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FCA big finish campaign kathryn hahn chrysler

FCA’s “Big Finish” Advertising Campaign Features Some Notable Celebrities

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Posted in Chrysler dealers in Miami
FCA big finish campaign kathryn hahn chrysler

Photo Credit/Copyright: media.fcanorthamerica.com

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, and as of November 5th, 2018, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) year-end “Big Finish” advertising campaign launches on television, social media and digital channels. The campaign features big-name celebrities like actress Kathryn Hahn, multi-platinum Grammy-nominated band OneRepublic, and an original track from Gwen Stefani’s newly released deluxe holiday album “You Make it Feel Like Christmas,” which serves as a backdrop for Ram brand’s 30-second “Ginger Builders” spot celebrating the spirit of giving.

Along with the 30-second videos, which promote Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, and Dodge brands, a second commercial will be filmed live on Saturday, December 1st, 2018 for the Ram brand. As seen in the first commercial, the second will feature a Ram 1500 towing a life-size Gingerbread float to the 2018 Nashville Christmas Parade that benefits the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

“We set out to accomplish three objectives with our Big Finish campaign – it must be unique to each brand personality, it must be impactful to help sell cars during the automotive industry’s biggest selling season, and it must be relevant,” said Olivier Francois, Chief Marketing Officer, FCA. “Our challenge during the holidays – when we are oversaturated with holiday music and bells ringing — is how do you get more than your fair share of attention if you use the same device as everyone else, and at the same time remain true to the identity of our brands? The answer, as always, is the creative twist. From a rap reimagination of ‘Jingle Bells,’ to the heavy metal track ‘Santa Claus is Back in Town,’ to enlisting artists such as OneRepublic and Gwen Stefani to put their own spin on holiday music, it gives us the opportunity to hear a story that speaks to the moment and stands out at the same time.”

Kathryn Hahn – Chrysler Brand “Lit Christmas”

With some help from the Chrysler Pacifica, actress Kathryn Hahn and the kids go on a “Caroling” adventure while jamming out to “Lit Christmas,” a rap re-imagination of the holiday classic “Jingle Bells.” Created by Scott Stallone featuring MC Rellik and Stones Throw Records, this holiday rendition is boasted throughout the interior cabin via the Harman Kardon speakers. The Chrysler Pacifica is notably dressed in the available S Appearance Package that features a stylish black badging, black accents, 18-inch wheels with a Black Noise finish, and a “Pacifica” and “S” badge located in the rear. The interior cabin of the Chrysler Pacifica is fitted with black seats featuring light gray accents and stitching along with an “S” logo.

Since partnering up with the brand’s Chrysler Pacifica in a television, social, and digital campaign back in March 2018, Kathryn Hahn extended her contract with the brand that included a social video campaign that launched this summer. Consumers can expect to see new videos continuing to run throughout this holiday season.

OneRepublic – Jeep Brand “White Christmas”

Grammy-nominated band OneRepublic joins the Jeep Brand for its second collaboration in 2018 with its 30-second “Colorful Christmas” spot that features a beautiful reimagination of “White Christmas.” This Christmas classic performed by OneRepublic includes the Jeep Brand’s entire vehicle lineup while celebrating the colors of the holiday season and is accented against towering red rocks, aqua blue coastlines, emerald green forests, white snowy landscapes, and softly lighted city streets. Additionally, and as Jeep so beautifully describes it, “The holidays are where you take them and, in a Jeep SUV, you can take them anywhere.”

Gwen Stefani – Ram Brand “You Make it Feel Like Christmas”

An original holiday track from Gwen Stefani’s newly released deluxe holiday album, “You Make it Feel Like Christmas” is the backdrop to Ram brand’s “Ginger Builders” 30-second video. Comprised of a truck lineup that is built to serve, the all-new Ram 1500, the Ram 2500, and the Ram 3500 all take part in the construction of a classic Christmas holiday project, a giant gingerbread house. Complete with giant gumdrops, huge marshmallows, and gigantic graham crackers, this life-size gingerbread float will be towed by the Ram trucks at the Nashville Christmas Parade.

Dodge Brand – “Santa Claus is Back in Town”

After riding on his centuries-old sleigh, it’s no surprise why Santa Claus himself would proclaim to his little helpers that “it’s time for an upgrade!” During the Dodge brand’s 30-second “Upgrade,” the elves begin to take inspiration from the Dodge brand lineup to put a spin on Santa’s classic sleigh. The Dodge-inspired upgrade consists of the 797-horsepower Challenger Red Eye engine, dual exhaust tips, six-piston Brembo brakes, and seven-passenger seating – finished off by the Dodge tagline: “There’s more than one way to fly!” Additionally, the Dodge brand will launch a social series in early December, as an extension to the 30-second television commercial, that will broadcast popular car restoration reality shows.  

The social series that takes place across YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram will chronicle the entire process of overhauling Santa’s all-new decked out sleigh while revealing the reasoning for many of the newest features. Also, professional athlete, NFL player, pro wrestler, and automobile aficionado Bill Goldberg plays Santa and “All Girls Garage” host and automotive enthusiast Cristy Lee plays Mrs. Claus. Deriving from one of Elvis Presley’s holiday albums, the heavy metal “Santa Claus is Back in Town” track is from the album “We Wish You a Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New Year.”  

