CHRYSLER

Stellantis is gearing up to lay off workers at its stamping plant in Sterling Heights, United Auto Workers officials said Tuesday.

The executives say the tax credit is critical to keep the vehicles affordable as production and commodity costs rise.

Chrysler parent company Stellantis is building its next electric vehicle project outside of Michigan. A joint venture between Stellantis and Samsung for an electric vehicle battery factory will be built in Kokomo, Indiana. Michigan offered the automaker several sites in state but ultimately lost the bid — a tough loss after the state funneled $1 billion in state funds to attract large business projects. “We understand that we have to continue to raise the level of our game and we’ll continue to do so,” he said. The Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) fund was created after Michigan lost out on an $11.4 billion electric vehicle investment from Ford Motor Company.

Automaker Stellantis says it will invest $3.6 billion Canadian dollars, about $2.8 billion, to upgrade two Canadian assembly plants and expand a research center as it accelerates its long-term electrification strategy.

The U.S. government is ending an investigation into complaints of USB charging port fires in some Fiat Chrysler minivans without seeking a recall.

The new plant is part of the automaker's plans to accelerate its EV investment to achieve sales of 5 million EVs globally by 2030.

Readers enter detective mode to identify a rusted out old car in Yellowwood State Forest.

A rusted-away automobile that's become part of the landscape along a Yellowwood State Forest horse trail remains a mystery.

The Big Three Detroit automakers are supporting relief efforts in Ukraine. General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Stellantis, the parent company for Chrysler, each said this week they will donate to support Ukrainians who have been displaced by the Russian invasion.

Four members of a family from Washington state were killed and three were injured in a crash on Interstate 5 in central California, authorities said Thursday. All seven victims were in a Chrysler minivan when it struck a big rig parked on the shoulder Wednesday morning near Fresno, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Rory Marks. The highway patrol said those killed were 43-year-old Lute Katalina Fekitoa, 25-year-old Naomi Cook, and two children — a 13-year-old boy and 9-year-old girl.

The family of a little girl who was killed when her mother's car was rear-ended by a Jeep on a Phoenix freeway can sue the SUV's manufacturer for wrongful death because it did not install automatic emergency braking devices that were available as optional equipment, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Tuesday. The court rejected arguments from lawyers for Jeep parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US that the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's decision not to require the devices pre-empted the state lawsuit. The decision written by Justice Bill Montgomery also overturned a similar 2019 decision that said automakers were immune to such lawsuits because of the federal agency's decision not to require the technology.

The automaker plans to do this while sustaining a double-digit operating profit margin as it largely moves to all-electric vehicles.

Chrysler aims to have an all-electric vehicle lineup by 2028, the century-old automaker announced Wednesday. Chrysler says its first battery-electric vehicle will be available by 2025. The crossover concept called the Chrysler Airflow includes a new AI-enabled vehicle system powered by a battery that it says can travel 350 to 400 miles per charge. “The Chrysler Airflow Concept represents the start of the brand’s journey toward a fully electrified future. “The Chrysler Airflow Concept represents the future direction of the Chrysler brand, providing a peek at the dynamic design, advanced technologies and seamless connectivity that will characterize the full-electric portfolio we plan to reach by 2028,” said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand CEO - Stellantis.

Chrysler says it plans for its vehicle lineup to go all electric by 2028.

Those plans begin with a new concept vehicle called the Chrysler Airflow that was unveiled Wednesday for the CES consumer technology show in Las Vegas.

TAWAS CITY, MI — A two-vehicle collision in Iosco County has claimed the life of a Greenbush woman. The crash occurred about 10:25 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28, on US-23 near Whittemore Road, just south of Tawas City. The Toyota’s driver, a 31-year-old man from Hinsdale, Illinois, lost control of his vehicle and crossed the centerline, crashing into the Chrysler. Denelle Havercroft, a passenger in the Toyota, died of injuries she sustained in the crash, troopers confirmed. The Toyota’s driver and the two 69-year-old Alanson residents who occupied the Chrysler were all hospitalized for treatment of serious injuries, troopers said.

Factorial Energy signs a joint development agreement with high-voltage traction solid-battery technology.

The maker of Jeep SUVs and Ram trucks will require U.S. non-union, salaried employees to be vaccinated by Jan. 5 or possibly face termination.

DETROIT, MI — Michigan regulators say they’re planning to fine FCA Stellantis over mounting air pollution violations at assembly plants in Warren and Detroit. In a letter to FCA plant managers in Detroit and Warren, EGLE staff said the equipment violations are considered “high priority” by the EPA. The state says Stellantis can resolve them though an agreement that includes a monetary penalty and compliance plan. “Although the plant is operating within its permitted emission limits, correcting this condition is our top priority,” Brieda wrote. The increase in emissions at the Detroit facility was “offset” by reductions at the Warren facility within the permit despite knowledge of pre-existing high levels of asthma in the census tracts closest to the Stellantis plant.

