Car News In the Rearview: Ram the Grand Cherokee, Bring in the Civic Type R
Welcome to In the Rearview, where I bring you the top car news of the week in delectable bite-sized form.
First, Nissan built two electric vehicle fast-chargers on I-96 in Michigan, proudly proclaiming to all that this was a sign that, unlike the other automakers, it is completely dedicated to building a convenient charging infrastructure–perhaps losing sight of the fact it only built two chargers in one spot in Michigan.
From there, we go to Fiat Chrysler, which is not looking good in the least bit.
To begin with, the people who uncovered VW’s diesel cheating found that Fiat Chrysler’s diesel vehicles were producing way too much nitrogen oxide, too.
Then, the NHTSA is looking into the Jeep Liberty to decide whether it should be recalled over failing occupant restraint controllers.
Of course, that would just be the icing on the recall cake, because Fiat Chrysler also initiated two recalls this week for its minivans. First, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is being called back for faulty diodes causing “propulsion loss,” aka “It stops being a car and starts being a doorstop.”
Second, the Dodge Grand Caravan is being called back because faulty wiring in the steering wheel could cause a number of problems, like the wipers turning on accidentally. Oh, or like the airbag going off randomly in the driver’s face. Little stuff like that.
Finally, it seems that FCA’s key database may be somewhat not secure, because over the last three years, a Mexican biker gang stole $4.5 million in Jeep Wranglers.
In other news, Mitsubishi executives have said that the brand would bring back its Evo badge. However, to a chorus of disappointed “awww”s, the Evo will likely only show up in 6 or so years on a crossover.
Lastly, not all is gloomy in the car world, because the new Honda Civic Type R has arrived on our sunny shores, bringing deliverance in the form of a turbo 2-liter under the hood of a swoopy hatchback.
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.