 Ring in the Christmas holidays by giving someone near and dear to you the best gift of all – a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica! Test drive one today at the Miami Lakes AutoMall and for more information on our entire new car inventory selection, visit our website or follow us on social media. From all of us at the Miami Lakes AutoMall, we want to wish ya’ll a very Happy Holidays!

thanksgiving road trip hacks miami lakes chrysler

Travel Hacks to Help During This Thanksgiving Holiday

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Posted in Uncategorized
thanksgiving road trip hacks miami lakes chrysler

Photo Credit/Copyright: piainsure.com

Thinking of traveling during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday? Well, you aren’t the only one. With the busiest travel holiday on the horizon, there’s a good chance that you’re among the 89 percent of holiday travelers who will drive to their destination this year, according to ResorTime.com. In order to make your road trip a more enjoyable one, we’ve put together a few tips to ensure a stress-free and happy holiday vacation.

Food Storage

While you can’t keep a whole turkey piping hot for days (nor would you want to), it’s possible to keep most foods warm for at least half a day, or sometimes even a full day. The beauty of Thanksgiving is that a good amount of the traditional foods are pantry-based, so it saves the worry of where to store perishables. In those cases where you have to keep your food safe while on the road, it’s a good idea to transfer hot foods into glass containers, which hold heat better than plastic containers. Another alternative to store foods like bread, meatloaf, or sliced chicken would be to wrap them up in tinfoil as an alternative to using glass containers. Store large amounts of food, like a full-sized lasagna or a double batch of mashed potatoes, in disposable foil food containers with cardboard lids.

Insulated storage bags, like the type used by pizza delivery drivers, are another perfect way to keep those hot foods nice and toasty. For those traveling with liquids and soup, use a vacuum food flask. All it takes is transferring the soup straight from the stovetop into the container to keep it as hot as possible and make sure it’s sealed tight to prevent it from leaking.

Stay Prepared

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), most car breakdowns can be prevented by having your car serviced before your journey. Head to a mechanic at least a week in advance to have the oil and tire pressure checked and make sure that the battery, brakes, and engine are all working properly. Traveling with the little ones? Then you must know that entertainment is the key to maintaining a peaceful driving experience with minimal meltdowns. Have all smart devices charged with extra cables, coloring books with crayons stocked, and for those who have a dual rear-seat entertainment system, don’t forget those DVD favorites.

Also, packing plenty of snacks and water is super important for those long road trips, as a lack of hydration can lead to headaches. It’s no secret that traveling during Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest times of the year, so it’s essential to plan your driving time accordingly. Unfortunately, not everyone can hit the road early in the morning, so for those who can’t, avoid driving between the hours of 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. – commonly referred to as the busiest high-risk driving time.

Less is More

Packing and repacking your car can not only be time-consuming but also a hassle. Road-trip experts advise loading non-essential items first, such as anything you won’t need until you reach your final destination, and then put in items that you’ll rely on during the drive. If you’re traveling with large quantities of food, make sure they’re secured when placed in your trunk to prevent a giant mess of food or even a hazardous situation in the event of an accident.

As you embark on your journey, we hope these tips help you and your family have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday. Interested in a vehicle that checks all the boxes in terms of travel? Check out the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. Loaded with Stow ‘n Go seating for added cargo storage, the Chrysler Pacifica has a total cargo volume of 140.5 cubic feet. Stop by the Miami Lakes AutoMall and test drive one today!

trunk or treating cowboy theme miami lakes chrysler

Trunk-or-Treating: Tailgating For Halloween

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Posted in Chrysler dealership in Miami
trunk or treating cowboy theme miami lakes chrysler

Photo Credit/Copyright: IG @southerneverafter

A perfect alternative, or even an addition, to the many Halloween festivities like the traditional trick-or-treating, “Trunk-or-Treat” is like a tailgating Halloween party. Usually set in a large parking lot, church or school, Trunk-or-Treating turns the trunk of a parents car into their front porch. Families can personalize their decorations just like they would display at home, while kids go “trunk-to-trunk” collecting those yummy candies.

One of the appealing elements about trunk-or-treating, especially for parents, is the safety factor. Rather than your child going door-to-door, they can hop from one trunk to the other and all while staying close to you. Considering that times are currently a bit stressful, added child safety is every parent’s first priority. Community-friendliness is another engaging factor to trunk-or-treating. For those families that are new to a neighborhood and/or religious congregation, this Halloween tailgating event is not only an ideal way for the community or congregation to welcome newcomers, but it also allows for opportunities to get together again in the future.

Also, imagine the idea of ONLY having to decorate the trunk of your car rather than your front yard or porch? Instead of worrying where to store all those Halloween decorations, that are most likely squeezed between your Christmas and Thanksgiving decorations, trunk-or-treating allows parents to decorate their trunk only once while allowing them the chance to try something new every year without breaking the bank. Trunk-or-treating really is the perfect way for adults to socialize, but also enjoy all the creative costumes.

trunk or treating wizard of oz theme miami lakes chrysler

Photo Credit/Copyright: IG @anallievent

So, we took it upon ourselves to break down just how trunk or treating works. Generally, communities and congregations follow the steps listed below to pull-off the best trunk-or-treating event:

  • It’s encouraged to start about a month in advance, in order for the host of the trunk-or-treat event to begin collecting volunteers. Sometimes the parking spaces are limited, so be sure to get in on the fun as quickly as possible!
  • While the volunteers are buying candy and planning decorations in preparation for this Halloween fun, the host will likely be sending out a sign-up sheet at the location (like a church or school) where it’s being held, or online so anyone in the area can join. Trunk or treat is often an RSVP event for the kids – that way there’s no risk of running out of candy as the volunteers will know more or less how many trick-or-treaters to expect.
  • Once the big night comes around, the cars are given specific spots to line up in, separate from the attendee parking lot. They will specifically arrange themselves in an area that the kids can safely run around and ask for candy. Some of the car decorations and displays can be quite elaborate, requiring hours of setup time in advance.
  • When the kids arrive, that’s when the real fun begins. They’ll usually be told to go in a certain order and they’ll say “trick or treat!” and collect their candy, just like at houses on Halloween night. Some parents are more generous than others but for the most part, they give out more than one piece so the kids will end up with a pretty good amount of Halloween candy. And the parents get to steal a few pieces, of course!