Federal prosecutors say Timothy Edmunds of Local 412 in Michigan used much of those funds for gambling, high-end vehicles and luxury clothes.

Some white collar workers at Stellantis have the next few weeks to decide if they want to retire.

Three Chicago police officers were taken to an area hospital for observation after a two-vehicle crash Monday night, police said. A fourth man also was injured.

To be eligible, employees must be at least 55 years old and have been with the company for 30 years or be at least 58 years old with 10 years of employment.

Residents that live near the Stellantis Mack Assembly Plant on Detroit’s east side claim fumes from the plant are causing their throats to burn.

The violation notice is the first to be issued. Residents are complaining of burning eyes, headaches and other affects they attribute to the industrial odors, Byrnes said. The Sept. 20 violation notice rated the odors as a three and four on a five-point scale. FCA plant neighbors told Fox2 Detroit this week that the odors have worsened recently as the assembly plant began painting automobiles. The company has received hundreds of millions in state and local tax incentives for the assembly plant.

KENT COUNTY, MI – Two people were injured in a four-vehicle crash Wednesday morning. The van driver, a 56-year-old Rockford woman, hit a Dodge Avenger trying to turn and a Buick car that was driving through the intersection, police said. A Ford pickup stopped at a stop sign was also hit. The van driver had minor injuries and was also taken to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital. More from MLive:Millage easily passes for Grand Rapids Public Schools operating budgetWest Michigan businesses expect ‘strong growth’ in second half of 2021Huizenga, Courtade win close primary for 28th District Senate seat covering large area of Kent County

When Stellantis merged with Fiat Chrysler, it didn’t waiver on the deal with the city of Detroit to revitalize not only the Mack engine plant but the surrounding area.

GM and Stellantis recently poached executives from several technology companies such as Amazon and Lyft as well as Chinese electric vehicle start-up Nio.

The company expects more than 70% of sales in Europe and over 40% in the U.S. to be low emission vehicles (EVs and hybrid electric models).

“We get 40 illegal trucks per day,” said Tom Hendrickson. “We hear, feel, smell them.”

When residents complained about loud trucks rolling through their Pingree Park neighborhood at all hours, they were promised the traffic would stop.

Here are tonight's top stories

Chrysler’s new plant on Detroit’s east side was a massive boost to the city’s economy, but neighbors living near it said it’s a nightmare.

Michigan State Police are investigating a freeway shooting Thursday on Interstate 75 involving two children.

DETROIT -- More than 500,000 heavy-duty Ram trucks have been recalled by Fiat-Chrysler over a problem with the lug nuts that can cause the wheels to fall off. According to the Associated Press, the company says specifications in some of the service and owner’s manuals had the wrong torque specifications. The company also says the wheels were tightened properly at the production facilities, so only trucks whose wheels have been removed for service are at risk. The recall impacts certain 2012 through 2021 Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickups, and Ram 4500 and 5500 cab-chassis, according to the AP. Those trucks have dual rear wheels and flanged lug nuts.

Fiat Chrysler is recalling more than a half-million heavy-duty Ram trucks to fix a problem that can cause the wheels to fall off.

Man says he was threatened with gun while driving I-75

Products from brands like Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat are aging, and some have struggled to gain traction.

The plant has been down since late March due to the global semiconductor shortage that is thinning inventory at dealerships and increasing vehicle prices.

Stellantis executives this week said the second quarter is expected to be the worst affected by the shortage

ANN ARBOR – The 2020 softball season was lost in the blink of an eye. MLive has highlighted 11 Ann Arbor-area softball players to keep an eye on for the remainder of the 2021 season. The players listed were compiled based on input from area coaches, team and season stats up to this point in the season. --Sam Sutton, DexterSeniorSutton was a first team Ann Arbor Dream Team selection as a sophomore in 2019 and has picked up where she left off in 2021. --Ceci Maixner, Ann Arbor PioneerJuniorMaixner had a solid freshman season that led to Dream Team honorable mention honors.

Two Italian managers in Fiat Chrysler’s diesel engine program have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Detroit in a widening case alleging a scheme to cheat on U.S. emissions tests.

Two Italian managers in Fiat Chrysler’s diesel engine program have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Detroit in a widening case involving allegations of emissions test cheating.

General Motors’ push to go all-electric is capturing national attention.

Michigan’s worst-in-the-nation Covid-19 outbreak is starting to affect automotive production, with a major Ram pickup truck plant slowing its output due to a large number of absent workers.

