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Viknesh Vijayenthiran
• Chrysler: New mid-sized sedan, 300 sedan,
• Jeep: New compact car, Grand Cherokee,
• Fiat: 500 Minicar
• Alfa Romeo: Mito, Milano, Giulia
Chrysler’s newly formed ties with Fiat will soon see a raft of new models introduced into the U.S., and we'll be able to get our first glimpse of what the two automakers have in store as early as next week when the CEO of the combined companies, Sergio Marchionne, reveals his plans.
According to an inside source from the Wall Street Journal, the plans will include a return of the Fiat brand in 2011 with the introduction of the 500 minicar and then the return of Alfa Romeo in 2012 (note Alfa Romeo already sells its 8C Competizione supercar here in limited numbers).
While Fiat’s range will be limited to just the 500 minicar, Alfa Romeo will reportedly launch three new models in the U.S., the MiTo and Milano hatchbacks as well as the replacement for the current 159, the Giulia mid-sized sedan. All three models are due after 2012 and are destined for production in North America.
The rest of the new models will spawn from Chrysler. The struggling American automaker will introduce several new models that rely on Fiat platforms and technology. The first of these will be a new mid-sized sedan from Chrysler based on Fiat’s C-Evo platform, followed by new hatchback and a compact Jeep. There will also be redesigned versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300 arriving as early as next year.
It’s not all good news as there will be several model cuts as well. These will include a number of Dodge models, such as the Caliber, Nitro, Avenger, and several Jeep models, too, such as the Commander, Compass, and Patriot. Other vehicles getting the axe include Chrysler’s PT Cruiser and Sebring.
Alfa Romeo MitoEnlarge Photo • Chrysler: New mid-sized sedan, 300 sedan, • Jeep: New compact car, Grand Cherokee, • Fiat: 500 Minicar • Alfa Romeo: Mito, Milano, Giulia Chrysler’s newly formed ties with Fiat will soon see a raft of new models introduced into the U.S., and we'll be able to get our first glimpse of what the two automakers have in store as early as next week when the CEO of the combined companies, Sergio Marchionne, reveals his plans. According to an inside source from the Wall Street Journal, the plans will include a return of the Fiat brand in 2011 with the introduction of the 500 minicar and then the return of Alfa Romeo in 2012 (note Alfa Romeo already sells its 8C Competizione supercar here in limited numbers). While Fiat’s range will be limited to just the 500 minicar, Alfa Romeo will reportedly launch three new models in the U.S., the MiTo and Milano hatchbacks as well as the replacement for the current 159, the Giulia mid-sized sedan. All three models are due after 2012 and are destined for production in North America. The rest of the new models will spawn from Chrysler. The struggling American automaker will introduce several new models that rely on Fiat platforms and technology. The first of these will be a new mid-sized sedan from Chrysler based on Fiat’s C-Evo platform, followed by new hatchback and a compact Jeep. There will also be redesigned versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300 arriving as early as next year. It’s not all good news as there will be several model cuts as well. These will include a number of Dodge models, such as the Caliber, Nitro, Avenger, and several Jeep models, too, such as the Commander, Compass, and Patriot. Other vehicles getting the axe include Chrysler’s PT Cruiser and Sebring. [Wall Street Journal]
Responses (3 total)
By Bill Burke #1, Posted: 10/27/2009
Oh my God I can't believe how much incorrect information is in this article,I just don't know where to begin. OK-- Fiat will not be selling Alfa Romeo branded cars in Chrysler show rooms. The Caliber, Patriot, Compass, Avenger, Sebring will all get refreshed and improved within 18 months. The PT Cruiser will continue in production and will likely be getting a Fiat based new version in a couple of years due to it's classic design and strong brand loyalty. I think the Nitro will be gone as well as the Commander. There will not only be a new 300 and Grand Cherokee shortly, but a new Charger and a new Durango based off the Jeep. The Mini vans will be freshened and replaced by a short wheelbase Dodge Caravan, and a distinctly styled, longer wheelbase Chrysler T&C. The Dodge will be more attractive in shorter wheelbase in Europe and expands the appeal in America. The infusion of Fiat technology into Chryslers will take place in a couple of years with distinctly American designed and branded products including compact, midsized and luxury cars, large commercial vans and perhaps a Ferarri powered Viper sports car AND MORE. I'm sure this is more accurate.
By glen #2, Posted: 10/27/2009
the american manufactures had better wake up on offering diesel engine options. they are much cleaner and quiter and offer 30% better fuel mileage and bio-diesel offers more possibilities than any fuel alternitives for the future. 250 different plant and tree in africa alone. 1800+ gal per acre of algae, 650 gal per acre from palm trees and only 45gpa from soy beans bio-diesel is cleaner or as clean as natural gas. i believe the future is in diesel engines as much as battries, fuel cells etc. diesel as a hybrid provides an additional 30% fuel consumption. so wake up america, the competition is going to make you look silly again.
By Bill Burke #3, Posted: 10/28/2009
Some good points Glen, but I think the energy lobby will slow any alternative energy development,on all fuels, until the oil companies have an effective monopoly on the entire product range. Notice how BP commercials fail to mention Atomic Energy in their commercials?
To Chrysler. I read the WSJ article from which this report was most likely sourced and I believe it's faulty, not necessarily on product nominclature drop, but on market exit timing. To state that Chrysler will drop the Sebring might be true(I believe the name is tainted) but when? The implication is that it will be immediate, this is inaccurate. Chrysler is thinking about two mid-size platforms and a number of off-shoots for this market, which WILL include an Alfa Romeo based platform and perhaps a shortened LY, RWD/AWD Challenger based platform. The main point is that all replacements will be phased in and Fiat sourced platforms will have domestically Chrysler designed bodies and branding,very differentiated from their Italian cousins. A number of Alfa Romeos will be Jeep and Chrysler platform based,North American built, and part of the mix. Chrysler will move up-scale with Lancia influenced near-luxury offerings. Dodge will offer a wider range of sub-compacts and performance vehicles. The Journey size cross-over may replace the Caravan, hopefully with a diesel option,and I believe the Viper stays but with Italian power and influence. Look at the history of these two companies, the non-sale of the factory and it points to a better Viper,not an exit plan. But then I could be all wrong,again!
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