The beauty of an event like this is that it can be turned into a night-long event if Halloween night lands on the weekend. Of course, it’s important to stay safe this holiday season and also check your local community calendars or talk to your friends and neighbors to find a trunk or treat event near you. At the Miami Lakes AutoMall, we offer plenty of cars that are perfect for any trunk-or-treating event. Located in Miami Lakes, FL, check out our entire new car inventory vehicle selection today!

fca outsells ford 11 years miami lakes chrysler

For the first time in 11 years, FCA has outsold Ford Motor Company.

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Posted in Chrysler Dealer Miami
fca outsells ford 11 years miami lakes chrysler

Photo Credit/Copyright: detroitnews.com

For the past 11 years, Ford trucks outsold Ram trucks and the Mustang outsold the Challenger, but for the first time in a little over a decade, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has outsold Ford Motor Company. Chrysler has typically been referred to as the smallest of the American automaker groups based on sales, but in September 2018, Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, and Fiat came together to outsell Ford and Lincoln – placing the Ford Motor Company in third, a rare occurrence since 2007.

Last month, when compared to the 197,404 units of Ford deliveries, FCA posted a 15 percent increase in U.S. sales with 199,819 unit deliveries, primarily powered by its Jeep and Ram brands. Within the first nine months of the 2018 model year, FCA beat Ford in retail sales five times out of those nine months. In an email statement, Michelle Krebs, an automotive analyst for Cox Automotive stated “It was mostly expected to happen this year, as Ford moves away from sedans. It might just be a fluke month, but that’s a significant shift in the automotive world and a wake-up call for Dearborn.”

However, Ford Vice President of U.S. Marketing, Sales, and Service, Mark LaNeve seemed undeterred.

“We don’t worry about being in a contest with FCA. There have been months when we beat General Motors, and we didn’t pound our chests…it was a function of timing,” says LaNeve.

He also overlooked being overtaken by FCA, blaming it, in part, on Ford’s decision to reduce sales to the fleet and rental car companies. And yet, the numbers don’t lie. General Motor Corp. no longer releases monthly sales figures but saw an overall decrease by 11 percent during the third quarter across all brands. Furthermore, while third-quarter sales for Ford decreased by 3.5 percent in comparison to last year, FCA third-quarter sales were up by an estimated 10 percent.

“We entered the quarter with very lean inventories of our 2018-model full-size pickups, so we focused on driving a very strong mix of SUVs, crossovers and mid-size pickups,” Kurt McNeil, GM’s U.S. Vice President of Sales Operations, said in a statement. “We also transitioned to the 2019 model year far earlier than some key competitors, which allowed us to reduce incentives while others raised them sharply.”

According to Mark LaNeve, the decrease is a “tale of two hurricanes.” He states that Hurricane Florence disrupted its business on the East Coast, particularly in the Carolina’s, last month. Hurricane Harvey in Houston, last year, created a surge in replacement demand during September 2017 – which was the best sales month for Ford. LaNeve also stated that it was “impossible to quantify the effect of Florence,” but the majority of its East Coast markets were impacted in one way or another.

“Our Ram and Jeep brands propelled both our retail and total sales to their highest level in 18 years,” says Reid Bigland, FCA Head of U.S. Sales.

The FCA Jeep brand continues to lead the charge for the Italian-American automaker, posting a 14 percent increase in September sales on gains for the Cherokee and Compass models – Jeep is up 20 percent for the year. Ram has also reported a nine percent increase in September. Clearly, natural disasters are no threat to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Stop by the Miami Lakes AutoMall and test drive the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. Located in Miami Lakes, FL, check out our website for more information on our entire new car inventory selection today!

Chrysler’s Concept Portal Electric Van Confirmed For Production in 2020

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Posted in Chrysler Dealership
chrysler concept portal vehicle miami lakes automall

Photo Credit/Copyright: insideevs.com

After much success with the Pacifica Hybrid minivan, Chrysler debuted the all-new fully electric Portal concept minivan at the Consumer Electric Show in early 2017. Set to head to production in 2020, let’s see what else consumers can expect from this next-generation minivan.

Chrysler refers to the Portal as “next generation family transportation designed by millennials for millennials.” The Portal concept vehicle by Chrysler is promising consumers a ton of connected car technology like distinguished exterior lighting that’s designed to let other drivers and pedestrians know what it plans to do next when operating in autonomous mode. Furthermore, the Portal will have a fold away steering wheel at some point in the future when true autonomous driving systems are available.

“To create the next generation of family transportation, FCA sought the collaboration and fresh ideas of millennials working inside its design and engineering functions. Those ideas led to the Chrysler Portal concept — created by millennials for millennials. Millennials are a tech-savvy, environmentally-aware, cost-conscious generation. The Chrysler Portal concept is designed to respond to these needs and it explores the possibility of what a family transportation vehicle could look like for the millennial generation as their lifestyles evolve.​​​ The flexibility, adaptability and technology features also make it ideal for business and commercial applications, such as ride-hailing, car sharing, and delivery services,” says Chrysler.

As a full-electric vehicle, the Chrysler Portal’s battery boasts more than 250 miles of range on a full charge. Equipped with a 350 kilowatt DC Fast Charge, the Portal’s battery pack could be recharged with 150 miles of range in just 20 minutes. The Portal will also include several high-tech features that carmakers believe all vehicles will be required to have in the future. Those features include “vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communications” and level three autonomous driving level. Additional potential features include sliding front and rear doors, something no other manufacturer has toyed with, and facial and voice recognition technology. What’s cool about the facial and voice recognition technology is, depending on who’s behind the wheel, the vehicle will personalize interior features ranging from lighting to music.