The coronavirus pandemic helped cause the automotive semiconductor shortage. The scarcity is lasting as long as the pandemic has and is almost as expensive.

One person was killed in a multi-vehicle accident on the Dan Ryan Expressway early Sunday.

General Motors says an electric version of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck will get an estimated 400 miles of range per charge.

General Motors says an electric version of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck will get an estimated 400 miles of range per charge.

DETROIT – The company that makes heavy-duty diesel Ram trucks is telling some owners to park them outdoors due to the risk of an engine fire. Fiat Chrysler, now part of Stellantis, is recalling just over 20,000 of the trucks mainly in the U.S. and Canada. The company says the 2021 pickup and chassis cab trucks have heater electrical relays that can short, overheat and in rare cases cause fires. None involved customer vehicles. The recalled trucks are equipped with 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engines.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Car Connection is recognizing the new 2021 Chrysler Pacifica as its Best Minivan to Buy 2021, marking the fifth consecutive year Pacifica has earned Best Minivan to Buy honors. The Chrysler Pacifica is the most awarded minivan over the last four years, with more than 140 honors and industry accolades. “No other vehicle does utility like the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, especially now that it comes with all-wheel drive,” said Martin Padgett, editorial director of Internet Brands Automotive, publishers of The Car Connection. The Pacifica Hybrid continues to be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, as well as any state and local credits. The Car ConnectionThe Car Connection is the easiest place to research and shop for cars online.

DETROIT -- Fiat Chrysler says it will recall thousands of 2021 model year heavy-duty diesel Ram trucks over concerns of a possible fire hazard and are warning owners to park their trucks outside. The issue can even happened when the engine is turned off, leading the company to tell owners of impacted trucks to leave the truck outside. Approximately 20,000 of the trucks will be recalled in the U.S. and Canada once the company has developed a repair. The trucks being recalled are equipped with 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engines, according to the AP. Owners wanting to learn more or to find out if their truck has been recalled can call the company’s customer service line at 1-800-853-1403.

This May 12, 2020, photo shows a general view of the Renaissance Center, headquarters for General Motors, along the Detroit skyline from the Detroit River. Scarves, gloves and hats can be shed by the middle of Saturday afternoon. Skies will be blue, the sun will be out and temperatures will rise to milder ranges. It will be chillier near the Detroit River and the big lakes. Watch: Saturday, March 20, 2021 afternoon weather updateThis is the perfect weather for an afternoon drive.

Fiat Chrysler said Wednesday on an earnings call that it spent EUR 300 million (US $362 million) on regulatory credits last year in Europe alone — most of which it bought from Tesla. In 2019, FCA committed to spend about $2 billion on environmental regulatory credits through the end of 2021. Selling these regulatory credits has been an increasingly important part of Tesla's business as the automaker has pushed toward sustained profitability. In 2020, Tesla generated $1.58 billion in revenue from sales of regulatory credits, nearly tripling its 2019 figure of $594 million. 2020 regulatory credit sales ended up being higher than our expectations, and it's difficult to give guidance on that," Kirkhorn said.

DETROIT – Fiat-Chrysler will pay its union-represented employees profit sharing bonuses of up to $8,010 after the company recorded a $29 million net profit in 2020, parent company Stellantis announced. The payments are expected to hit bank accounts on March 15, FOX 2 Detroit reports. The profit sharing arrangement is part of the 2019 collective bargaining agreement between FCA and the United Auto Workers, the report said. In 2020, UAW members received bonuses of $7,280. READ MORE:Michigan’s unemployment agency director got $86,000 to leave job, on condition of confidentialityWednesday, March 3, coronavirus data by Michigan county: Five counties had no cases in past weekRestaurants, casinos, gyms, nursing homes: All the changes Michigan made to COVID-19 restrictions on Tuesday118-year-old Great Lakes freighter catches fire in Duluth harbor

The Italian-American carmaker and the French mass-market automotive company completed their merger on Jan. 16, creating Stellantis, the world’s fourth-largest carmaker, despite a pandemic year that saw profits plunge. “Stellantis is not born from a crisis,’’ Tavares told a conference call after fourth-quarter earnings were released. Fiat Chrysler reported adjusted net profits in the pandemic year of 1.9 billion euros ($2.3 billion), down 57% from 2019. PSA reported earnings of 2.2 billion euros, a drop of 32%. Fiat Chrysler reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings before interest and taxes of 2.3 billion euros, a record 2.2 billion euros of those generated in North America, where the profit margin was 11.6%.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Source: Fiat ChryslerThe principal chief of the Cherokee Nation wants Jeep to stop using the tribe's name on its SUVs, saying it "does not honor us by having our name plastered on the side of a car." Jeep started using the Cherokee name more than 45 years ago, including on the brand's top-selling Grand Cherokee SUV. Hoskin doesn't expect Jeep to immediately change the name of the vehicles, but he said the Cherokee Nation does not condone the use of the name. I disagree, and we've had this name a bit longer than the Jeep company has. After being contacted by Car and Driver about Hoskin's statement, several company officials reached out to the Cherokee Nation, according to Hoskin.

