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Fiat Chrysler Chief Isn't Thrilled About 'Almost Unbelievable' Shifter Recall

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is complaining about a global recall of 1.1 million cars and SUVs because drivers can't tell if they are in park.

The recall was prompted by pressure from U.S. regulators admit reports of 40 injury accidents.

The vehicles have electronic gear shifters that move forward or backward to select the gear instead of moving along a track. A light shows the gear the cars are in. But to get from "drive" to "park," drivers must push the lever forward three times. Some were confused, causing rollaway crashes.

Automotive News Fiat Chrysler reporter Larry Vellequette says there's nothing wrong with the gearshift— it's just that Americans aren't used to it.

He said the design is more popular in Europe.

"The shifters work exactly as they're designed to work," Vellequette said. "The problem is with drivers who either are unfamiliar with them or don't read the owner's manual, or can't recall or are distracted."

"It takes about three seconds of instruction at a dealership by a salesman to say, 'Hey, you know, when you put it into drive this is how you do it, and when you put it into park, you have to slide this shifter forward."

Marchionne says it's "almost unbelievable" that FCA has to force the shifters into park when the driver's door is opened. The vehicles will be fixed with a software update.

Marchionne said the recall will have little impact on company earnings.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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