Cars

Stellantis Confirms Next-Gen Dodge Durango for 2029 Release

This article discusses Stellantis's plans for the upcoming generation of the Dodge Durango, slated for a 2029 release. It details the extensive investments being made in US manufacturing facilities and touches upon the broader strategic outlook for other brands under the Stellantis umbrella, particularly the uncertain but evolving role of Chrysler.

Stellantis Charts a Course: New Durango, Major Investments, and Chrysler's Evolving Role

The Prolonged Wait for the Next Dodge Durango: A 2029 Unveil

The current iteration of the Dodge Durango, a consistent presence since 2010, is set for a substantial refresh, with its successor projected to hit the market in 2029. This means the existing model will have seen nearly two decades of production before its replacement arrives. Stellantis, the parent corporation, has committed $130 million to modernize the Detroit Assembly Complex – Jefferson in preparation for the fourth-generation Durango.

Stellantis's Ambitious Investment in American Manufacturing

The $130 million allocated for the Durango's production facility is a fraction of Stellantis's colossal $13 billion investment plan for its US operations through the end of the decade. This represents the most significant financial commitment since Chrysler's inception a century ago, aiming to boost annual production capacity by 50 percent. This comprehensive investment also includes revitalizing the Belvidere Assembly Plant, where $600 million will be spent and 3,300 new positions created by 2027 to manufacture the Jeep Cherokee and Compass.

Strategic Production Shifts and New Product Development

Further demonstrating its commitment to the US market, Stellantis is directing nearly $400 million to the Toledo Assembly Complex. This investment will add over 900 jobs to facilitate the production of a new Ram mid-size truck, commencing in 2028. Initially, production for this truck was slated for Belvidere, but the company has since opted to relocate it to Ohio. Additionally, the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan is undergoing a $100 million retooling for a large gas-powered SUV and a range-extended electric vehicle set for 2028, creating more than 900 employment opportunities. A new four-cylinder combustion engine, codenamed \u201cGMET4 EVO,\u201d will also be produced in Indiana starting in 2026, backed by a $100 million investment and generating over 100 new jobs.

Chrysler's Ambiguous but Promising Future

Amidst these announcements for Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, the future of the Chrysler brand remains somewhat vague. Despite the lack of specific new model details, Chrysler is not being sidelined. It now boasts a dedicated design studio, and Stellantis Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles suggests the brand is \u201cripe for a new chapter.\u201d The strategy for Chrysler involves \u201cexperimenting\u201d to fill market gaps within Stellantis's diverse portfolio and attract entirely new customer segments. While an earlier plan for Chrysler to go fully electric by 2028 has been revised, future products will utilize the flexible STLA Medium and STLA Large platforms, accommodating both traditional combustion engines and electric powertrains. Stellantis has pledged to introduce five new vehicles and 19 \u201crefreshed products\u201d across its brands by the close of 2029, with hopes that a portion of the substantial investment will contribute to Chrysler's resurgenc

Amazon Offers Discount on Highly-Rated Car Battery Charger

Maintaining the charge of vehicle batteries is crucial for optimal performance, whether for cars, motorcycles, boats, or lawn equipment. A reliable battery charger should be compact, secure, and intelligent enough to sustain power without overcharging, ensuring your machinery is always ready. Modern automatic chargers are engineered to extend battery life by meticulously managing power delivery over time, making them indispensable for both everyday users and DIY enthusiasts aiming to protect their batteries throughout the year. Currently, Amazon is featuring an excellent promotion on an affordable unit.

The Motopower 12V Automatic Car Battery Charger, now available for a mere $15, presents a straightforward yet effective solution for preserving the health of 12-volt batteries. This device is compatible with various battery types, including flooded, AGM, and gel-cell, offering automated charging, monitoring, and precise power level maintenance. Its compact dimensions, measuring only 4.1 by 2.0 inches, and light weight of 0.77 pounds facilitate easy storage in any garage or vehicle. Furthermore, it boasts a fire-resistant casing and an 8.5-foot cable, ensuring both safety and versatility during operation.