DETROIT – Much of General Motors’ success and positive press in recent months comes from the discussion around electric vehicles. GM wants to sell all electric vehicles by 2035 and be carbon neutral by 2040. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares visited Detroit, looking to introduce himself and see his Detroit plants. Chrysler’s future is likely electric and autonomous. He said the company is aggressively pursuing electric vehicles, but also said the company has to be very careful because electrification adds significant cost.

They join a long list of major automakers, including Ford, Honda and Fiat Chrysler, which have warned investors or slowed vehicle production because of the chip shortage. But it's not just the automotive industry that's struggling to get enough semiconductors to build their products. Sony blamed the chip shortage for why it's so hard to get a PlayStation 5 game console. The Semiconductor Industry Association said in December that global chip sales would grow 8.4% in 2021 from 2020's total of $433 billion. "The shortage in the semiconductor industry is across the board," said incoming Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon last month.

Illinois State Police troopers were called to near Interstate 94 and 67th Street in Englewood about 10:50 p.m. Tuesday after a 2018 black Chrysler sedan that had been heading south collided with a utility pole, according to Trooper Elizabeth Clausing. A 16-year-old boy in the same car also was seriously hurt and authorities said his injuries were considered life-threatening.

UAW President Rory Gamble (left) and U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider announce a settlement agreement to end a years-long corruption investigation into the union on Dec. 14, 2020 in Detroit. Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler, has agreed to pay $30 million as part of a plea deal to settle a criminal investigation into collusion and bribery of union officials by former executives of the company's North American operations. The deal, which was announced Wednesday by federal prosecutors in Detroit, ends a multiyear federal probe into Fiat Chrysler and the United Auto Workers union. Prosecutors announced a separate plea deal last month with the UAW. It's unclear at this time when Stellantis will pay the fine as the agreement remains subject to U.S. federal court approval.

DETROIT – What was Chrysler went to Daimler Chrysler then Fiat Chrysler and now Stellantis. The merger was announced over the weekend and the new CEO on Tuesday talked about how the enlarged company will compete. The one thing Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares, said Tuesday that should give FCA employees comfort is he doesn’t expect layoffs saying the company’s new global scale will put a shield around jobs. But the CEO says global scale provides strength to handle a lot meaning no layoffs. “I think Stellantis is at a point of strong fundamentals to do great things in the future,” said Tavares.

From Dodge to Maserati, every new model the company launches from now until 2025 will offer an "electrified" variant. He did not specify how many would be all-electric, plug-in hybrids or traditional hybrids that don't need to be plugged in. Stellantis — now the world's fourth-largest automaker — is valued at about $26.5 billion. Cruise, a majority-owned subsidiary of General Motors, also announced a new $2 billion investment round Tuesday that included Microsoft and GM. The self-driving company said its post-money valuation is $30 billion, up from $19 billion in mid-2019.

Massimo Pinca | ReutersShares of Stellantis – the merged automaker of Fiat Chrysler and France-based Groupe PSA – jumped by more than 11% in their trading debut on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. The $52 billion merger was finalized Saturday, and the combined company's shares started trading Monday under STLA on Euronext in Paris and the Borsa Italiana in Milan. Stellantis The company's name is rooted in the Latin verb "stello" meaning "to brighten with stars," the companies have said. The company's 14 individual auto brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Fiat, Jeep and Peugeot – all which have historical significance in their respective countries – will remain unchanged. Board of directors The Stellantis board of directors is composed of two executive directors, Tavares and former Fiat Chrysler Chairman John Elkann.

Stellantis, the car company combining PSA Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler, was launched Monday on the Milan and Paris stock exchanges, giving life to the fourth-largest car company in the world. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)MILAN – Stellantis, the car company combining PSA Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler, was launched Monday on the Milan and Paris stock exchanges, giving life to the fourth-largest auto company in the world. Stellantis shares rallied 7.6% in Milan to 13.53 euros ($16.32). CEO Carlos Tavares said during a virtual bell-ringing ceremony that the merger creates 25 billion euros in shareholder value. Its closing market capitalization was under 20 billion euros, far off its 2018 highs of more than 30 billion euros.

