Free Republic

Multinational automaker Stellantis, which formed last year in a merger between Italian-American conglomerate Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the French PSA Group, is shuttering a plant in Illinois that produces the Jeep Cherokee. The company dropped a statement for local media: Our industry has been adversely affected by a multitude of factors like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the global microchip shortage, but the most impactful challenge is the increasing cost related to the electrification of the automotive market. Stellantis has taken a number of actions to stabilize production and improve efficiency at its North American facilities to preserve affordability and...

On a cold afternoon in late January, I pulled into an industrial side-street of Saint Petersburg. There, I met with a man who I’ll refer to as “Oleg.” Oleg drives a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ—an “Orvis Edition” with a 5.2-liter V8. As we stood chatting by the hood of his car, many heads turned, and a fair share of strangers offered their thumbs up. A few others asked if the car was for sale, to which Oleg responded, ominously: “takiye mashini ne prodayutsya” (“cars like this don’t go up for sale”). In America, the Grand Cherokee ZJ is at...

The gear shifters in Anton Yelchin’s SUV are being looked at as the possible culprit in the accident that killed the 27-year-old actor on Sunday. Most 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee are part of a global recall that was announced by Fiat Chrysler, who makes Jeeps, in April due to a confusing electronic shift lever. “FCA US extends its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Yelchin,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “The company is in contact with the authorities and is conducting a thorough investigation. It is premature to speculate on the cause of this tragedy.”...