The charger incorporates pulse charging technology, which is instrumental in rejuvenating depleted batteries and extending their overall lifespan. Upon reaching full charge, the device seamlessly transitions into a maintenance mode, consistently supplying 13.6 volts without any risk of overcharging. Its integrated safety mechanisms include spark-free connections, protection against overcharging, and short-circuit prevention. LED indicators provide clear visual cues regarding the charging status and progress, while its energy-efficient design prevents power consumption when not actively in use. The charger is compatible with most standard SAE connectors, simplifying the setup process for users.

Customer testimonials underscore the product's reliability and efficiency. One repeat buyer noted, “I have purchased several of these for my motorcycles and lawn equipment. They function perfectly. Their small size makes them unobtrusive, and they are capable of fully charging batteries that were nearly depleted.” Another satisfied customer added, “This is a very dependable charger for its price. It remained outdoors all winter, diligently maintaining my tractor battery.”

Given that Amazon’s special offers are subject to daily changes, individuals interested in acquiring the Motopower 12V Automatic Car Battery Charger should act promptly. Priced at just $15, a 44% reduction from its original cost, this deal provides an opportune moment to invest in an essential tool for battery care.

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New Car Prices Soar Past $50,000 Mark, Fueling Auto Loan Crisis in the US

The landscape of the American automotive market is undergoing a significant transformation, with the average cost of a new vehicle reaching unprecedented levels. For the first time ever, the typical transaction price for a new car in the U.S. has exceeded the $50,000 threshold, hitting $50,080 in September. This upward trend is primarily influenced by a surge in electric vehicle purchases and a general increase in car prices across all segments, including traditionally affordable models. Consequently, this financial strain is exacerbating the nation's auto loan debt, pushing it beyond $1.6 trillion and making new car ownership increasingly difficult for many American families.

Details on the Escalating Automotive Costs and Market Dynamics

In September 2025, a critical juncture was reached in the U.S. automotive industry as the average cost of a newly purchased vehicle ascended to $50,080, marking a historic peak. This figure represents a 2.1% increase from August and a 3.6% rise compared to September of the previous year. Data from Kelley Blue Book indicates that factors such as new tariffs and the transition to the 2026 model year have contributed to this escalation, making budget-friendly cars increasingly scarce. A significant driver of this price hike has been the robust demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Before the federal tax credit for EVs expired at the end of September, consumers rushed to acquire these vehicles, resulting in a record 437,487 EV sales in the third quarter alone—a nearly 30% jump year-over-year. Given that many EVs command prices exceeding $50,000, their popularity has disproportionately influenced the overall average transaction price. Erin Keating, an Executive Analyst at Cox Automotive, highlighted that while tariffs introduced some cost pressure, the primary factor was the strong sales mix of EVs and high-end vehicles pushing prices into uncharted territory. Even in the budget segment, prices have climbed. The Nissan Versa, priced at $17,190, remains one of the few vehicles available under $20,000. Keating observed that the market is now largely supported by affluent households with access to favorable loan rates, while lower and middle-income buyers are increasingly left to explore the used car market. The scarcity of affordable new cars is particularly acute, with gasoline-powered options under $20,000 virtually disappearing. Although some EVs like the Nissan Leaf and the forthcoming Chevy Bolt are attempting to cater to the under-$30,000 market, they remain exceptions. This upward trajectory in car prices coincides with a troubling rise in auto loan delinquencies and repossessions, leading the Consumer Federation of America to declare an \"auto finance crisis\" as American auto debt has surpassed $1.6 trillion.

The current state of the automotive market underscores a growing affordability crisis for many American consumers. As new vehicle prices continue to climb, driven by technological advancements, EV adoption, and market forces, a significant portion of the population finds itself priced out. This situation not only highlights the increasing disparity in purchasing power but also suggests a future where personal transportation, particularly new vehicles, becomes a luxury rather than an accessible necessity. Policymakers and manufacturers may need to explore innovative solutions to reintroduce genuinely affordable options, ensuring that a broader segment of society can participate in the new car market without incurring unsustainable debt.

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