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RAM TRUCK UNVEILS NEW 2020 RAM 1500 LARAMIE SOUTHWEST EDITION

 Ram recently unveiled the 2020 Ram 1500 Laramie Southwest Edition, a new luxury trim aimed at the largest truck-buying region in the world. The Ram 1500 Laramie Southwest Edition packages together popular appearance and luxury features.

The Ram 1500 Laramie Southwest Edition will be offered exclusively in Texas and neighboring states.

“For nearly 20 years, Ram has recognized that Texas and America’s Southwest are the center of the truck universe,” said Mike Koval, ad interim head of Ram Brand, FCA-North America. “Ram was the first manufacturer to offer a Texas-exclusive model, and the Lone Star edition remains our most popular truck in Texas. Our new Ram Laramie Southwest Edition adds the segment’s best combination of performance, capability, luxury and technology.”

Outside, the Laramie Southwest Edition’s body-colored bumpers, mirrors and grille surround give it a sophisticated appearance. Subtle chrome highlights, including tow hooks, grille inserts, bodyside moldings and polished 20-inch wheels, provide exterior visual accents. Power side steps are also included and fold out of the way when the truck is parked or underway.

Inside, the Ram 1500 Laramie Southwest Edition is loaded with technology and several unique featureS …

Inside, the Ram 1500 Laramie Southwest Edition is loaded with technology and several unique features, including the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with a massive 12-inch touchscreen, dual-pane panoramic sunroof and electronic trailer brake control. Also included are automatic high beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross path detection, ParkSense front and rear park-assist with stop, remote tailgate-release and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Buyers have a choice of either a bench or bucket seats. All Ram 1500 Laramie Southwest Editions are delivered with a heavy-duty Mopar locking console when the bucket seat option is selected.

The 2020 Ram 1500 Laramie Southwest Edition is available in all powertrain options. Buyers can choose Quad and Crew Cab body configurations and 5 foot, 7 inch (Crew only) or 6 foot, 4 inch bed lengths.

Ram 1500 Laramie Southwest Edition’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starts at $45,380, plus $1,695 destination.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUES SAFETY RECALL FOR SELECT 2020 FORD RANGER, F-150 AND EXPEDITION VEHICLES 

Ford Motor Company is issuing a safety recall for select 2020 vehicles. They include 2020 Ford Ranger and 2020 F-150 vehicles with 10-speed automatic transmission and 2020 Expedition vehicles with the police package and 10-speed automatic transmission. Units equipped with a rotary gearshift dial are not affected.

In affected vehicles, a clip that locks the gearshift cable to the transmission may not be fully seated. Over time, a partially seated clip may allow the transmission to be in a gear state different from the gearshift position selected by the driver. This could allow the driver to move the shifter to Park and remove the ignition key, without the transmission gear actually being in Park. If the parking brake is not applied in those cases, the vehicle could move unintentionally, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition.

This action affects 55,158 vehicles in the United States and federal territories, 12,090 in Canada and 681 in Mexico.

Affected vehicles include:

• 2020 Ford Ranger vehicles built at Michigan Assembly Plant from Feb. 28 to March 18, 2020
• 2020 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Truck Plant from Feb. 18 to March 19, 2020, and Kansas City Assembly Plant from Feb. 21 to March 19, 2020
• 2020 Ford Expedition vehicles built at Kentucky Truck Plant from March 3 to 19, 2020.

Dealers will inspect the shift cable locking clip and properly seat it as needed. The Ford reference number for this recall is 20S18.

New Motor Oils Will Meet the Needs of Modern Engines in Cars, Trucks and SUVs

Modern SUVs and pickup trucks offer sophisticated high-performance gasoline-powered engines, which are more efficient, with many requiring low viscosity motor oil to meet the needs of vehicle manufacturers. This includes oils such as 5W-20, 0W-20 and even 0W-16.

Working with the auto industry, oil marketers, additive companies and others, the American Petroleum Institute (API) has developed new performance standards to meet the needs of people who use their vehicles every day for work and leisure activities.

The new oil standards known as ILSAC GF-6A, ILSAC GF-6B and API SP will be licensable under API’s engine oil program beginning May 1, 2020. The new standards are the latest in a line of steadily more stringent performance specifications and will replace the existing ILSAC GF-5 and API SN standards.

The new standards specify more stringent engine oil performance requirements for spark-ignited internal combustion engines. During the process, seven new or replacement engine tests were developed, evaluated and measured for precision, and companies ran tests to demonstrate that oils can meet the more stringent requirements. The new tests include the first ever timing chain wear test and a new test to measure fuel economy improvement provided by very low-viscosity engine oils. The standards also include a test designed to protect against a phenomenon experienced by some gasoline engines known as low speed pre-ignition (LSPI).

Automotive and other retailers as well as oil change locations will have the new oils available beginning in May. Be sure to look at the bottle for the API Certification Mark, also known as the “Starburst” and for the API Service Symbol, also known as the “Donut.” The Donut will show the viscosity grade and the standards it meets.

For more information, please visit www.motoroilmatters.com.