Mount Airy Toyota and Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Gave Back With Toys for Tots

Just a few weeks ago, Stellantis N.V. announced that it will be investing $229 million in three Kokomo, Indiana plans to advance the company’s commitment to emerging technologies. Formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Stellantis has made no secret of its plans for producing a lineup of all-electric vehicles in the future. This announcement is the latest indication that the automaker is living up to the promises made upon the January merger between FCA and the French PSA Group. Stellantis may not be the only company in the industry dedicating resources to EV evolution, but it is certainly at the forefront. We already see the development of low-emission technology being used in brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, and Fiat. But this is apparently only the beginning. Below, Mount Airy CDJRF discusses the most recent Stellantis announcement in more detail, as well as other steps the company is taking toward an all-electric future. The Three Indiana Plants The $229 million investment in the three Indiana plants will specifically fund retooling for the production of electric eight-speed transmissions for various Stellantis brands. These cutting-edge transmissions are being created for use in internal combustion, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company is planning for 40% of its U.S. vehicle sales to be low-emission by 2030, which will include a mix of gas-powered, hybrid, and all-electric vehicles. This is how Stellantis Head of Powertrain Operations, Brad Clark, summed up the investment: This investment and this transmission represent an important stepping stone in getting us to 2030 and further expanding our battery-electric offerings...The new transmission is a versatile one that can be adapted for a variety of applications, allowing us the flexibility to adjust our production as consumer demand for electrified vehicles grows over the next decade. It also offers consumers the opportunity to get familiar with this technology and explore all of the benefits that can come from electrification. The Workers Three plants that will be retooling for Stellantis’ fourth-generation eight-speed transmission are the Kokomo Transmission, Indiana Transmission, and Kokomo Casting facilities. A wide range of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models will use these transmissions in the near future. Stellantis has pointed out that the three plants employ thousands of workers. Here is a breakdown of each plant’s workforce: • Kokomo Transmission: 3,280 • Indiana Transmission: 1,473 • Kokomo Casting: 1,238 The Union Vice President of United Auto Workers, Cindy Estrada, is in charge of the UAW-Stellantis department. She suggested in a company statement that hard work and exceptional quality have spurred the investment in the Hoosier plants: During the 2019 negotiations, the UAW negotiators made it a priority that as we transition into the next generation of vehicles and powertrains the UAW members must continue to build these great products...The commitment to building these multi-tool transmissions will enable Kokomo UAW members to continue the quality transmissions used in today’s gas and hybrid technology while preparing for electric vehicles and new technologies far into the future. UAW Region 2B Director, Wayne Blanchard, has touted the involvement of the workers in the Stellantis transformation as vital. In an interview with Indiana Public Radio, Blanchard said, “It’s the UAW members that are touching that steel, pressing those buttons on those machines, and putting those components in those transmissions and the engines that are making this possible. And it’s a testament that we got a good workforce here in Kokomo, Indiana.” The Transmission The Kokomo plant builds the eight-speed transmission found in current Ram 1500, Dodge Durango, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, and Chrysler 300 models. Several Jeep models use the transmission, including the Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Wrangler. The new (fourth-generation) transmission is supposed to perform even better than the current one. Stellantis has claimed that, along with pushing the company toward its low emission goals and meeting future government regulations, the transmission will provide better fuel economy and pure-electric range. The Bigger Picture As substantial as the $229 investment in the Indiana plants might be, it’s only part of a much larger vision for Stellantis. Last year, the company (then FCA) announced a $400 million investment to develop an engine in Indiana for the first time, and that project is set to start in the coming months. Earlier this month, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed an agreement with several other midwest governors to fund a charging station