Stellantis Will Idle the Jeep Cherokee Plant Indefinitely

The Jeep Cherokee is still pretty nice, but it appears to be on borrowed time. The plant its produced at has been idled multiple times the last few years. Partially due to the pandemic-related supply chain shortages, and partially because its an old model now and its sales are sliding.

Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), has announced that they will idle the Jeep Cherokee plant in Illinois as of February 28th, 2023. This means that 1,200 workers at the plant will be laid off indefinitely laid off as a result. The automaker says that they will focus on investments into electric vehicles. The Cherokee plant has already shut down several times and gone through layoffs throughout the pandemic from what I recall. So, it appears that ongoing supply chain issues as well as sliding Cherokee sales have finally taken their toll along with other market factors.

In my opinion, the Cherokee isn’t a bad looking SUV, but its design is very, very old now. Originally released for the 2014 model year, the Jeep Cherokee (KL) has had up and down bouts with its reliability as well, particularly with the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission proving very problematic for several model years (as well as in other Jeep products its used in, such as the Renegade and Compass). While the Cherokee did receive a facelift for the 2019 model year, in that time, most competitors have undergone full redesigns that have made them a significantly better pick that the Cherokee (Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Bronco Sport, and many more). I believe that the current Cherokee is likely near the end of its product cycle, and we’ll likely see an electrified 4xe version for the next generation – which speaking of that, Jeep claims another Cherokee is on the way from what I’ve researched.

In the meantime, being laid off is never fun, so my thoughts are with those at the Cherokee factory that will be affected by this indefinite shutdown starting next year. Would you consider a Cherokee? Or would you wait for the next generation model, upgrade to the larger, newer design Grand Cherokee (WL), OR shop the Cherokee’s competitors?

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Year ‘Round Care

Time for some TLC! Make sure you winterize your car if you haven't already (and a little rim shining never hurt either). Its about time I get brakes and a new battery on this Bravada as well - the tires are still good.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Show Me the Car Facts #FactFridays

Did you know:

How well do you pay attention to the smaller details?

The GM "Mark of Excellence" on my 2008 Aura.
The position of this logo may change based on the
model year of your car (2007 Auras had it higher
up on the door).

From 2006 to early 2010, GM put what is known as their “Mark of Excellence” on their cars. It usually can be found in the lower front fender of cars from this era - it’s a little silver GM emblem. My 2008 Saturn Aura has it. However, I noticed a few cars from the mid-to late-2000s did not get the Mark of Excellence on the side - namely the GMT360 SUVs (Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainer, etc.), the Chevy Express/GMC Savana, and the Buick Rendezvous from what I remember.

After the disillusion of several brands due to the GM bankruptcy restructuring in 2009, the company dropped the emblem off their cars. The reason cited was that the four core remaining brands, Chevy, Buick, Cadillac and GMC, would build their own identities under the “New GM” and seek to remove themselves from the stigma of a “bankrupt parent company”.

I haven't had a chance to be up close on a 2024
GMC Sierra EV, but I'll be checking the front fender above
the wheel well next time I do for the little GM logo.
The Sierra EV will have an estimated 400 mile
driving range.

Fast forward to the present day, and the GM “Mark of Excellence” is still absent from all vehicles, except for one: the new GMC Sierra EV! So where is it placed at on the new Sierra EV? Not in a location you might expect… If you look closely on the front side marker lights, you will see the new GM logo in the corner. It requires a keen eye and I love small details like this! I remember Oldsmobile did this with their “Oldsmobile” script on some cars briefly in the 90s when they attempted to rebrand.

Just make sure you don’t break those lights on the new Sierra EV. Because if the Sierra EV is anything like the HUMMER EV, it’ll be really expensive to replace them if they’re broken (it costs $6,100 for taillights on the HUMMER EV).

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Throwback Thursday - Traffic JAMS

We've all been at a complete standstill on the road before... Or just bored at work. Never fear, the weekend will soon be here! Until then, let's switch into memory lane and rock out while we roll on!

This week's jam: Drive – Incubus (1999)

This song has long been on my playlist and reminds me of simpler times riding around in my mother’s and grandfather’s cars when this song was new, which I believe was an Oldsmobile Achieva and Mercury Cougar. I would’ve been in Kindergarten and later headed to the 1st grade, watching shows on Nickelodeon. But I also think this song’s acoustic parts, particularly on the opening, are very smooth, and the message “whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there”, represents that we are never alone in our journeys through life. Also, the message that we are in control of our destinies resonates: “Would you choose water over wine? Or the wheel and drive?” Similar to when we are behind the wheel of a car and we control where we are headed.

Nexteer is Winning and Innovating!

