Tag: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

January 5, 2020

My Favorite Concept Vehicles

There was a time when the future of the automobile was exhibited to the public as a "concept." A concept vehicle was truly a vision of the future for which a few components would be present in new models within a few years later. Others were just straight out of science fiction with none of the concept's ideas brought to market at all.

December 19, 2019

Commentary: This is For Real, Now

It may be done, but there's plenty of shouting that might happen sometime afterward. Before the shouting starts, I better take a look at this deal to see if this is a good one for the combined companies, especially when it pertains to North American operations, employment, and market presence.

December 16, 2019

My Favorite Vehicles Of The 2010s

The history of this website almost spanned the entire decade – I rebranded it in 2011. Yet, I have done some reviews on the old blog the year prior. Remembering those will be a challenge in itself because most of the vehicles on this list would be from 2011 and onward.

November 19, 2019

The Return of The EcoDiesel…and Then Some

For the record, these trucks are no longer called "Dodge." Since 2009, Ram Trucks had to deal with customers who still had no clue that not only this is a stand-alone brand focused on pickup trucks and other commercial vehicles for FCA's North American markets. Then again, they don't read the industry trade publications that have tracked Ram's successes in pickup truck sales against its Ford and General Motors rivals.

November 17, 2019

Historiography: The Fine Car Era

For starters, your definition may be different than the next person's. Luxury is subjective to the beholder. How you define it depends on your expectations of what luxury means to you. Also, how luxury feels to you.

October 16, 2019

My Favorite Hybrids

I know that you cringe over hybrid gas-electric driven automobiles. It is easy to blame Toyota and the popular acceptance of the Prius during its second generation. That particular vehicle was the darling of Hollywood at the time. How many of your favorite celebrities owned a second-generation Prius?

September 15, 2019

My Favorite Misbegotten Vehicles

Think about the idea of intention and purpose. A designer, an engineer, and an executive – oh, yes, let's not forget the folks in accounting – are all involved in the process of creating a vehicle. Once everyone signs off on it, they have to campaign for its success. Even the marketing folks have to be on board with selling it to everyone – dealerships, the communications folks, and, ultimately, the consumer.

September 4, 2019

Commentary: Nuovo Cinquecento non è più in America

The Nuovo Cinquecento was an interesting piece of automotive culture. It's arrival into the European market in 2007 sparked a revival for the brand with its retro design onto a modern platform. Fiat was turning around and creating better vehicles for the markets it served by that time. The 500 was indeed the one layer of the cake that truly made it great.