not to buy his electric car
If a company convinces you not to buy its products, it's normally destined for a spot on some "Worst Business Decisions" list. Sergio Marchionne, however, is a master of the art when it comes to dissing his own electric vehicle. The Fiat Chrysler CEO isn't a fan of the law that requires car makers to produce EVs, and has again gone on record to ask people not to buy the Fiat 500e. Last year, he told press that the company lost $10,000 on each compliance car that's sold, and now that figure's apparently bumped up to $14,000. This time out, the executive added that as soon as the EV has sold the minimum quantity required by law, it'll be withdrawn - or the Fiat Chrysler would soon be going back to Washington looking for another bailout. Then again, telling people not to do something could be a very dangerous tactic, since we all know how that worked out for Barbra Streisand.
