|
 | |
        | |
  |
 |
|
The New Chrysler
At a recent Marathon News Conference, Chrysler revealed CEO Sergio Marchionne's long awaited 5 Year Business Plan for the struggling carmaker. Beyond the expected announcements about which models would survive and which would fade away, the majority of Chrysler vehicles will soon be Fiat-based. SERGIO MARCHIONNE: Thought is that Fiat will be thought of for itself and on behalf of Chrysler and another one that would be handled by Chrysler for itself and for Fiat. The big surprise: Ram trucks will now become its own brand, separated from Dodge, which will be a car and crossover Nameplate. While still in the same showroom, the separation should allow Dodge to focus on performance, as well as appealing to first time buyers. The Dodge Challenger continues, while a new Charger is due late next year, shortly after the V10 Dodge Viper goes out of production. On the chopping block in 2012 is the poor-selling Caliber and current Avenger. They will be replaced by three Fiat-engineered models-a subcompact, a compact hatchback, and a midsize sedan. Ram trucks will add Fiat-designed small and full-size vans, while the mid-size Dakota Pickup could morph into a unibody hauler. Jeep will lose the 7-seat Commander next year, and both the compact Patriot and Compass in 2012. Three new Jeeps will use Fiat Platforms, including a new Liberty version in 2013. The Chrysler brand gets even more attention, adding three new cars plus a mid-sized Fiat-based Crossover. Chrysler's Town and Country Minivan gets a total redesign for 2014, and will be pushed up market from the also new dodge Caravan. As for the Fiat 500, word is this acclaimed minicar could see limited availability here in 2010. But, as intriguing as this plan sounds, Chrysler still has to remain viable until the new product arrives. And that means selling more of the cars and trucks they make right now. And that's it for this week's Motornews. |
| |||||||
 |
 |
|||
|
|||
Finally, after months of speculation, Fiat's plans to revive Chrysler's product portfolio and return the company to profitability have been announced.