Episode 595 – We’re Giving Away a Set Of Tires!!!

This Week In Jeep

Jeep Signs Deal With World-Class Communications Chip Mfg. 

In the world of wireless communications and mobile processors, there are few that are bigger than Qualcomm. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a smartphone in your home that doesn’t have a Qualcomm chip in it. For years this company has been at the forefront of cellular technology and mobile processor development, but not in the automotive markets. Last week, the company announced that a deal has been struck with Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, to adopt Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis — a cloud-enabled platform for telematics, connectivity, digital cockpit, and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems). Beginning in 2024, the deal will bring more intelligent and immersive experiences to Stellantis’ 14 brands, including Jeep.

Among other things, the deal involves Stellantis using Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms to power in-car communication and infotainment systems. Stellantis is building the STLA Brain, to be used in their upcoming SmartCockpit system. This whole project has been in the works for a while now and Jeep’s parent company is using the help of two other huge names, Amazon and Foxconn to fine-tune its useability. What this all means is that in just 2 or 3 years, Jeep will go through another massive transformation, electronically speaking, digitally if you will, and we will see a suite of technology and software-based amenities and options, the likes of which we’ve only seen in concepts and promotional videos, become as much a part of the off-roading Jeep as the transfer case is. But if you ask me, that’s just more distraction, more disconnection from the vehicle itself, and more things to fail or act up. This is also going to be the start of pay-to-play features and subscription-based options.

Stellantis Stops Operations in Russia

This week Stellantis has confirmed that all operations at its plant in Russia have been stopped. The Kaluga, Russia facility is about 125 miles southeast of Moscow and it employs about 2,700 people. Well, at least it used to. In the statement released Tuesday, the company says,  ((QUOTE)) “Given the rapid daily increase in cross sanctions and logistical difficulties, Stellantis has suspended all operations in Kaluga to ensure full compliance with all cross sanctions and to protect its employees. Stellantis condemns violence and supports all actions capable of restoring peace.”

Stellantis also committed $1.1 million in humanitarian aid for Ukrainian refugees and civilians displaced as a result of the Russian invasion.

Jeep Is Paying The Price 

Over the last couple of years, it has become blatantly obvious that Jeep is going “all-in” with the move to electrification. If the focus on this in this year’s Easter Jeep Safari concepts wasn’t enough, let’s look at some other numbers. The Wrangler 4xe hybrid shows that Jeep buyers are at least somewhat open to electrified models. In fact, it accounts for 25-30 percent of Wrangler sales since it was introduced in late 2020 and soon, a hybrid Grand Cherokee will hit showroom floors. It’s a fact, that the automotive industry is in a state of transition, a shift globally across all automakers to move into the realm of electrification. But the need for internal combustion engines is still here and will be for some time still. However, despite the push from Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, to move into the world of hybrid drive technology, they’re still playing a little bit of a game of catch up. Stellantis as a whole has been at the bottom of the Environmental Protection Agency’s fuel economy rankings for years and had a fleet average of 21.3 mpg during the 2020 model year, a far cry from the industry average of 25.4 mpg. What makes this even worse, is that new rules introduced by the domestic energy hating Biden administration will require automakers to achieve average fleet fuel efficiency of (get this) 49 mpg by 2030. Or pay the price. And that’s just what Stellantis has been having to do.  Last year, Stellantis revealed it was on the hook for $741 million to cover fuel-economy penalties. This year it’s likely going to be much, much worse. Why, because that same administration that has brought you to record inflation and gas prices forced the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to increase its corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE, a penalty from $5.50 per a tenth of a mile per gallon to $14 — a significant increase of over 54%. Jeep has not yet set a date for when it will go all-electric. However, the longer it waits, the more fuel-economy penalties it will have to pay. But they do have a goal for electrified models to account for 70 percent of all its sales by 2025. Maybe that will be the tipping point for them, and at that level, they won’t be incurring penalties any longer, who knows.

Jeep’s goals are ambitious, and only time will tell if it’s the right move. 

Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update

Tammy, Josh how many windshield dings do you have?  Does the star within a few days become a crack from top to bottom of the windshield?

Well, I have about 4 dings, or stars, and 2 that have a diagonal crack from top to bottom of the windshield.

Have you tried the Gorilla Glass replacement yet?

I have a $250 deductible on the 2021 Jeep Talk Show Gladiator, and the insurance company has stated they will cover the cost (minus $250) for Gorilla Glass windshield replacement.

The Glad is about a year old now and the windshield needs to be replaced!  I recently noticed that on the Jeep.com build page a Sport S JL and JLU cost $495 to upgrade the windshield to Gorilla Glass.  We had reported on previous episodes that it was going to be $95.  I’ll say this, based on my experience and MINIMAL driving of the Glad (under 7,000 miles).  Get the Gorilla Glass!

Must-Have Stuff Pick-of-the-Week for your Jeep!

Auxiliary Light Mounting Bracket – Lip Mount – No Drilling!

https://amzn.to/3kjlNCB     $13.49 – PAIR!

If you’re looking to mount some lights on your Jeep, but don’t like the idea of drilling A-pillar brackets into the body, then I’ve got a solution for you. Whether you’ve got small little LED light pods, or some old-school KC Daylighters, these brackets will work for you. Made of sturdy and corrosion free 304 stainless steel, and features industry-leading adjustability. 

In addition to whatever adjustability your light bracket already has, this mounting bracket gives you 180° up and down and 60° left and right. No drilling is required, just clamp the bracket over the lip of your hood and tighten it up. The clamping bracket comes with anti-slip teeth and rubber pads to make sure there is a firm, slip-free installation that leaves no scratches on the surface of the hood. The kit comes with a pair of brackets meaning you can mount two different lights or use these to span the mounts of a light bar. This is one of the most versatile and functional light mounting options I’ve seen, and with a price of less than $15, this is a definite must-have. 

 

Links Mentioned in this Episode

NEXEN Tires USA https://www.nexentireusa.com/

Trails 411- POWERING Your Adventure https://www.youtube.com/user/backcountrydriver

The 4×4 Radio Network http://4x4radionetwork.com/

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