At the North American International Auto Show earlier this year, the late CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Sergio Marchionne, hinted to the press that a new product may be headed to production at FCA’s Windsor, Ontario assembly plant.

“The replacement of the Caravan will be a Caravan-like vehicle. I need another minivan. It’s going to be in line with the Pacifica architecture. The platform that was installed in Windsor to deal with the Pacifica is a world-class platform. I think it’s capable of utilization beyond its current use in the minivan. I think there are plans in place to try to take another product into it.” Marchionne said at the time.

All this comes as no surprise due to the five-year plan Marchionne put in place right before he suddenly passed away.         

The future is near, especially the future of electric vehicles. As previously mentioned, production isn’t set to start until 2020 and we definitely can’t wait. Stop by the Miami Lakes Automall to test drive the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica and follow us on social media for updates on the future of autonomous vehicles.  

Four FCA Vehicles Take Home Best-in-Class 2018 Ideal Vehicle Awards

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Posted in Chrysler 300

THE CONSUMERS HAVE SPOKEN! Based on the responses from more than 58,000 owners of new vehicles, automotive research and consulting firm, AutoPacific, Inc, has announced four Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) vehicles as segment winners in its 2018 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA) – the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and the Fiat 500L.  

Surveys were sent out to owners who purchased new model-year cars and trucks between September and December 2017. The questionnaire was conducted from January to April 2018 and consisted of 14 vehicle attributes that consumers had to rate based on their desire for change. Out of those responses, the vehicles wanting the least change, win the IVA for their class. 58,000 surveys were returned, and consumer responses made up the results.

“IVAs speak to a vehicle’s layout and design,” says AutoPacific President George Peterson. “Giving owners a chance to tell us what they would change and how they would change it reveals which vehicles are designed to meet their needs and expectations. In other words, having owners who are happy with things the way they say the manufacturer did their upfront research and designed the vehicle with their target buyer in mind.”

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee – “Best-in-Class Ideal Mid-Size SUV”

2018 jeep grand cherokee miami lakes automall

Photo Credit/Copyright: Jeep.com

For the eighth year in a row, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was awarded the AutoPacific’s IVA for the Mid-Size SUV segment. As the most awarded SUV ever, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has long defined what a top-of-the-line SUV should be. Comprised of available bi-xenon headlamps with signature LED daytime running lamps (DRL), the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a polished exterior design. The legendary Jeep has capabilities like four available 4×4 systems, a Quadra-Lift air suspension system, and Selec-Terrain traction management systems. Additionally, while featuring “legendary capability, world-class craftsmanship, benchmark on-road refinement, and advanced safety and technology,” the Grand Cherokee has a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and a crawl ratio of 44.1:1.

2018 Chrysler 300 – “Best-in-Class Ideal Large Car”

2018 chrysler 300 miami lakes automall

Photo Credit/Copyright: Chrysler.com

Awarded the IVA for “Best-in-Class Ideal Large Car,” the 2018 Chrysler 300 stays true to the brand’s luxurious design that’s carried out with “world-class performance, efficiency, and quality.” The Chrysler 300 lineup includes class-exclusive innovations and state-of-the-art technology, like the available Uconnect 4 system with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto capabilities, that provides enhanced features at the consumer’s fingertips. Once equipped with the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission, the 2018 Chrysler 300 delivers up to 30 MPGs.

The segment’s most advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) effortlessly engages at any speed and allows for control based traction during various driving conditions. Furthermore, AWD is available on the Touring, Touring L, 300S, and Limited trim levels. Lastly, the 300C is equipped with a standard 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, the most powerful V8 engine in its class.

2018 Dodge Challenger – “Best-in-Class Ideal Sporty Car”

2018 challenger miami lakes automall

Photo Credit/Copyright: Dodge.com

For the second time in three years, the 2018 Dodge Challenger tops the IVA Sporty Car segment. For the 2019 model year, Dodge released the most powerful SRT Hellcat lineup – the 797 horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. Influenced by the power of the record-setting Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, the Hellcat Redeye is considered the most powerful, quickest, and fastest muscle car within the Dodge brand. Returning for the 2019 model year is the powerful, 717 horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. Both Hellcat models honor the Dodge brand’s unique design theme by featuring a new dual-snorkel hood. Also, the all-new Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody model is equipped with fender flares that add 3.5-inches of body width and 20 x 11-inch forged wheels.

There are eight recognizable models that make up the 2019 Dodge Challenger lineup – SXT, SXT AWD, GT, GT AWD, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat, and SRT Hellcat Redeye. Within the lineup, there are numerous engine options like the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, 392 HEMI V8 engine, 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine, and the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V8 engine.

2018 Fiat 500L – “Best-in-Class Ideal Compact Car”

2018 fiat 500 l miami lakes automall

Photo Credit/Copyright: Fiat.com

The iconic 2018 Fiat 500L leads in the Compact Car segment while building on style, efficiency, and driving pleasure. The interior cabin expands by 42 percent while offering comfortable seating for five passengers. Lastly, the standard 160 horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine improves driving dynamics and preserves the one-of-a-kind modernized Italian design.  

From all of us at the Miami Lakes Automall, we congratulate the winners of the 2018 Best-in-Class Ideal Vehicle Awards! Stop by our location in Miami Lakes, FL and test drive the 2018 Chrysler 300 today. For more information on our entire new car inventory selection, visit the Miami Lakes Automall website or follow us on social media.       