network, which is a good omen that more low-emission developments are on the horizon. On the matter, Holcomb stated: “Racing’s in our blood, we like to be in the pole position. We have such a rich heritage and past in the automotive industry. To think about where we want to be in 10, 20, 30 years when Stellantis does celebrate its 100th anniversary, we have to make a decision—policy decisions today to remain an attractive ecosystem.” The EV Future of Stellantis The auto industry is undeniably moving toward an all-electric future, and even the most notorious gas-guzzling vehicles will become electrified at some point. Stellantis understands the inevitability and is dedicated to competing with—if not surpassing—rivals going forward. One of the primary reasons the FCA and PSA merger went through is because Stellantis vowed to put significant time, energy, and money into growing its brands and putting them on track to electrification. Stellantis officials have implied that the company will be investing around $36 billion between now and 2025—funds that will be designated solely for future all-electric developments, EV software, and other electrification-related initiatives. We have already seen the new Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, and the automaker will soon release the Grand Cherokee 4xe with other Jeep models to follow suit. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has slated Jeep as the brand to start the electrification revolution; plans are set for a 2023 all-electric Jeep model, and every Jeep model should offer a battery-electric powertrain option by 2025. The company’s strategy is to produce fully electric models in most segments by 2025 and in all segments by 2030. The highly anticipated 2022 GMC Hummer EV is almost here, and the all-electric Ram 1500 full-size pickup truck is coming in 2024, as is an electric Dodge muscle car. In other words, Stellantis is dead-set on not getting passed by in the race to the future. The automaker knows that its competitors will be hot on its heels, and it much prefers that over biting the dust of its rivals. So, what specific steps is Stellantis taking to blaze the electrification trail in the auto industry? It comes down to accelerating plans and investing big bucks in manufacturing facilities, platforms, technology, and batteries. Investment Plans The investments in producing the engines and transmissions in Indiana are not the only plans Stellantis has released to the public concerning the foreseeable future. Tavares sees this time as an opportunity to “reset the clock,” as he put it to investors on a virtual broadcast that centered around the EV strategy set forth by the company. The overarching goal for Stellantis is 98% of all new models to be electrified by 2025, which is where the $36 billion comes in. The updated business plan outlines the details of reaching the point where the vast majority of Stellantis’ new vehicles are battery electrics by that time, though some will still be plug-in hybrids. By 2025, the company is aiming to produce 55 electrified vehicles in the United States and Europe, and it hopes for its plug-in hybrid and battery-electric models to make up 40 percent of sales in North America (70 percent in Europe) by 2030. While there is no date set in stone, the automaker wants to offer a competitive lineup in the China market as well. Four EV Platforms One tangible step Stellantis has taken to progress toward its electrification goals is by developing platforms specifically dedicated to EVs. As of now, engineers have created four such platforms: STLA Small, STLA Medium, STLA Large, and STLA Frame. The various platforms ensure that the structure is established for building EVs in every size, shape, and type. This means that every model—from Ram trucks and commercial vans to Fiat subcompacts—will have the foundation for electrification. The latter is quite the lucrative segment; Ford is currently leading the charge in commercial vans on a global scale, and Stellantis will soon release its hydrogen fuel cell medium-sized van in hopes to take the lead. An EV platform will not be practical unless it guarantees a significant driving range for consumers. With that in mind, Stellantis has stated the estimated full-charge driving range of each of the four platforms: • Small STLA: 300 miles • Medium STLA : 440 miles • Large STLA and Frame STLA: 500 miles Many different types and numbers of battery packs should be accommodated by the flexible platforms, from 37 to 200 kWh capacities. The company anticipates its performance models will be primed for a 2.0-second zero to 60 and provide 200 miles of range from a 10-minute quick charge. By the Brand Many brands fall under the Stellantis umbrella—14, to be exact. The automaker has not released electrification details about every brand but has provided taglines for them. For example, they have described future Chrysler