Nexteer Automotive is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

I like to highlight local and global businesses on my blog, so its time to highlight an automotive business that has its global technical center in my hometown of Saginaw, Michigan. Nexteer Automotive has been recognized by the Society of Automotive Analysts with their Mobility Innovation Award. This was given to Nexteer for their Steer-by-Wire (SbW) Stowable Steering Column. This technology, according to Nexteer, will transform the future of mobility by improving safety and the ‘behind the wheel experience’. Additionally, SbW will help address OEM challenges in the areas of autonomy, electrification, and software. SbW replaces the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and roadwheels with electronics and actuators allowing for improved functionality of features such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).

In addition, Nexteer Automotive is being recognized as a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree in the “Vehicle Tech & Advanced Mobility” category for their Road Surface Detection & Early Intuitive Warning Software with Tactile Mobility. In a nutshell, this technology can improve life-saving steering movements by enhancing the car’s awareness of the environment around it and alerting the driver through steering feel.

Very interesting features – good going Nexteer! I feel that ADAS and electrification technology are both advancing rapidly before our eyes. Nexteer is proving that they are striving to become a leader in this space, and it's even cooler that they operate right in my hometown.

Nexteer in Saginaw, Michigan

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Brembo at SEMA 2022 #Vegas

A display of Brembo's products at their SEMA booth. All pictures come from Brembo.

SEMA and AAPEX are currently going on in Las Vegas! This is a chance for aftermarket businesses and suppliers to show their best products that can transform your average vehicle into something extraordinary! I consider this to be one of my favorite auto shows to attend, because of the diversity of the products displayed. Brembo, a performance braking manufacturer for the auto industry, is there and displaying some of their latest innovations. I don’t often highlight suppliers, so let’s take a look at one that you may have seen on the inside wheel of a car, but not paid a ton of attention to.

Brembo took the opportunity to show off their new UPGRADE line at SEMA 2022. There are different tiers geared towards various levels of performance with the line: SPORT, GRAN TURISMO AND PISTA. You can also get your brake calipers in various colors – something that I support, as I had the brake calipers painted red on my Kia K5 and want them painted orange on my Saturn Aura. In addition to the brake caliper display, visitors at the Brembo booth could play the Gran Turismo 7 simulator. I fondly remember trying out simulators the last time I went to SEMA (in 2017), and this one allows attendees to test our the two new braking systems in a virtual manner.

Utility Vehicles Get Love, Too

All pictures taken by Brembo.

If the aforementioned displays and braking systems weren’t enough for you or your interests, Brembo has also shown a new braking system for Utility Terrain Vehicles at SEMA. Caliper choice varies between billet and two-piece cast, promising improved braking performance vs. a factory brake system via an aluminum brake caliper.

Several OEMs are also known to show up to SEMA and show off their new off-road technologies or performance upgrades to the industry. Chevrolet, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, and Kia are just a few who generally have displays. I recall going on a drift course in the Kia Stinger when it was first unveiled and I also loved watching the Ford Performance display with Mustangs taking on a drift challenge. There’s also plenty of custom trucks and builds everywhere – giving companies like Brembo a good chance to show up and show off their latest applications for builders. I’m planning to return to SEMA in the future – I highly recommend if you like customizing your own vehicles, you consider the trip to Vegas as well during the fall! SEMA 2022 runs from November 1st  thru the 4th.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Coming Soon - Tesla Semi

The Tesla Semi has been delayed multiple times, but it appears to finally be headed into production. 

Tesla’s Elon Musk has said that the company’s long awaited Class 8 Semi will finally begin production and deliveries. Pepsi will be the first customer to receive the electric semis this December - back in 2017, the company reserved 100 units hoping to reduce their company fuel consumption and carbon footprint.

Keep your eye out for the Tesla Semi coming to a roadway near you soon! I’m still excited to see if we ever see the new Roadster enter production. The Semi costs $180,000 and has a government subsidy of $40,000 with a range of 500 miles.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

The Detroit Auto Show 2022

The 2022 Detroit Auto Show was held recently - from September 14th to September 25th. It was quite interesting to see how the show has changed since the pandemic (this was the first Detroit Auto Show since Covid) and there was a plethora of new and interesting products. There was also a large outdoor portion with a monster truck ride.

Were you able to attend? Here are some of my favorite vehicles from the show.

Stay tuned for more posts on Adam's Autos and on the Adam's Autos YouTube page!

Cadillac Lyriq

Dodge Hornet

Chevy Corvette Z06

Ford F-150 Lighting

Flying Cars!

Lordstown Endurance

Dodge Charger Daytona SRT EV Concept

Chevy Blazer EV

Duck, Duck, Jeep! This is the Largest Rubber Ducky in the World

Buick Wildcat EV Concept - Very Beautiful!

Genesis GV60 - I worked at Hyundai/Kia/Genesis and made product suggestions that made it into production in this vehicle!

You can't go wrong with an Alfa!