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FCA Invests $30 Million In Autonomous Driving Testing Facility

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Posted in Chrysler dealers in Miami
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Photo Credit/Copyright: connectedautomateddriving.eu

The autonomous world is getting some major upgrades, ya’ll! Thanks to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) investing $30 million in their autonomous vehicle testing facilities, the upgrades will assist the automaker to improve the testing and evaluation of self-driving vehicles at the Chelsea Proving Grounds located in Chelsea, Michigan. The all-new facility, which initiates programs this month, features a dedicated autonomous highway-speed track, 35-acre safety feature evaluation area, and a high-tech command center.

“The all-new facility at Chelsea Proving Grounds will help support and enable the successful rollout of the company’s five-year plan laid out earlier this year,” said Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Chief Operating Officer, NAFTA region. “Our ability to test for autonomous and advanced safety technologies enables FCA to offer our customers the features they want across our brand portfolio.”

Beginning with the autonomous highway-speed track, which consists of tunnels, obstacles, on-and-off ramps, and different lighting conditions, it will be used for highway-speed testing exclusively for autonomous vehicle prototypes. Secondly, a 35-acre paved area for testing parking and emergency braking systems will also be designed. Lastly, a 6,500 square-foot command center will be created for external control and tracking of prototype autonomous vehicles using computer monitoring systems.

After opening up in 1954, the Chelsea Proving Grounds has undergone numerous expansions. Comprised of nearly 4,000 acres, 100 miles of road-surface, and off-road replicas of challenging trails, the Chelsea Proving Grounds is in operation seven days a week, 365 days a year. Within the facility, various levels of autonomy will be evaluated, as well as enabling the company to assess FCA vehicles by using test protocols from third parties such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), U.S. New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), and European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP).

Additionally, the Chelsea Proving Grounds facility has depended on partnerships with Uber and Google subsidiary Waymo to develop the hardware and software that self-driving vehicles utilize. In May of 2018, FCA announced that it would deliver up to 62,000 additional Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids to Google’s automated driving technology company, while also making Waymo’s tech available in consumer vehicles via a licensing deal. Not only that, but Chrysler is also contributing an additional 20,000 compact cars from Jaguar Land Rover.

“Fiat Chrysler Automotives is committed to bringing self-driving technology to our customers in a manner that is safe, efficient and realistic. Strategic partnerships, such as the one we have with Waymo, will help to drive innovative technology to the forefront”, said the late and former CEO of FCA, Sergio Marchionne.

This is extraordinary news for people that are tired of traffic or having to commute to work. Someday, millions of people won’t have to struggle with such daily inconveniences. Interested in taking the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica for a spin? Stop by the Miami Lakes AutoMall located in Miami Lakes, FL or visit our website for more information on our entire new car inventory selection.  

nkh chrysler pacifica miami lakes automall

Chrysler Pacifica And No Kid Hungry Come Together To End Childhood Hunger

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Posted in Chrysler dealership in Miami

nkh chrysler pacifica miami lakes automall

“No Child Should Go Hungry”

– No Kid Hungry Motto

Chrysler Pacifica and No Kid Hungry National Campaign have partnered up to help connect hungry kids to the nutritious meals they deserve. Chrysler takes pride in being a family-oriented brand, and nothing says family-friendly like the Pacifica minivan. In connecting with children via various No Kid Hungry platforms, Chrysler is making it their mission to help end childhood hunger across the nation.

No Kid Hungry Campaign

In working to solve problems of hunger and poverty in the United States, the No Kid Hungry campaign continuously provides experts with the tool and resources to bring solutions to hungry kids around the world. According to No Kid Hungry, studies have shown that one-in-six kids in America live in hunger. As a result, kids are more likely to struggle in school and feel psychically ill when they don’t eat nutritious meals. Since their launch in 2010, No Kid Hungry has been able to decrease hungry children by one-third. Additionally, within the partnership, Chrysler intends on providing up to 1.5 million meals to hungry kids.

“Through our partnership with No Kid Hungry, the Chrysler brand can help bring awareness to childhood hunger and support the organization’s work across America,” says Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “Childhood hunger is a solvable problem. No child in America should go without a meal and, as a trusted family brand, our work with this campaign will help ensure more kids across the country have the food they need to learn and grow.”

While amplifying the campaign’s initiatives through various social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Chrysler will sponsor several fundraising events taking place in multiple cities across the nation.

Taste Of the Nation

Consisting of premier chefs, mixologists, and sommeliers, Taste of the Nation takes place in over 25 different cities. In bringing together 3000 chefs and 25,000 guests annually, each attendee shares one specific goal in mind – help end childhood hunger.

Chef’s Cycle

Compromised of award-winning chefs and various members of the culinary community, Chef’s Cycle is part-fundraiser and part-endurance cycle. The three-day, 300-mile ride will be held on September 25th-27th in Charlottesville, VA. Celebrities and award-winning chefs will jump on their bikes to promote awareness and raise money to end childhood hunger.  

Bake Sales For No Kid Hungry

Encouraging communities to get involved, No Kid Hungry gives the public an opportunity to build their own money-raising team, no matter the location. In order to successfully build their own dream team, organizers are required to follow the steps listed below:

  • Recruit their own team members
  • Assign jobs to bake sale members
  • Update personal web pages
  • Secure a venue and date
  • Update bake sale webpage
  • Send email updates
  • Advertise
  • Ask for donations
  • BAKE!!
  • Send reminder emails
  • Finalize plans
  • BAKE SALE!
  • Submit proceeds to Share Our Strength website

“There is no possible excuse for children to be hungry in this great country of ours. Yet it happens – every day. We are grateful for partners like Chrysler who are committed to helping us end childhood hunger once and for all.” says, Tom Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Share Our Strength, the organization behind the No Kid Hungry campaign.