vehicles as providing “clean technology for a new generation of families,” implying that it will stay focused on SUVs and minivans. On the other end of the spectrum, Stellantis is using the tagline “the best in performance luxury, electrified” to tout the future of Maserati. German brand Opel already offers nine electrified models, and the plan is for its entire lineup to consist of electrified vehicles by 2024. And Fiat is also on the path to transitioning all of its vehicles from internal combustion to electric engines, with the goal being an all-electric brand by 2030. Moreover, plans are in place for an all-electric Abarth lineup beginning in 2024. The Battery Solution Finally, another critical part of the Stellantis electrification strategy is to develop a solid-state battery by 2026. This process is already in the works, as the company is currently underway on a dual-chemistry battery solution. The solution utilizes NiCo-free battery chemistry—meaning it contains no nickel or cobalt—along with a high energy-density nickel-based battery. Stellantis is planning to open five battery factories globally. The first three plants will be built in France, Germany, and Italy, with the other two facilities opening in North America at a later, undisclosed date. By 2025, a combined 130-gigawatt hour of battery capacity will be produced in the plants, and the capacity produced will double that number among the plants by 2030. Conclusion The future looks bright for Stellantis and all the drivers who will be buying its wide-ranging lineup of vehicles down the road. By investing in innovation at American plants, the automaker is not only putting its money where its mouth is for the environment but also helping to retain the jobs of some of the world’s hardest workers. We can expect to see more hybrid and all-electric vehicles hitting the market over the next few years. But until then, don’t forget to come by Mount Airy CDJRF to experience the low-emission models we already have!

On the sunny Saturday morning of Sept. 29, the town of Mount Airy once again welcomed friends from near and far to the annual Mayberry Days parade. Parade day draws them in as Barney Fife and his single bullet, a steady stream of squad cars, Mount Airy dignitaries, and Andy Griffith Show cast members make their way down Main Street. For those not in the know, Mount Airy's greatest claim to fame is being the actor Andy Griffith's birthplace. The little town tucked just under the North Carolina state line between Pilot Mountain and Fancy Gap, Va., was the basis for the Griffith Show's fictional town of Mayberry. These days Mount Airy echoes much of what Mayberry was — a friendly place where most everyone knows most everybody and you can stop in the soda fountain to sit a spell over a root beer float. As an expression of gratitude to the local community, Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat is an annual festival sponsor. Our Dodge trucks are always in the parade, and this year we were chauffeurs to the likes of Clint Howard, who you might remember from the Andy Griffith Show as a little boy always dressed in a cowboy outfit and eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and Elvis (the impersonator of course). Sad you missed it? Luckily for you, you can join us on the ride down Main Street and catch up with Little Miss Spare Rib, the Pickle Princess, Thelma Lou, Gomer Pyle, and many more. We may not be able to provide you with your own personal driver, but we've got plenty of nice trucks we think you'd look pretty good in. Come on by the dealership and visit us. We're at 538 North Andy Griffith Parkway, online at clickmountairy.com, or just give us a call at 336.429.5462.

Whether you’re in the market for a family vehicle or something more adventurous, Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat has what you’re looking for. The award-winning Chrysler Pacifica and Jeep Gladiator, the eco-conscious Fiat 500X, and the all-new RAM 1500 are just a few of the many models on our lot right now. And our dealership is open for business. While North Carolina is still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s no better time to get out of the house and take a trip to the mountains. Not only can you experience breathtaking sights, but there are tons of activities for the whole family to enjoy that will still allow you to practice social distancing. And when it comes to charming small towns, Mount Airy is hard to beat. From Mayberry-themed attractions to engaging museums, from delicious food to beautiful state parks, our town has something for everyone. So if you would love to test drive a new vehicle, or you are simply looking for a great way to spend a day or two, don’t look past Mount Airy! Let’s discuss in more detail some of the attractions our little town has to offer: ACTIVITIES IN MOUNT AIRY Mount Airy is perhaps most known as the birthplace of Andy