Shortly before 7 p.m. Friday, a man, 31, and a woman, 27, were inside of a Chrysler in the 1100 block of West Montana Street in the Wrightwood Neighbors neighborhood when two people approached the vehicle on both sides. The person on the passenger side pulled out a handgun and told the two to exit their vehicle. They got out, and the two people entered the Chrysler and drove away. The vehicle was recovered later on the 400 block of Roslyn Place, police said.

Fiat Chrysler Shareholders of Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA Group met Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 to vote on a merger that will create the world's fourth-largest automaker. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)DETROIT – The merger between Peugeot maker PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles that will lead to the creation of Stellantis was complete Saturday. The Peugeot and FCA merger has been the subject of much controversy. Speaking to Local 4 News earlier this month, Frank Rhodes, the great grandson of Walter Chrysler who founded famed auto company Chrysler in 1924 expressed concern over the business deal. Read more: Great grandson of Walter Chrysler worries about fate of automaker

Amazon introduces an in-car gadget, the Echo Auto, at an event on Sept. 20, 2018Amazon wants to make it easier for automakers to bring voice assistants to their vehicles. The company announced on Friday a new service — Alexa Custom Assistant — that enables automakers and device manufacturers to develop their own digital assistant, built on Amazon's Alexa voice-enabled technology. Even though it relies on Amazon technology, automakers can tailor their digital assistant to their liking by setting unique wake words, voice, skills and capabilities, such as search, traffic updates and navigation. The company has baked the digital assistant into a range of devices around the home, including microwaves, clocks and smart plugs. Fiat Chrysler, which has previously partnered with Amazon on bringing its technology to vehicles, will be the first automaker to develop its own digital assistant via Alexa Custom Assistant, Amazon said.

A rendering of Archer's planned electric aircraft, which the company says will be capable of 60 miles at speeds of up to 150 mphFiat Chrysler is teaming up with air mobility company Archer to help lower costs and accelerate the launch of an electric "flying car," more formally known as a vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The deal will give California-based Archer access to Fiat Chrysler's low-cost supply chain, advanced composite material capabilities, engineering and design experience. The aircraft are expected to be used as air taxis for shorter, low-level routes to ease road congestion. Morgan Stanley has said the autonomous urban aircraft market may be worth $1.5 trillion by 2040. "Our partnership with Archer has mutual benefits and will enable innovative, environmentally friendly transportation solutions to be brought to market at an accelerated pace."

A widening global shortage of semiconductors for auto parts is forcing major auto companies to halt or slow vehicle production just as they were recovering from pandemic-related factory shutdowns. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)DETROIT – A widening global shortage of semiconductors for auto parts is forcing major auto companies to halt or slow vehicle production just as they were recovering from pandemic-related factory shutdowns. Toyota was forced to slow production of the full-size Tundra pickup at a factory in San Antonio, Texas. "This will minimize the impact of the current semiconductor shortage while ensuring we maintain production at our other North American plants,” Fiat Chrysler said in a statement. The firm lists major players in the automotive chip market as STMicroelectronics, Infineon Technologies, NXP Semiconductor, Texas Instruments and Toshiba.

DETROIT – A revamped version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV with three rows of seats will roll off the assembly line this spring at a restored Detroit factory complex. Fiat Chrysler unveiled the Grand Cherokee L on Thursday and said production would start by the end of March. It hired 3,850 people to work at the company's first new auto plant in Detroit in nearly three decades. Current versions of the Grand Cherokee are now being built at FCA's Jefferson North plant in Detroit. Once Detroit Assembly is up and running, Jefferson North will be converted to build the new versions, FCA said.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Fiat ChryslerDETROIT — Fiat Chrysler is expanding its popular Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup with a new three-row model, which the company believes will widen the vehicle's appeal in an increasingly competitive SUV market. 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Fiat ChryslerFiat Chrysler said the three-row vehicle will go on sale in the second quarter, followed later this year by the two-row and plug-in models. Meunier said there will be "significant differentiation" between the three-row Grand Cherokee model and the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer model, an upcoming luxury Jeep that will top $100,000. The Grand Cherokee L will come standard with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 290 horsepower and 257 lb.-ft. of torque. 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Fiat ChryslerThe interior of the Grand Cherokee L features 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen displays as well as a 10.25-inch frameless digital driver information screen behind the steering wheel.

The Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles merger is at the center of the contention. Walter Chrysler founded his famed auto company in 1924. His name has stuck around through the Daimler merger and the Fiat takeover, but this new world without Chrysler bothers his great grandson, Frank Rhodes. Rhodes is also upset about the possibility the Chrysler brand itself is in jeopardy. “It’s down to two vehicles now and one is a very old Sedan and Sedans aren’t selling, so the future of the Chrysler brand may be questionable,” said Krebs.

