December 04, 2023

Fires prompt Jeep to recall Wrangler hybrid SUVs

Jeep is recalling more than 32,000 Wrangler 4xe models because of a potential fire risk, the company announced after it reported there had been 8 fires involving the hybrid-model vehicles.

The recall includes Wrangler 4xe's in the 2021-2024 model years. 6 vehicles reportedly caught fire while the popular off-roaders were plugged in to charge but while they were parked and not running, the company said. The recall will involve installing a new battery pack or undergoing what's known as a software flash.

The problem came to light when Stellantis, Jeep's parent company, was doing a routine review of its customer data. It found evidence of the 8 fires, launched an investigation and the recall.
Stellantis has not reported any accidents or injuries related to the fires.

The recall applies to the Wrangler 4xe models that have a hybrid power train that relied on a 14 kWh lithium-ion battery, which is located under the rear seat.

"The vehicles may be driven. However, the company is advising owners to refrain from recharging these hybrid vehicles, and to park them away from structures and other vehicles, until they are remedied," Stellantis said in a statement.

Ford says UAW strike cost $1.7 billion in lost profits in 2023

Ford reported that the strike by the United Auto Workers (UAW) resulted in a substantial loss of $1.7 billion in profits. This announcement came as Ford disclosed its before-tax, full-year 2023 earnings expectations, ranging from $10 billion to $10.5 billion.

In a statement, Ford highlighted that the new U.S. labor agreement with the UAW is anticipated to incur a cost of $8.8 billion throughout the contract's duration. The major components contributing to this total include gross wages, accelerated wage progression, and cost-of-living adjustments.

According to Ford CFO John Lawler, the projected total cost of the UAW contract will be approximately $900 per vehicle by the year 2028. The financial setback during the strike predominantly stemmed from disruptions in the production of high-profit-margin trucks and SUVs, leading to a reduction of around 100,000 total units produced.

At the Barclays Global Automotive and Mobility Tech Conference, Lawler was expected to showcase Ford's Ford+ plan-an initiative aimed at positioning the company at the convergence of hardware, software, and services to navigate the evolving auto industry landscape.

Lawler emphasized the significant technological transformation in the industry, stating, "This industry is going through the biggest technology-led transformation we've ever seen, and some companies, new and old, are going to be left behind." He asserted that Ford+ represents the right strategy for success, emphasizing the company's disciplined capital allocation, consistent execution, strong growth, profitability, and reduced cyclical vulnerability.

The strike concluded on October 25, after 40 days, with an agreement that both the UAW and Ford recognized as historic. The deal included a 25% general wage increase over four years, with Ford workers receiving an immediate 11% wage hike upon ratification. The highest UAW autoworker wage at Ford increased by over 30% to $40 per hour, and the starting wage rate saw a 68% raise to $28 per hour.

In comparison, GM reported a UAW strike cost of $1.1 billion but expressed confidence in expecting robust profits in 2023 despite significant improvements in wages, cost-of-living adjustments, and other gains for its union workers.

What Happened to the Manual Transmission?

A generation (or two) ago there were plenty of manual transmission vehicles on the road, but these days they are becoming more and more uncommon. Automatic transmissions have become far better than they once were. Convenience and efficiency are quickly making manuals obsolete. But they're not gone yet. Following are a list of cars you can still get with manual transmissions:

Acura Integra

The compact hatchback is back for 2023 and offers a six-speed manual to pair with its 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

BMW M2, M3 and M4

Like the M3, the BMW M4 can be ordered with a six-speed behind its 473-hp twin-turbo inline-six. But the gearbox is limited to the coupe body style.

Chevrolet Camaro

A six-speed manual is available with every engine choice offered in this rear-wheel-drive muscle car.

Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger is still offered with a manual gearbox. Several versions come standard with a six-speed manual, including those equipped with the 375-hp 5.7-liter V-8.

Ford Mustang

Though the GT500 is only available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, you can still get a stick in every other version of Ford's Mustang.

Honda Civic

The Civic hatchback lets buyers shift their own gears in the Sport and Sport Touring guises.

Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa sedan remains one of the most budget-friendly new cars you can buy, and you can get it with a five-speed manual.

Toyota GR Corolla

The high-performance hatchback comes only with a six-speed manual, along with a powerful 300-hp turbo-three and all-wheel drive.

Volkswagen Jetta

The German automaker offers its sedan with a six-speed manual attached to its 158-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.


Thanks for reading,

The Editor

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