Fiat Chrysler Awards Spotlight
Fiat Chrysler recently took home three awards from Motor Trend: 2019 SUV of the Year, 2019 Truck of the Year, and 2019 Person of the Year.
The 2019 Jeep® Wrangler is the Motor Trend 2019 SUV of the Year. After more than seven decades in the 4x4 industry, the Wrangler has become synonymous with off-road driving and adventure. New this model year for the Wrangler is a more fuel-efficient powertrain option, the 2.0-liter Direct Injection Turbo engine, and new safety features like forward collision warning. The Wrangler also houses the latest technology thanks to the fourth generation Uconnect® system. If the wilds are calling, the Jeep® Wrangler is capable of getting you there and back.
The 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 grabbed the honor of 2019 Truck of the Year. It’s well-known that Rams are hard-working, dependable vehicles, and this year’s Ram comes with many new features. The new 98% steel strength frame offers more durability at 100 pounds less weight. Despite that, the maximum payload and trailer tow capabilities have increased from previous models. The Ram 1500 doesn’t skimp on technology either, featuring the Uconnect® system and the most powerful audio ever available in a pickup, the Harman Kardon system with 19 premium speakers.
To be considered for a Motor Trend award, each nominee must go through a rigorous series of tests to evaluate every aspect of the vehicle. Criteria include advancements in design, efficiency, value, safety, and performance. Before a winner is selected, vehicles are evaluated on courses at three professional auto test centers.
According to Motor Trend Editor in Chief Ed Loh, the Ram and Wrangler “blew away our Motor Trend editors and judges by not only delivering class-leading capability for work and play, but truly impressive levels of refinement, technology, style and comfort.”
In addition to these two vehicle awards, former Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne was honored posthumously with the 2019 Motor Trend Person of the Year award for his efforts to strengthen the company and place it on a path to greater success.