Fiat Chrysler narrowed its sales losses in the fourth quarter but not enough to avoid what is expected to be one of the worst declines in the auto industry for 2020. Sales weren't quite as bad in the fourth quarter, falling 7.9% compared with the same time in 2019. Fiat Chrysler's largest crosstown rival, General Motors, earlier in the day reported an 11.8% decline in its sales for 2020, while Ford Motor is expected to report its sales Wednesday morning. There were few bright spots for Fiat Chrysler's sales in 2020. Looking ahead, we anticipate an exciting year that will include a variety of new vehicles," Jeff Kommor, Fiat Chrysler's head of U.S. sales, said in a release.

DETROIT – Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at Noon. Shareholders approve merger between Fiat Chrysler, PeugeotShareholders of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Peugeot voted Monday to merge and create the world’s fourth-largest auto company which, its architects hope, can more readily take on an enormous technological shift in the industry.

Fiat Chrysler Shareholders of Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA Group are meeting Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 to vote on a merger that will create the world's fourth-largest automaker. Fiat Chrysler shares were up 0.2% in New York on Monday at $18.13, while Peugeot rose 1.7% to 22.75 euros. Fiat Chrysler announced Monday that its stockholders as of Jan. 15 will get a special cash payment worth 1.84 euros ($2.26) per common share after the merger closes. Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley will head North American operations, which is key to Tavares' long-time goal of getting a U.S. foothold for the French carmaker he has run since 2014, and the clear money-maker for Fiat Chrysler. Fiat Chrysler said there are no plans to close any plants.

Fiat Chrysler Shareholders of Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA Group are meeting Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 to vote on a merger that will create the world's fourth-largest automaker. Experts say that means Tavares, currently the head of PSA Group, is likely to follow that blueprint when he becomes leader of a merged PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The low-performing Chrysler brand might get the axe as could slow-selling cars, SUVs or trucks that lack potential. He likely will target Europe for consolidation first, because that’s where Fiat vehicles overlap extensively with PSA’s, said IHS Markit Principal Auto Analyst Stephanie Brinley. In December the companies announced that Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley would run Stellantis’ operations in the Americas.

DETROIT – Fiat Chrysler is contributing $400,000 to a Detroit neighborhood fund as part of a community benefits agreement tied to its new assembly plant on the city’s east side, the automaker said Monday. Another $400,000 will be contributed in 2021, according to Fiat Chrysler. The community benefits agreement calls for Fiat Chrysler to invest in the surrounding neighborhoods, jobs training and education. Fiat Chrysler also said Monday that it is contributing $285,000 to the Chandler Park Conservancy to help the nonprofit start construction on a community-based environmental education plaza. The automaker’s commitment to Detroit goes beyond its facilities, said Ron Stallworth, a Fiat Chrysler external affairs manager.

FILE - In this Jan. 14, 2019 file photo, Fiat Chrysler's new CEO, Mike Manley, is interviewed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Manley will run operations in the Americas when his company merges with Frances PSA Peugeot early next year. FCA Chairman John Elkann announced Manleys new post on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 in a letter to employees. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)DETROIT – Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley will run operations in the Americas when his company merges with France’s PSA Peugeot early next year. PSA CEO Carlos Tavares will run the overall company, to be named Stellantis.

SAGINAW, MI — A Saginaw man is in jail after police say they foiled a suspected kidnapping in progress. The officers attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle near Davenport and Bay Road, believing they were witnessing a potential kidnapping or human-trafficking situation. The Chrysler did not stop and instead continued north on Bay Road into Bay County, entering the southbound Interstate 75 ramp, police said. A short while later, a third Saginaw police officer located the vehicle on southbound I-675 and attempted to pull it over. The vehicle continued trying to elude the pursuing officers by traveling along several side streets.

CBS Detroit – Ford has pushed the stakes in the off Road market with the unveiling of the 2021 Bronco. Earlier they announced the RAM 1500 TRX version sporting a 702 HP / 650 LB-FT of torque 6.2 Liter Hemi V8. Now Jeep has upped the anty with their 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392. The biggest change in the Wrangler 392 is they have managed to cram a 6.4 Liter V-8 under the hood. Jeep has also taken cues from the Ford Bronco which puts side mirrors on the A-pillar.