Griffith and the basis for the town Mayberry in the Andy Griffith Show. And when it comes to honoring the actor and his classic show, Mount Airy doesn’t disappoint. Nonetheless, this town can make for a great weekend or day trip even for those who are not diehard fans of the show. Andy Griffith Activities For avid and casual fans alike, there’s no other place in the world to visit if you’re looking for an Andy Griffith Show experience. Perhaps the most immersive experience available is the Mayberry Squad Car Tour, which features a vintage Ford Galaxie 500 car from 1962 (just like the one Barney drove). Guests meet at Wally’s Service Station to begin the tour, and several stops are made at other iconic establishments from the show. Among the stops is Andy Griffith’s Homeplace, which is the two-bedroom house where Griffith lived with his parents from the time he was six-years-old to the beginning of his college days. Through restorations, much of the home stays true to the styles of the 30s and 40s. Not only does it make a great spot for photo ops, but the home is even open for guests to stay (roughly $175-200 a night). Another must-see attraction from the squad car tour is the Old Jail, which features jail cells, the sheriff’s desk, the whole nine yards. Other tour highlights include Mayberry Main Street staples like Floyd’s Barbershop and Snappy Lunch. The Andy Griffith Museum and Playhouse is another must-see for fans of the actor. Yes, there is plenty of Mayberry memorabilia to see, but the museum focuses more on Griffith’s entire career rather than just the classic show that made him famous. Along with tons of interesting information, visitors are able to view photos, costumes, props, and records that span from Griffith’s TV shows to his movies to his musical endeavors. And of course, the experience wouldn’t be complete without the famous TV Land statue of Andy and Opie going fishing, which sits in front of the playhouse. And if you want to visit Mount Airy again in autumn, the Mayberry Days festival is the ultimate Andy Griffith Show experience. The seven-day event features a parade, impersonators, show-themed food and drinks, and many more kinds of entertainment. Main Street Main Street Mount Airy has even more to offer than the Mayberry-themed goodies. Walking along the street will give you an idea of what kind of charm the small town has, and it’s the perfect place to bring your family. Whether you want to eat at delicious restaurants, get ice cream and candy, or shop for antiques and souvenirs, you can do it all on Main Street. Plus, if you come in summer, you will likely see many of the shops selling things on the sidewalk. The Museum of Regional History The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History sits on Main Street and contains four floors of exhibits, photos, and artifacts related to local history. For instance, visitors will learn about the original settlers of “The Hollows” of North Carolina, including the Saura Indians (the area’s first Native American residents) and the 18th-century immigrants who settled in the region. For fans of music, the exhibit on Old-Time music—which is unique to the region—might pique interest. And the “Hands on History” gallery can be particularly engaging for children. The Earle Theater The historic Earle Theater was built in 1938, and restorations over the years have kept the structure true to its original design. Not only is the Earle a beautiful structure, but it’s also home to a variety of fun family activities. For example, you can see family-friendly movies throughout the week, with titles rotating regularly. Also, at the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall, which sits in the theater, visitors can enjoy exhibits and artifacts related to several old-time music icons of Surry County. Moreover, old-time and bluegrass jam sessions are commonplace at the Earle during the weekend, and visitors can even see a live taping of WPAQ’s Saturday Morning Merry-Go-Round, which is one of the nation’s longest-running radio shows. The Granite Quarry Take a step away from Downtown Mount Airy, and you can see the North Carolina Granite Corporation’s quarry—the largest of its kind in the world. It’s so large, in fact, that it can be seen from outer space. For more than 150 years, granite has been quarried in North Carolina, and it serves as the state’s official rock. While the site cannot be toured, there is a ridge positioned high above the quarry where visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the site for free, and it’s open to visitors every day of the week. If interested, go into the quarry’s main office for more information and ask when an excavation is taking place. Siamese Twins Exhibit After touring the world as a sideshow attraction for many years, the world’s original Siamese twins—Eng and Chung Bunker—settled in the Mount Airy area in the 1840s. It is here