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

There was a large dinosaur exhibit at the Detroit Auto Show - with actual walking dinosaurs too!

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Here’s the Lincoln L100 Concept

Behold - here’s the Lincoln L100 concept car. Its meant to pay homage to the 1922 Model L, which was the brand's first luxury vehicle. Additionally, this concept car is meant to celebrate 100 years of Lincoln while envisioning the future of mobility. Per Lincoln's press release, the Model L100 Concept uses next generation battery cell and pack technologies, delivering next level energy density and enabling efficient structural integration. This also, in turn, maximizes interior space creating the Lincoln experience of the future - such as a seating arrangement where front passengers can sit across from those in the rear. Also, there's advanced ambient lighting, and an artificial intelligence system with GPS sensors that helps tailor the in-cabin experience.

Read Lincoln's full press release here: https://media.lincoln.com/content/lincolnmedia/lna/us/en/news/2022/08/18/lincoln-model-l100-concept-reveal.html

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Last Call: The Dodge Charger & Challenger Make Their Last Stand; Also – Dodge Hornet, Dodge Durango Hellcat, Goodbye Infiniti Q60

For the first time in its existence, Dodge is allowing buyers to order a Challenger Convertible through dealers as part of a send-off to the V8-powered muscle car era of the brand.

There’s been speculation for years about when the Dodge Charger and Challenger will be discontinued or redesigned. Now, we have an official end from Dodge themselves. 2023 will be the final model year of the current Charger and Challenger and each vehicle will have a “Last Call” plaque under the hood that says “Designed in Auburn Hills, Assembled in Brampton” – giving homage to these muscle cars’ roots. In addition, Dodge will release several special edition models with an extra special edition model debuting at SEMA 2022. A few older colors we haven’t seen in a few years will make their return: B5 Blue, Plum Crazy Purple, and Sublime Green. As if this isn’t enough positive news for you, the Charger and Challenger lineups will all be allocated at once to dealers so you have a better shot at getting the exact car you want, plus the Durango Hellcat is back for 2023, with its full 710 HP. Dodge is making sure its V8s go out with a roar, not a whimper as electrification continues to close in.

The Dodge Hornet will be Dodge's first electrified
model and is a twin of the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

Guess what – we’re still not done with the Dodge news! During their “Speed Week” this week at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, Dodge unveiled the Hornet compact crossover, which is basically a twin of the Alfa Romeo Tonale. It’s the first all-new Dodge model in almost a decade. While Dodge says that it will be going electric in the future, the future really is here now, because the Hornet can be had with a plug-in hybrid powertrain unlike other Dodge branded vehicles to date. Borrowed from the Alfa, the Hornet will have a fully-independent suspension and torque-vectoring AWD. Every Hornet can be optioned with an available Track Pack, which includes 20-inch wheels, upgraded dampers and unique/sportier styling. In the base Hornet GT, you will find a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder making 268 HP and 295 lb.-ft. of torque paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission – likely the same ZF unit used in other FCA/Stellantis products if I had to make an educated guess. In the plug-in hybrid R/T model, a 1.3T engine is used and coupled with a 121 HP electric motor for a total system output of 288 HP and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. 0-60 MPH according to Dodge happens in 6.1 seconds, and there’s a “PowerShot” feature that allows for an extra 25 HP and instant torque for 15 seconds. As for the battery pack that’s used in the Hornet, it’s 12 kWh in capacity and the vehicle has a 7.2-kW onboard charger. EV range will be around 30 miles and on a Level 2 charger the vehicle can recharge in around 2 and a half hours. Overall, I’m excited for the Hornet. Yes, it’s a rebadged Alfa Romeo Tonale that’s riding on the Jeep Compass platform. But I had a 2018 Compass, and I quite enjoyed having that SUV, but it just needed more power (rumor is that the Compass is getting more power for 2023). The plug-in hybrid powertrain and 2.0T in the Tonale/Hornet should do the trick and make the vehicle drive a lot more spirited. Every Hornet will have a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and 10.3-inch infotainment display on the interior. Hornet GT pricing will start at $29,995 before destination and the R/T will start at $39,995.

Hornet Press Release: https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=24070&mid=5

Dodge also unveiled the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept with its new “Banshee” powertrain. Its not known how much horsepower the powertrain makes, but Dodge claims that this new electric Charger will be faster than a Hellcat. The Charger Daytona SRT will also have the PowerShot feature previously mentioned that’s in the Hornet, allowing for briefly increased acceleration and passing power. If you’re worried about sound, the Charger Daytona SRT will have a Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system with sounds equivalent to that of a Hellcat. As for other features and design cues, the Charger Daytona SRT takes styling cues from the original Charger Daytona and it also uses the Fratzog logo from Dodge models in the 1960s and 1970s. Additionally, inside the vehicle there’s a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 16-inch digital gauge cluster and mood lighting.