As previously mentioned, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the No Kid Hungry Campaign. To learn more about the events listed above and how to get more involved, visit No Kid Hungry and help make a difference in children’s lives. Come test drive the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica today at Miami Lakes Automall! For more information on our upcoming 2019 Chrysler Pacifica, visit our website and reserve yours today!

Photo Credit/Copyright: nokidhungry.org
2018 chrysler pacifica best cars back to school miami lakes automall

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint On The Way To School

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Posted in Miami Chrysler dealer

It’s that time of year again – school is back in session! As some parents scurry to prepare their little ones for the new school year, others may be more concerned about providing their young teenager with a fresh and reliable new car. It’s not always easy to get parents and teens to agree, but with our list of the top best back-to-school vehicles, it could serve as common ground.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica + Pacifica Hybrid

Starting off our list for back to school cars is the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, and some may wonder if this is an ideal car for a young teen driver. Well, yes. Although this vehicle is aimed more towards carpooling parents and soccer moms, the safety ratings for the Chrysler Pacifica speak for themselves. These include the “2018 Best Buy Awards” by Consumer Guide, 2018 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and a 5-star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Keeping new teen drivers safe.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica

 

2018 chrysler pacifica best cars back to school miami lakes automall

Photo Credit/Copyright: caranddriver.com

Offered in six trim levels – L, LX, Touring Plus, Touring L, Touring L Plus, and Limited, the Chrysler Pacifica has something for everyone. The base L model is powered by a 3.6-Liter V6 24-Valve engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), that, by optimizing combustion, improves performance, fuel, and emissions. The remaining models come standard with a 3.6-Liter V6 24-Valve engine with VVT and Electric Start-Stop (ESS) to reduce the amount of time the engine spends idling and expending gas when idle. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard on all trim levels.

The infotainment system included in the Chrysler Pacifica is one-of-a-kind and no matter which trim is chosen, passengers won’t be disappointed. The L, LX, Touring Plus, and Touring L come standard with Uconnect 4 on a 7.0-inch touchscreen display and 6-speakers, while the Touring L Plus and Limited models feature Uconnect 4C NAV on an 8.4-inch touchscreen display with a 13-Alpine speaker system or the option of a 20 Harman Kardon speaker system. Entertainment features included on all trim levels consist of integrated voice command with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto capabilities. Furthermore, consumers have the option of including dual 10-inch touchscreens mounted on the rear of the front seat backs for additional entertainment those teenage passengers would appreciate. Lastly, the Pacifica can seat up to eight passengers.  

Starting MSRP of $26,995 (plus destination fee).

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

 

2018 chrysler pacifica hybrid back to school miami lakes automall

Photo Credit/Copyright: thenewswheel.com

Awarded 2018 Best New Car by Car and Driver, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offers a rest-easy mindset for parents and teen drivers, especially by requiring less gas station visits and saving money in fuel costs. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is available in three trim levels –  Touring Plus, Pacifica Hybrid Touring L, and Pacifica Hybrid Limited. All hybrid trims share a 3.6-liter V6 eHybrid engine that is paired to two dual electric motors powered by a 16 kWh, lithium-ion battery. Additionally, the Pacifica Hybrid can be powered in three ways: battery, engine, or a combination of both.

It’s important to keep in mind that plug-in hybrids have two measures of fuel economy – miles-per-gallon (MPG) and miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe)- basically, a more comprehensive understanding of the measurement that converts the power used by an electric vehicle into mpg. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a total driving range of 566 miles and a combined fuel economy of 84 MPGe. Powered only by the 16 kWh battery, the Pacifica Hybrid has a driving range of 33 miles, emissions free. Furthermore, the Pacifica Hybrid has a combined fuel economy of 32 mpg. There are two charging levels available for the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid – level 1 and level 2. The standard level one charger is 140 volts and can fully charge the Pacifica Hybrid in about four hours. Meanwhile, the more powerful level 2 charger is 240 volts and can recharge the Hybrid’s battery up to 80% in just two hours.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was designed to be convenient and versatile, so it’s no surprise that the interior cabin maintains a quiet atmosphere. All trim levels share a third-row fold-in-floor 60/40 split-bench seat and the optional easy entry slide second-row bench seat. Standard features on the Touring Plus includes cloth seating, while the Touring L and Limited trims are standard with leather-trimmed (perforated or premium) seats. Contrary to the Chrysler Pacifica, the Pacifica Hybrid does not offer Stow ‘n Go storage in the second row, due to the vehicle’s battery pack, where it is stored. Fortunately, the third-row seats are still equipped with Stow ‘n Go storage.

The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is not only a fan favorite for eco-friendly parents, but it’s also a big hit for kids and teens. An 8.4-inch touchscreen display includes Apple CarPlay/Google Android Auto, integrated voice command with Bluetooth, and a complimentary one-year subscription to SiriusXM radio come standard on all trim levels. The Pacifica Hybrid Touring Plus and Touring L models include Uconnect 4, while the Hybrid Limited model is standard with Uconnect 4 NAV. Additionally, the Pacifica Hybrid Touring Plus and Touring L come standard with a six-speaker audio system, while the Hybrid Limited offers the optional 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound group for a state-of-the-art surround sound experience.

Starting MSRP of $39,995 (plus destination fee).

2018 Kia Niro Hybrid + Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

For the 2018 model year, the Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid area breath of fresh air into the brand-new Kia Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid segment. Between the practical wagon-shape exterior style to the functional interior cabin, parents and teens would never know it was a hybrid. Also, the Kia Niro Hybrid was a 2018 Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and was awarded the 2018 Residual Value Award For Alt-Fuel Vehicles by ALG.   