Detroit Police Seek Suspect In Drive-By Shooting That Killed 7-Year-Old GirlThe Detroit Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted in connection to a drive-by shooting that killed a 7-year-old girl on the city’s east side. Survey Shows Majority Michigan Educators Concerned With In Person Learning While COVID-19 Case UpA recent statewide survey conducted by the Michigan Education Association of more than 4,700 educators, shows that over 80% are concerned about a full return to in-person learning. Police Seek Suspect Wanted In Fatal Hit-And-Run On Detroit's East SideTuesday afternoon, police said they located the suspect vehicle but are still looking for the suspect responsible in this incident. Michigan Department Of Natural Resources Says Tiny, Invasive Insects From Asia Found In Michigan State ParkThe Michigan Department of National Resources says crews have treated affected trees and continue to survey the area. Survey: Michigan Educators Feel Unsafe Returning To SchoolThe majority of educators in Michigan have safety concerns and don't believe they'll be able to return to in-person learning in January, according to a study from the state teachers' union.

Two Vehicles Have Been Added To The National Historic Vehicle Register For 2020The Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) announces the 27th and 28th vehicles to be added to the National Historic Vehicle Register. The Best 2021 Private High Schools In MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best private high schools in Michigan. Niche Releases A List Of The Best High Schools in MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best high schools in Michigan.

Two Vehicles Have Been Added To The National Historic Vehicle Register For 2020The Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) announces the 27th and 28th vehicles to be added to the National Historic Vehicle Register. The Best 2021 Private High Schools In MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best private high schools in Michigan. Niche Releases A List Of The Best High Schools in MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best high schools in Michigan.

Two Vehicles Have Been Added To The National Historic Vehicle Register For 2020The Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) announces the 27th and 28th vehicles to be added to the National Historic Vehicle Register. The Best 2021 Private High Schools In MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best private high schools in Michigan. Niche Releases A List Of The Best High Schools in MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best high schools in Michigan.

DETROIT – One person was killed in a two-vehicle crash on 8 Mile Road in northwest Detroit on Monday. The crash happened in the 7500 block of West 8 Mile Road. Police said a man from Warren was driving a red Chevrolet Cobalt was killed in the crash. The Warren man was driving eastbound on 8 Mile Road, possibly at a high rate of speed, when he got into a crash with the man driving a blue Chrysler, police said. The Warren man’s vehicle struck a building, causing a gas main leak and a water main leak.

MILAN – A rebound in car production in Fiat Chrysler on Wednesday reported record third-quarter earnings as production returned to nearly pre-pandemic levels. The Italian-American automaker, which is finalizing its full merger with French rival PSA Peugeot, reported a net profit in the three months ending Sept. 30 of 1.2 billion ($1.4 billion). The carmaker reported adjusted earnings before tax and interest in North America of 2.5 billion euros. Overall, the carmaker said global earnings before tax and interest were a record 2.3 billion euros despite a 6% fall in revenues to 26 billion euros. Fiat Chrysler announced earlier Wednesday that its merger with PSA Peugeot is on track to be finalized by the end of the first quarter of 2021, as planned.

FILE - In this Wednesday, Dec.18, 2019 file photo, he logo of the French car maker Peugeot is pictured in Paris. Fiat Chrysler and PSA Peugeot on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020 confirmed progress toward their full merger to create the globes fourth-largest carmaker, with completion expected by the end of March 2021. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, file)MILAN – Fiat Chrysler and PSA Peugeot on Wednesday confirmed progress toward their full merger to create the globe’s fourth-largest carmaker, with completion expected by the end of March 2021. The completion date for the merger is in line with the original time frame, despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. PSA’s CEO Carlos Tavares will lead the group, with Fiat Chrysler chairman John Elkann head of the board.

DETROIT – Despite the coronavirus pandemic, automakers are holding their own as pickup truck sales remain strong. Automakers can charge much more than the cost for a pickup truck. “Even though they’re going flat out, and even though they are running three shifts and they’re going as fast as they can, that was two months of production that you cannot go back and make it up," Brinley said. So that has made a difference with new players in the segment," Brinley said. The more competitive it gets, the more they’re going to bring it," Brinley said.

Both he and former Vice President Joe Biden made Michigan-specific claims during Tuesday night’s first presidential debate. We ran those claims through the Trust Index to see how factual the statements were. Biden and the economyWe’ll start with the first mention of Michigan from the President. Auto industry claimsHere are two claims from Biden on the state of the automakers and his role in the auto bailout. We’ve tested claims made by both Biden and Trump on the auto industry before.

WASHINGTON – Automaker Daimler AG and subsidiary Mercedes-Benz USA have agreed to pay $1.5 billion to the U.S. government and California state regulators to resolve emissions cheating allegations, officials said Monday. The settlement, which includes civil penalties, will also require Daimler to fix the vehicles, officials said. Daimler AG said the settlement would bring costs of about $1.5 billion, while the civil settlement will bring a one-off charge of about $700 million. Fiat Chrysler also is being investigated for allegedly cheating on emissions. In April 2016, the Justice Department asked Daimler to conduct an internal probe into its exhaust emissions certification process.

