Will Dodge get the Brand axe because of Alfa Romeo?

alfa romeo 4c

Rumors have circulated over the past few months among the automotive press that Dodge, a venerable American automotive brand, could be getting the axe from Chrysler-Fiat boss Serigo Marchionne.  The reason for this is simple, Dodge doesn't make sense for the overall goals of the company.

Before we get boatloads of hate mail for even running this article and editorial, Dodge fans need to think about the fact that the “Dodge” moniker was dropped from the truck division which is now known as “Ram Trucks.”  Also the Dodge Viper is not called that by the company but is either referred to as “Viper” or “SRT Viper” in press material they company circulates.  Since the truck division is considered a strength of Chrysler and the Viper is the company's flagship model many considered both moves a bit odd at the time.  These leaves auto journalists and analysts under the impression that executives wants to drop Dodge altogether and not just on the names of some vehicles.

It's not that Dodge doesn't have value and that it isn't a good marque for Chrysler-Fiat.  It just doesn't make sense for the company's future plans.  It's clear that sergio Marchionne wants to bring back Alfa Romeo, a luxury Italian brand, back to the US market.  To do this they will want to utilize the existing dealership infrastructure the company already has.  However Chrysler dealerships already have a lot of brand to choose from and the showroom might be getting a bit crowded to offer so many different automakers cars in the same place.  Could Dodge get booted out of dealerships to make way for Alfa Romeo?

Recently Aaron Turpen cited that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the official corporate name for the company, released a new FCA logo.  While the new logo isn't anything to really talk about is shows that Marchionne doesn't want to live in the past and is focusing on the future of his auto companies.  With a weakened European market the FCA alliance is working on becoming leaner to stay alive and relevant.  Is importing sexy Italian cars the way to do that?  Possibly.

Dropping Dodge would have benefits for FCA.  They wouldn't have to cross promote models against Chrysler and Jeep.  The marketing and advertising budgets could be focused on bringing in Alfa Romeo as a brand into the minds of US consumers.  Of course one look at an Alfa Romeos I'm pretty sure you wouldn't hesitate to buy one.  (Cars like the Alfa Romeo 4C are hard to forget.)  Additionally since Alfa Romeos are luxury cars they would charge a premium on them which means they would make better profits on them.  

The disadvantage is that an Alfa Romeo buyer… well that's a lot different than a Dodge, Chrysler, or Jeep buyer.  This is something that the Fiat has experienced firsthand as smalls for the small Italian car are nowhere near what FCA alliance anticipated.

Do you think it makes sense for Dodge to get the axe to make way for Alfa Romeo?   Should Sergio Marchionne think of something else, like axing Chrysler?

Chrysler Halftime in America Parody Ad

Here is a funny parody of the Chrysler “Halftime in America” ad that appeared during the Super Bowl.  What do you think?

 

Best Floor Jack Ever, Arcan XL35R from Costco

Arcan Floor Jack (11)
Arcan Floor Jack

If you need a Floor Jack, look no further than Costco!  I got this Arcan XL35R Floor Jack from Costco, when I bought my floormats.  The price for the Arcan jack was $100, which was a great deal on a floor jack of this quality and weight capacity.  (Actually we renewed our Costco membership just to get this jack, so in essence it was $150.)  The Arcan Floor Jack is rated for 3.5 Tons or 7000 pounds.

arcan floor jack box

So far I have only used the Arcan Floor Jack to lift-up my Mom's Chrysler van (aka the Crapler).  However, I can already tell what a great jack this is.  Lifting the van was like, “cutting through butter” as they say.  It lifted the backside up with ease and little effort on my part.  Even a lot of professional floor jacks I have used require a little muscle to get the vehicle up.  It has a low lift height of 3.5 inches, and goes to almost 21 inches.  The design also makes it easy to get under the rear tire of the van, where as most jacks might get stuck.  I am extremely impressed with the quality of the Arcan.

arcan xl35r floor jack

Best part about it, if the floor jack ever breaks, you can return it to Costco for a refund or exchange.  No Questions Asked!   Even a few years later if it breaks, they will accept a return.  Costco has has a great return policy and makes sure it's customers are happy with all purchases.

My only complaints are it is a bit heavy at a little over 100 pounds.  I hurt my back getting it out of the car and out of the box.  Of course, I would rather have a solid floor jack made from good metal and steel, rather than a cheap one.

arcan floor jack box

I don't think I could have found a better floor jack, at a better price.  Even with having to renew our Costco membership for $50, I still think it was worth that cost.  If you are in the market for a floor jack, I highly recommend you buy an Arcan XL35R from Costco.  If you know someone who needs a floor jack, this might make a great Christmas gift.  Of course, you might have a difficult time getting it under the tree.

Recently at a car show I saw a company that sells professional equipment to auto repair shops selling the Arcan XL35, which is basically the same model, for $160.  Most stores and retailers I have seen sell it for that price or a lot more.  Kind of crazy Costco offers such a good price and return policy on a floor jack like the Arcan.  I would even say the Arcan XL35R is the Best Floor Jack I have ever used and probably one the Best Deals in tools or equipment you will find out there.

costco floor jack

Where to Buy Arcan Floor Jack

Amazon actually carries a few Arcan Floor Jack models with Prime Shipping if you prefer to have items delivered right to your house.   There is the Arcan XL20 – 2 Ton Capacity Low Profile Floor Jack which seems like a great option if you don't have a Costco near your house and are already an Amazon Prime member.  There is also two lightweight Aluminum Arcan Floor Jacks available on Amazon, the Arcan ALJ2T Aluminum Jack with a 2 Ton Capacity and for those with slightly larger cars the Arcan ALJ3T with a 3 Ton Capacity.   (The Arcan ALJ3T Aluminum Floor Jack goes in and out of stock on Amazon.)

floor jack

I should let people know I have not bought or used the Arcan XL20, Arcan ALJ3T, or the Arcan ALJ2T but I feel that the Arcan makes such a good products I wouldn't hesitate to buy any one of those jacks, site unseen.  My Arcan XL35R is such a good floor jack for the price is still blows my mind.