2018 Kia Niro Hybrid

 

2018 kia niro hybrid miami lakes automall

Photo Credit/Copyright: kia.com

The 2018 Kia Niro Hybrid is a fresh and fuel-efficient hybrid crossover. The Niro is available in four trim levels – FE, LX, EX, and Touring. All four trims shared the same hybrid powertrain and front-wheel-drive (FWD). The Niro hybrid is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that’s matched to an electric motor. The electric motor, an AC synchronous permanent magnet motor, is powered by a 240-volt, 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Utilizing the six-speed automatic transmission, the engine and electric motor transmit their power to the vehicle’s wheels. The 1.6-liter engine puts out 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft of torque, and once the engine and electric motor are working together, the vehicle produces a total of 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

The Kia Niro hybrid’s fuel economy is definitely beneficial to teens and the wallets of their parents. When the Kia Niro is equipped with 16-inch wheels, it has a combined fuel economy of 50 mpg, while the bigger 18-inch wheels average a combined fuel economy of 43 mpg. According to fueleconomy.gov, the annual fuel cost of the 2018 Kia Niro (with 16-inch wheels) is $850, and fueleconomy.gov estimates that after five years, drivers will save $3,250 driving the Kia Niro in comparison to the average vehicle. You’re welcome, parents.

As previously mentioned, the interior cabin of the Kia Niro Hybrid is functional. It has two rows and comfortably seats five adults. The front seat passengers have plenty of legroom, 41.7 inches to be exact, and the rear seat passengers have 37.4 inches of legroom. The 60/40 split-folding seats make it really easy for drivers to fold down the seats, especially for additional cargo. Additionally, when the second-row seat is folded down flat, there is a cargo volume of 54.5 cubic feet of space. Since the 2018 Kia Niro is a very recent model, it’s loaded with awesome tech features like a standard rearview camera and Bluetooth wireless handsfree connectivity. The 2018 Kia Niro FE, LX, and EX are equipped with a 7-inch color touchscreen, UVO eco, SiriusXM, and a six-speaker audio system. Meanwhile, the Niro Touring features an 8-inch touchscreen display, UVO eco, SiriusXM Traffic, HD Radio, voice-command navigation system, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium surround sound audio system.

Starting MSRP of $23,340 (plus destination fee).

2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

 

2018 kia niro plug in hybrid miami lakes automall

Photo Credit/Copyright: caranddriver.com

The 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), consists of three trim levels – LX, EX, and EX Premium. All three models share the same Full Parallel Hybrid System that is powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing (VVT) and an electric motor. The gasoline direct injection and dual VVT, through optimizing combustion, maximizes engine performance to deliver 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor, an AC synchronous permanent magnet motor, is powered by a 360-volt, 8.6 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. The electric motor produces 60 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, bringing the total output of the hybrid system to 165 horsepower and 234 lb-ft of torque.

The Kia Niro’s fuel economy is 48 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway when the internal combustion engine is the main power source. When the Kia Niro is powered by a combination of its internal combustion engine and battery, it has a fuel economy of 110 MPGe in the city, 99 MPGe on the highway, and a combined city/highway fuel economy of 105 MPGe. Lastly, the Kia Niro has an electric driving range of up to 26 miles, and the vehicle’s total driving range (a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery) of up to 560 miles.

Standard interior features across the lineup area drive mode selector, smart key with push-button start and engine immobilizer, dual-zone automatic temperature control, an auto windshield defogger, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and mood lighting. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX and EX Premium models come with a cargo covering (optional on LX) and rear a/c vents. Leather upholstery can only be found on the Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX Premium, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob comes standard on all trims. Heated front seats are available on the Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX and EX Premium trims, but only the Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX Premium comes with ventilated front seats, driver’s seat integrated memory and a heated steering wheel. Added features include a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and when folded down, the total cargo volume opens up to 54.5 cubic feet; 19.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up.

Lastly, the Kia Niro Plug-in offers the UVO eco infotainment system on all trims. Included on all trim levels are Apple CarPlay/Google Android Auto capabilities, Bluetooth wireless hands-free connectivity, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The Niro Plug-in Hybrid LX and EX models include a 7-inch touchscreen and six-speaker audio system. An 8-inch touchscreen with voice-command navigation and a Harman/Kardon Premium Surround Sound 8-speaker system are standard on the Niro Plug-in Hybrid EX premium trim.

Starting MSRP of $27,900 (plus destination fee).

From a minivan to a cool crossover, one of the most important factors to take into consideration when purchasing a new car for a young teen driver is safety. Today, a generous amount of new models are now equipped with safe teen driver features to give parents additional peace of mind. Come test drive any of the listed models today at the Miami Lakes Automall. Located in Miami Lakes, FL, we offer a huge selection of new and used cars for new teen drivers. For more information, visit our website or follow us on social media.

2017 chrysler pacifica hybrid miami lakes automall

The History of The Chrysler Pacifica

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Posted in Chrysler Dealer Miami

Initially designed in 1999 as a concept vehicle called the Citadel9, the Chrysler Pacifica has definitely gone through a series of changes throughout the years, including a transition from concept to crossover SUV and then to a minivan. Created by DaimlerChrysler under the Chrysler marque in 1999 as a “merger of equals”, it took only 30 months to develop for less than $1 billion. The 1999 Pacifica concept was built not only to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Chrysler Minivan, but it was also intended to be a more upscale version of the Town & Country. It wasn’t until 2002, that the first production model of the Chrysler Pacifica was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show.