DETROIT Fiat Chrysler's Jeep brand is starting to offer gas-electric hybrid and eventually full electric powertrains across its lineup. The market in the U.S. also is unclear for a plug-in Wrangler, or any electric vehicles for that matter, Abuelsamid said. Last year in the U.S., only 310,000 plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles were sold, less than 2% of the market. Meunier said FCA is working on a fully electric Wrangler, but he wouldn't say when it would arrive. The company showed off a Grand Wagoneer concept vehicle with a fully electric powertrain.

DETROIT The U.S. government's road safety agency is investigating complaints of fires in a power and charging port in some Chrysler Town and Country minivans. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has three reports of fires and one injury in minivans from the 2014 model year. The agency says owners complained of fires starting in the ports, which are mounted in a trim piece on the driver's side between the second- and third-row seats. Fiat Chrysler, which makes the minivans, says it's cooperating with the investigation. The agency will determine what caused the fires and how often they happen.

DETROIT Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is denying allegations by General Motors that FCA used foreign bank accounts to bribe union officials so they would stick GM with higher labor costs. The allegations of new evidence were made in a motion asking a federal judge to reconsider his July dismissal of a federal lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler. GM alleged that bribes were paid to two former United Auto Workers presidents, as well as a former union vice president and at least one former GM employee. GM alleged that bribes were paid to former United Auto Workers Presidents Dennis Williams and Ron Gettelfinger, as well as Vice President Joe Ashton. GMs motion contended that payments were made to accounts in places like Switzerland, Luxembourg, Italy, Singapore and the Cayman Islands.

GM alleges that payments were made so the officials would saddle GM with more than $1 billion in additional labor costs. GM alleged that accounts apparently exist in Gettelfingers name, and the name of a relative in Panama and Switzerland. In July, U.S. District Judge Paul Borman in Detroit tossed out GMs lawsuit that alleged that Fiat Chrysler paid off union leaders to get better contract terms than GM. In a 2019 lawsuit, GM alleged that Fiat Chrysler bribed officials of the United Auto Workers union to get lower labor costs. GM alleged that FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne, who died in 2018, wanted to pressure GM into merging by weakening it with higher costs.

It said the normal summer factory shutdowns have been eliminated or shortened at most North America plants to meet stronger-than-expected demand for vehicles. The loss was a huge reversal from last years second quarter when Fiat Chrysler made $884 million. The company had warned that the second quarter would be much worse than the first, when it lost $1.84 billion. Four of the new electric vehicles will be made in Europe, Manley said Friday in a call with industry analysts and reporters. The electric vehicles include the battery powered Fiat 500 small car, a fully electric Ducato van, and plug-in gas-electric hybrid versions of the Jeep Compass, Wrangler and Renegade.

Fiat Chrysler is recalling more than 925,000 older-model vehicles to fix an issue with air bag covers on the steering wheel. An FCA investigation discovered these vehicles are equipped with certain clips, no longer in use, that may over time loosen and disengage. Should these things happen, and there is a driver-side air bag deployment, the clips and/or plastic emblems they are meant to secure, may act as projectiles. The recall is limited to model-year 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro SUVs, and model-year 2008-2010 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. In the interim, FCA strongly advises against tampering with the emblems, which are located in the center of the vehicles steering wheels.

DETROIT General Motors is suing Fiat Chrysler for an alleged bribery scheme involving the United Auto Workers (UAW). A federal judge hearing the case wanted the companys CEOs to sit down and hash out a deal. READ: General Motors appeals ruling in FCA lawsuit after judge tells CEOs to make a dealGM filed a racketeering lawsuit against FCA and its now deceased CEO Sergio Marchionne last November. On June 23, a district judge ordered that CEOs Mary Barra of GM and Michael Manley of FCA to meet in person, without legal counsel. They were ordered to personally report back to the district judge on July 1 on their progress on settling the case.

A missing man was found dead behind a vacant home on Detroits east side Friday night, police say. General Motors is suing Fiat Chrysler for an alleged bribery scheme involving the United Auto Workers. When it comes to tracking the way a virus circulates, researchers use many traditional methods, like contact tracing. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 62,695 as of Saturday morning, including 5,888 deaths, state officials report.

DETROIT General Motors is suing Fiat Chrysler for an alleged bribery scheme involving the United Auto Workers (UAW). The federal judge hearing the case wants the companys CEOs to sit down and hash out a deal. But GM CEO Mary Barra is not interested in that. GM filed a racketeering lawsuit against FCA and its now deceased CEO Sergio Marchionne last November. READ: UAW president steps down as GM sues rival over union bribery