Other Sports Car News

The Infiniti Q60 was introduced for the 2017 model year. 2022 will be its last.

In other sports car news, Infiniti announced that the Q60 Coupe is not long for this world. 2022 will be the final model year for this car. That’s a shame, because it’s a beautiful vehicle. Infiniti says that the Q50 sedan will remain in production for 2023, but that the company will be focusing on building SUVs and electric vehicles moving forward. No surprise there – grab one while you can.

Are you excited about Dodge’s upcoming “Last Call” and electrified models? Also, are you sad to see the Q50 go away? While the sedanapocolypse continues, the electric future should give us hope for performance.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Winter Drive In the Kia K5 AWD

I've uploaded a new YouTube video where I test out the winter driving capabilities of my 2022 Kia K5 AWD. I also drive down my local backroads to test out its dirt/rough road holding abilities. Standard on the vehicle are 18-inch Pirelli all-season tires. Overall, I found the K5 to be quite capable and fun in the snow. Sport mode lets you kick the tail end out a little more often and get the most wheel spin (if you're looking to drift), but traction was above average for a tire that's meant to be more "sporty". I don't think it'll outdo my Jeep Compass I had in a snow storm, but the K5 AWD will make many other family sedans blush at its all-weather and backroad capability.

Still remember: Even with AWD, there's no substitute for a proper winter tire when conditions call for them.

Remember to like, comment and subscribe to the Adam's Autos YouTube page for more content to come! Thanks!

YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/EkXE8W0GaDQ

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFriday

Did you know: A week or so ago, I discussed in a post how the Nissan Maxima was being discontinued. But we didn't really dive into some other reasons, outside of EVs and declines in sedan sales, that has led Nissan to drop its flagship sedan. Perhaps one of the most interesting reasons is that the Altima and Maxima are basically the same size. Were you aware of this? I've pasted the dimensions below for the Altima and Maxima, so you can compare headroom, legroom, wheelbase, etc. specs.

Maxima Specs:

Altima Specs:

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Keep Going, Don’t Give Up #Quotes

 

Some food for thought! Whatever you’re facing, drive into it confidently.

Maxima, Out - Nissan Drops the Maxima

Another one bites the dust. Another sedan that is.

Nissan has officially announced that it will end production of the Maxima after the 2023 model year. However, the company also says, “stay tuned for future Nissan Maxima news” and that they are focusing on electric vehicles moving forward. So, it’s likely that an upcoming electric sedan from Nissan could revive the Maxima name and perhaps even shock some new life into the “4 door sports car” moniker that the nameplate has long tried to portray.

Large sedan sales have largely been in decline due to changing consumer tastes. In case you hadn’t heard or notice, trucks and SUVs reign supreme these days, along with electrification efforts. After the Maxima is dropped, virtually the only competitors left in the full-sized four door sedan segment in North America will be Toyota with the upcoming Crown and Stellantis with the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.

I must say, while many enthusiasts shun the current Maxima because it’s only offered with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), I actually quite like it. Will you miss it when it’s gone? Let’s see if we do get a Maxima EV in the next few years.

Speaking of EVs - perhaps it’s worth mentioning that the Nissan Leaf is also likely ending production sometime this decade according to Automotive News. It will receive a refresh for the 2023 model year.

2023 Nissan Leaf - also reportedly on death row.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Tap Into Garrison Marketing Firm and The Greater Good Apparel Company

My recent podcast with Talour was a classic - from one Spartan to another!

Hi All!

When you have a chance, tune into a recent podcast I collaborated on with my fellow Michigan State alum, Talour Garrison. Her business is called Garrison Marketing Firm, and she highlights some up-and-coming artists while also interviewing influential guests. In the "Las Vegas Edition" episode, I take time to discuss my car collection as well as why SUVs are booming in popularity over sedans, among other topics. As you hear me say in the episode as well - Talour could be the next Oprah! It was really great to work together on this. 

For those of you tuning in, Adam's Autos starts at 12:58 on the podcast. Garrison Marking Firm's podcasts can be accessed across all major streaming platforms (Spotify, Anchor, etc.).

My cousin's business is all about us acknowledging that we are enough as we are.

In addition, check out my cousin Anthony Richardson's company the Greater Good Apparel Company. His brand is dedicated to telling us that we are great - you are at the very minimum EQUAL to those you walk into a room with. You are a catalyst. Go boldly! He has pop-up shops around the Dallas, Texas area and I have put links to both sites below. Proud of you cousin!

#blackbusinesses #blackbloggers #autos

Garrison Marketing Firm: https://www.garrisonmf.com/

GMF Las Vegas Edition Podcast on Spotify (Adam's Autos starts at 12:58): https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FRcvpKQHHneya2ISpn1NH

The Greater Good Apparel Co.: https://www.thegreatergoodapparel.com/shop