Chrysler Citadel Concept (1999)

chrysler citadel concept miami lakes automall

Photo Credit/Copyright: Old Concept Cars blog

Before hybrids became a “thing,” Chrysler released the 1999 Chrysler Citadel Concept vehicle. The Chrysler Citadel Concept vehicle was pretty incredible. It featured a front fascia and a raised roof that included a skylight and overhead storage bins. Additionally, it could seat up to six passengers, with four front and rear captain’s chairs and a foldout jump seat on each of the rear seats. The 2nd-row seat featured power footrests and a golf bag rack in the trunk space that could hold up to four golf bags. A 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine powered the concept vehicle’s rear wheels. Along with the gasoline engine, the Citadel Concept vehicle also had an electric motor that powered the front wheels. The Chrysler Citadel generated 253 horsepower, but once the electric motor was put in place, it added about 70 units of horsepower – this was the similar performance of a V8 vehicle. Lastly, the interior cabin was spacious and featured a dual-power sliding rear door and a back power gate.        

Chrysler Pacifica Crossover SUV (2004 – 2008)

chrysler pacifica crossover miami lakes automall

Photo Credit/Copyright: Consumer Guide Auto

The Chrysler Pacifica crossover was originally built with just one trim level in 2004. At first, the Pacifica’s standard engine was a 3.5-liter V6 that put out 250 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. However, it received quite a number of negative reviews, mainly due to the lack of engine power in comparison to the weight of the crossover SUV. In 2005, the Pacifica expanded into four trim levels – Base, Touring, Limited, a special-edition Signature Series; in 2008, a fifth trim, the LX, was introduced. The 3.5-liter engine was standard on all trim levels excluding the base trim, that was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine. However, the 3.8-liter engine was eliminated for the 2006 model year. In 2007, the 3.8-liter engine made a comeback as the standard engine in the base front-wheel-drive model and was also accompanied by the all-new 4.0-liter SOHC V6 engine added to the lineup. The 4.0-liter engine served as a replacement for the 3.5-liter V6 in all other models and could output 255 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the 4.0-liter engine was paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission and the base engine continued with its four-speed automatic transmission.

The interior cabin was equipped with luxurious standard features, some of which were unnecessary and expensive, like a navigation system, DVD entertainment system, and a suspension load-leveling kit. Luckily for consumers, the additional trim levels were added to bring the cost down on the base model. After its 2004 release, the Chrysler Pacifica included standard third-row seating, eight-way power driver seat and four-way power passenger seats on all models. All Pacifica models came with AM/FM radio, a CD player, a seven-speaker, 200-watt infinity audio system, dual-zone manual temperature control, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, and numerous safety features. The more expensive trim levels came with a complimentary subscription to SiriusXM radio, a 6-disc DVD player with MP3, DVD audio, DVD video, and DVD-RW disc capabilities. An available eight-speaker 385-watt infinity “intermezzo” audio system with subwoofer was also included.

Unfortunately, on November 1st, 2007, Chrysler announced the discontinuation of the Pacifica crossover, likely due to poor mechanical reliability, lack of fuel efficiency, and low sales numbers. It also didn’t help that Chrysler was rather slow in correcting these issues. The last Pacifica rolled off the assembly line on November 23rd, 2007.

Chrysler Pacifica + Pacifica Hybrid (2016 – Present)

2017 chrysler pacifica hybrid miami lakes automall

Photo Credit/Copyright: freep.com

In June 2013, it was rumored that Chrysler was preparing to develop a new generation of their Town & Country minivan and the only hint given by an industry analyst was that this new version would potentially be a crossover utility vehicle within the realm of the Pacifica crossover SUV. On January 11th, 2016 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the minivan was finally unveiled. But it wasn’t named Town & Country like most people assumed – it was named the “Chrysler Pacifica”. It was also when FCA announced their plans to discontinue the Town & Country and revive the Pacifica name. The name change was a gamble due to the Town & Country name helping Chrysler retain its position as the king of minivans for nearly a quarter century.

“Sure, it is absolutely risky to change the name, but that’s how confident we are,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of Chrysler, Dodge, and Fiat. “We wanted to change the name so that you think, ‘this is new, this is fresh, I need to check this out and forget the perception that I had about the previous minivan.”

In 2015, according to the Detroit Free Press, the late Fiat Chrysler Automobiles the late CEO, Sergio Marchionne, announced that he would invest $2 billion in developing a new minivan while overhauling the Windsor Assembly Plant to facilitate its production. This process was kept very much under wraps, so much so that after the FCA filed to renew its trademark registration on the Pacifica brand, FCA’s Head of Passenger Car Brands, Timothy Kuniskis, denied that this was related to any new products, and that it was standard industry practice to continue renewing its trademarks because “…you don’t want to lose names. Establishing new names is expensive.” Nevertheless, at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was also debuted alongside its sibling, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.

The Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid have completely reinvented how the public views minivans and has possibly reinvented the Chrysler brand. The Chrysler Pacifica is equipped with an enhanced 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine that produces 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid uses a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery with an all-electric range of 33 miles, and the battery can fully charge in just two hours using a 240-volt plug-in system. Once the battery’s energy begins to deplete, the Pacifica Hybrid turns into a part-time electric vehicle. The EPA can reach up to 84 MPGe when running in electric-only mode and 27 mpg once in regular hybrid mode. Additionally, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a total driving range of 566 miles – perfect for those long road trips.  

From the Chrysler Pacifica crossover SUV to the all-new Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid minivan, Chrysler definitely has a great way of reinventing their brand. Prior to the sudden death of former FCA CEO, Sergio Marchionne, a five-year plan was put in place to completely electrify the FCA lineup by 2022. We can only hope that even in death, his electrified plan will come to life. Stop by the Miami Lakes Auto Mall today, located in Miami Lakes, FL, to test drive the new 2019 Chrysler Pacifica or the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. For more information on our entire new car inventory selection, visit our website or follow us on social media!