where they married sisters Adelaide and Sarah Yates and raised their children. Between the two couples, there were 22 children. As of now, more than 1,500 descendants come in from all across the country for huge family reunions. Visitors to the Andy Griffith Playhouse can find an exhibit dedicated to the Bunker brothers, including photos, artifacts, and information that delve into their extraordinary lives. And you can visit their gravesite at the nearby White Plains Baptist Church. Dining When it comes to historic, old-fashioned dining options, few places can outdo Mount Airy. The Snappy Lunch restaurant, founded in 1923, was frequented by Andy Griffith when he was growing up, was a staple on the Andy Griffith Show, and is open present-day for breakfast and lunch (just be sure to show up early to avoid the line). Leon’s Burger Express is another old-fashioned breakfast/lunch diner that is steeped in history and offers great food. If you’re looking for sweet treats, try Walker’s Soda Fountain for a soda, ice cream, or milkshake, with the added attraction of non-stop 50s and 60s music. Hillbilly is also an old-fashioned style shop with wonderful ice cream and other desserts. Drinks For those on the hunt for an adult beverage, there are a few places to check out in Mount Airy. For instance, the White Elephant Beer Company carries a wide array of beers and ciders, including an impressive selection of their own craft beers. It also offers a fun, welcoming atmosphere, live music, trivia nights, and you can enjoy drinks at the bar or take them home with you. If wine is more your thing, the Yadkin Valley (which includes Mount Airy) is the ultimate spot to be in North Carolina. With more than 30 wineries to choose from, you can find a variety of quality wines—from Pinot Grigio to Viognier to Muscadine wine. Furthermore, Mayberry Spirits is the place to go for liquor; it’s touted as the town’s first legal distillery since the prohibition days, and it offers educational tours and tastings. BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY AND NEARBY PARKS The attractions don’t stop there. Mount Airy also offers visitors a number of nearby natural attractions. Here are a few of the best ones: Blue Ridge Parkway Mount Airy sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it’s the perfect spot to stop when traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is because the town is only 13 miles south of the parkway, which can easily be accessed from Highway 671 or 679. Individuals and families can choose from a wealth of fun, relaxing, and safe attractions in the area, such as Rocky Gorge Overlook, Groundhog Mountain, Mabry Mill, Puckett Cabin, and Blue Ridge Music Center. Pilot Mountain State Park Pilot Mountain has long been a navigational and recreational landmark, as its peak (Big Pinnacle) sits 2,000 feet above sea level. And its state park is only 13 miles from Mount Airy. Visitors to Pilot Mountain State Park can enjoy 27 miles of hiking trails, 9.8 miles of bridle trails for horseback riding, 42 camping areas, and plenty of spots for rock climbing, rappelling, canoeing, and fishing, among other outdoor activities. Moreover, there are many areas from which to view Big Pinnacle and the breathtaking scenery surrounding it. Hanging Rock State Park Another nearby attraction worth visiting is Hanging Rock State Park. Perfect for families, the park offers more than 20 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. It’s also a great place to go fishing, as well as swimming and boating at Hanging Rock Park Lake or on the Dan River. The park’s main campground includes 74 sites, and there are numerous scenic overlooks and picnic areas scattered throughout the park. And history buffs can learn about the history of the Sauratown Mountains at the park’s museum. Granite City Greenway Finally, the Granite City Greenway is located in Mount Airy, and it’s an ideal spot for getting in some family-friendly exercise. Seven miles of paved trails accommodate running, walking, cycling, rollerblading, and even walking children in strollers. Nestled among the Ararat River and Lovill’s Creek, the Granite City Greenway is lush with greenery, and its path passes through four different parks: Veteran’s Park, Tharrington Park, HB Rowe Park, and Riverside Park. And the best part is that there is minimal commute time if you stay in Mount Airy! Conclusion Our dealership is the place to come when you’re looking for a new vehicle, and the town of Mount Airy has a lot to offer visitors. Various Mayberry-themed attractions, historical sites, great food and drink options, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and beautiful state parks can provide safe fun and relaxation for the whole family. So why not come to Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat for a test drive and make it into a day trip or weekend getaway? We look forward to seeing you soon!