Volkswagen Routan Subject to the Same Recall as Chrysler Minivans

Given that the Volkswagen Routan is built on the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan platforms in a Chrysler plant, it comes to no surprise that the German model is being subject to the same recall as its American twins. In a filling to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Volkswagen said some vehicles may experience inadvertent ignition key displacement from the run to accessory position while driving causing the engine to shut off.

The affected cars are from the 2010 model year and were manufactured from October 2009 through June 2010. Volkswagen said the potential number of Routan minivans subject to this recall is 12,612 units.

The fix the problem, the company’s dealers will replace the win module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during April 2011. Owners who have questions can call Volkswagen at at 1-800-822-8987.

PHOTO GALLERY

First Interior Photos of Lancia’s Version of the Chrysler 300, the 2012 Thema

Even though Lancia's press site still has only one exterior photo of the Thema (who needs more when you can take a look at the Chrysler 300?), the Italians went straight to posting the first interior pictures of their American-sourced flagship sedan. If you like drama, don't read on, this isn't for you. Believe it or not –ahem- the 2012 Lancia Thema's interior looks exactly the same as Chrysler's.

Our “spot the differences” approach led to the conclusion that, Lancia logo aside, everything else in the cockpit is identical to what one can see in a Chrysler 300. Except of course the different leather upholstery and trim color scheme chosen for the photo shoot. The two sister cars share the blue-tone instrument panel lighting and the analogue clock as well, however, in this color and trim setup the Thema looks a bit more refined than its American counterpart.

It's not like we weren't expecting the interior of the Thema to look exactly like the 300's, but it's still worth a post. So, which trim do you like better?

By Dan Mihalascu

2012 LANCIA THEMA

_______________________________________________________________________

2012 CHRYSLER 300

Ford CEO Alan Mulally Believes Fiat 500 Won’t Succeed in the USA

There’s been a lot of hype surrounding the U.S. launch of the Fiat 500, with many predicting a commercial success for the Italian mini even before it landed on this side of the Atlantic. However, there’s one industry executive that doesn’t believe in Fiat’s retro-penned hatchback. We’re talking about Ford CEO Alan Mulally. When asked about the market prospects of the Fiat 500 in the United States in an interview with Italian-language news magazine Panorama, Mulally said: "I do not see large market in the U.S.A. for a smaller car than the Fiesta. Those that tried failed.”

Even though Mulally did not elaborate, it is believed that his reference to “failure” was aimed at Dailmer’s Smart ForTwo which saw its U.S. sales plummet from 24,622 cars in 2008 to a mere 5,927 units last year.

The Chrysler Group recently celebrated the the production launch of the American market Fiat 500 at the Detroit firm's Toluca plant in Mexico. The starting MSRP for the Italian mini, which is offered with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 101HP, is $15,550.

Source: Panorama via Asca.it

PHOTO GALLERY