If you have any questions about this Arcan XL35R Floor Jack I have, feel free to leave a comment below.  I will any questions as quickly and the best way I can.  Also if you found this post helpful please share it on your favorite auto or vehicle forum and share it on social media.  This helps me continue to produce useful articles, videos, and audio content online.

Click Here to Order an Arcan Floor Jack

xl35r car jack

Arcan Floor Jack

Actron PocketPlus Scanner Review

Probably the first thing you will notice about the PocketPlus scanner is it's diminutive size.  This is the smallest scanner I have ever used.  This is actually a plus for many reasons.  It's very easy to store anywhere, which allows you to take it along with you to a friend's house or maybe just store in your vehicle.  It was always easy to find a drawer or place to put the scanner.  The size also makes it easy to handle and use when connecting to vehicles.  I found myself using it often, because it was in my pocket a lot.  I guess it is called a “PocketPlus!”  Additionally it is simple an easy to use for almost anyone.  Novice mechanics can use it easily.

What are my complaints about the scanner?  They were quite a number of codes I was able to pull from the PocketPlus, but it gave no definition.  So you will need to check what some codes mean yourself.  This is expected on a lot of scanners in this price range .  Overall when compared to more expensive diagnostic scan tools and scanners the PocketPlus did well.  It read the same codes and gave the same information in a lot of cases.  More expensive diagnostic scan tools allow for more analysis and will usually always read the codes, but they are more expensive.  Also opening the packaging was quite difficult.  This is a common problem with lots of products, but it really annoys me.  Why can't companies make product packaging easier to open?  I guess this is just nitpicking.

The scanner actually saved me the other day, big time!  I went over to a friend's house to work on some cars, while also doing some exhaust work on my Mom's van, which was all fine.  Unfortunately while driving home the “Check Engine Light” came on.  I decided to try to ignore it until I got home, thinking it was probably nothing.  Well after driving down the highway for only a short period of time, the van had no power, was making a load cracking sounds, was not accelerating, and the engine and whole van felt like it was pulsating.  I thought about what was going on with the car and whether to stop and get it towed.  I then realized I had the PockerPlus Scanner in my bag!  Probably the only scanner I would have taken along because of it's size and usefulness.  Luckily there was a rest stop to get off the highway.  I wiped out the PocketPlus scanner and hooked it up.  It read three codes, P0300 Randon Multiple Cylinder Misfire, P0304 #4 Cylinder Misfire, and P0302 #2 Cylinder Misfire.  Since it was late at night and I was unsure if the van was going to make it back to my house, I decided to head back to my friend's house which was closer.  We concluded that the spark plugs and wires could be the issue.  I stayed the night and we changed them in morning, which alleviated the issue a lot.  After some Fuel Injector Cleaner it was virtually fine with no misfiring.   Getting the codes with the PocketPlus scanner was easy, changing the spark plugs could not have been harder.  Chrysler could not have it made it any more difficult to change spark plugs on these vans!   I was really glad to have the scanner handy as it saved any added damage to the van.

What's there to say about The Actron PocketPlus Scanner?  Reviewing the PocketPlus scanner was a pleasure and actually saved me in a difficult situation.  Overall I like it and feel it performs it's job well.  For a scanner under the $50 range it is ideal for a DIY mechanic or home mechanic.

PROS

  • Small
  • Easy to store & handle
  • Simple to use
  • Helped a blogger in a difficult situation!

CONS

  • Will not read some codes
  • Does not give definitions for some codes

Car Shows and events in July

Tuner Evolution, Soverign Bank Stadium, July 16

 

Here is a quick listing and rundown of Car/Bike Shows and Events taking place in the area for July, 2011.  I hope to see you at a couple of them.

  • Car Show and Carnival, Proceeds benefit local Boy Scouts and local mission, Calvary United Methodist Church, Annapolis MD, July 9, 11am – 4pm,
  • Chevy vs. Ford Showdown, Security Square Mall, July 9, Baltimore MD, $5 Admission
  • Vintage Car Lovers 21st Annual Car Show, Longwood Community Center, Brookeville MD, 8am – 2pm, Free for Spectators
  • R&H Toyota 1st Annual Car Show, Proceeds benefit The Children's Guild, R&H Toyota Service Center, Owings Mills MD, July 16, 9am – 3pm, Free for Spectators
  • Hogs & Heroes Bike/Car Show & Poker Run, Old Glory Harley Davidson, Laurel MD, July 30, Registration 9am – 11:30am, Fee $30
  • Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle PA, July 8-10, 7am – 6pm (Sun. 7am – 3pm), $10 Admission
  • Carlisle Bike Fest, Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle PA, July 22-24, 8am – 7pm (Sun. 9am-4pm), $8 Admission
  • Tuner Evolution, Sovereign Bank Stadium, July 16, 2pm – 10pm, $10 Admission

 

*If I am missing an event or show or you would like me to add an event, please email me.