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Dealers
Marty Padgett
After a year of financial and political turmoil, and a shotgun marriage to Italy's Fiat Group, the new Chrysler is unveiling a five-year plan today that takes on a fast-paced, ambitious overhaul of the company's cars and trucks.
The joint management of the Fiat/Chrysler group has confirmed already today that the current Viper will disappear next summer, to be replaced in 2012 by a Fiat-derived model. Over the course of the rest of the day, Chrysler and Fiat will announce the production dates for a range of new vehicles, and the cancellation of many more current cars and trucks, for the six different brands that will be sold in the U.S. by Fiat and Chrysler by 2012.
We're following the news from Auburn Hills here and at MotorAuthority.com. During the day, we'll recap the important product announcements from Chrysler, and update you from their seven-hour press conference:
Fiat 500 AbarthEnlarge Photo After a year of financial and political turmoil, and a shotgun marriage to Italy's Fiat Group, the new Chrysler is unveiling a five-year plan today that takes on a fast-paced, ambitious overhaul of the company's cars and trucks. The joint management of the Fiat/Chrysler group has confirmed already today that the current Viper will disappear next summer, to be replaced in 2012 by a Fiat-derived model. Over the course of the rest of the day, Chrysler and Fiat will announce the production dates for a range of new vehicles, and the cancellation of many more current cars and trucks, for the six different brands that will be sold in the U.S. by Fiat and Chrysler by 2012. We're following the news from Auburn Hills here and at MotorAuthority.com. During the day, we'll recap the important product announcements from Chrysler, and update you from their seven-hour press conference: 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8Enlarge Photo Dodge The most significant changes under the new Fiat alliance comes mostly to the Dodge brand. On the chopping block: the Dodge Caliber hatchback, while the Dodge Nitro SUV and Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan go under the knife for serious fixes like new interiors, revamped sheetmetal and some NVH tweaks. The Viper goes away in 2010, to be replaced in 2012 by a Fiat-derived sportscar. Dodge also will get a new compact hatchback, a new compact sedan, and a new mid-size sedan by 2013. The lineup: 2012 compact sedan: the first Fiat model to be implanted into Chrysler, the 2012 model will be built in North America. 2013 small car: To be imported by Fiat from Europe, it's unknown if this hatchback will be a version of the 500, or something a bit larger. Dodge Avenger: The current Avenger stays on the market, with a significant update next year. Dodge Journey: The Journey stays on the market, with a significant update next year. Dodge Charger: A new version arrives in 2010 as a 2011 model. Dodge Challenger: It's in the forseeable future, with an update scheduled for 2011. Dodge Grand Caravan: Speculation last week had this van being cancelled, but it's in the Chrysler product plan, with a refresh set for 2010. Dodge full-size crossover: the "Dodge Grand Cherokee," it's the seven-seater version of the new Jeep due next year. Dodge Viper: Dodge could bring back the Viper after 2012. It goes away in its current form next summer. Dodge Nitro: Also under consideration for a reprieve. If it stays on in the lineup, it will live past 2011. 2009 Jeep Wrangler XEnlarge Photo Jeep Say goodbye to most of the new products introduced by Jeep in the past decade. After this year, there will be no more Jeep Commander, Jeep Patriot or Jeep Compass, according to the latest reports from Detroit. The 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee is on track and will be available by the second quarter of 2010; a possible new Fiat Panda-based small Jeep will join the range in 2013. The lineup: 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Chrysler's nearing production of the new model. Initially it had been pitched as a 2010 model; the new plan announced today refers to it as a 2011. Jeep Patriot / Jeep Compass: Both replaced in 2013 with a single new vehicle. Jeep Wrangler: Chrysler calls it the core of the Jeep lineup. More spin-off models and more presence are in the plan as the evergreen Wrangler stays in the product plan. Jeep Liberty: A significant refresh is planned for 2010. Jeep Commander: According to the plan, the 2010 Jeep Commander returns, but then the vehicle is "reallocated" to "international" markets. 2013 Jeep small SUV: expected to be based on the Fiat Panda, a sub-Wrangler Jeep off-roader is in the works. 2010 Dodge Ram 2500Enlarge Photo Ram Fiat will split off the trucks from the Dodge brand under the Ram nameplate. The full-size Ram pickup will stay in the lineup, and the Dakota could return to the lineup, possibly as a unibody truck. The full range will get a refresh in the 2012 calendar year. The lineup: Dodge Dakota: It's set to expire in 2011 but... Ram unibody compact truck: a small car-based pickup for Ram? It could happen, under the latest plan for the new Chrysler brand. Though not yet confirmed, it would pick up in 2011 where the Dakota leaves off. 2012 Dodge Ram full-size truck: all versions get upgrades. 2012 Ram commercial vans: Fiat will slip in two commercial vans into the Ram lineup, one a larger cargo carrier, the other a smaller competitor for the Ford Transit Connect. 2010 Chrysler Sebring sedanEnlarge Photo Chrysler The Chrysler brand survives, in a mild surprise, and keeps the Town & Country minivan, which turns the family hauler into a higher-end vehicle. Chrysler loses the Sebring sedan and convertible in favor of new European-designed mid-size four-door; the PT Cruiser finally dies as well next year. The new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan is on track for a launch next year. Coming the first quarter of 2010, Chrysler will launch a Sport Edition of the 300 sedan, a Town & Country Fashion Edition, the PT Cruiser Final Edition, and a Sebring Ocean Edition. Each car is intended to target an untapped market segment, mostly among younger, upwardly mobile buyers. 2011 D-Segment Sedan: we'll see a major reshaping of the Sebring in Q4 2010. This is a key segment for Chrysler, as it's a very high-volume place in the American market. A completely new Sebring will come in 2013, sourced from Fiat. 2011 Town & Country minivan: will also come in Q4 2010, bringing a refreshed but not all-new look and feature set. 2012 Compact Sedan: sourced from Fiat, the car will be all-new to Chrysler, replacing the space vacated by the PT Cruiser, also known as the C segment. 2013 B Segment Small Car: even smaller than the compact sedan, an imported new small car sourced and built from the Fiat Group's pool will join the lineup. 2013 Midsize Crossover: all-new to the Chrysler range, the midsize crossover will also be sourced from Fiat. 2009 fiat 500 convertible 500c 2 008Enlarge Photo Fiat The new 500 subcompact will come to North America to challenge Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and the coming VW Polo. To be built in Mexico, the Fiat 500 probably will show up in sporty 500 Abarth trim. Alfa Romeo Sources say this long-dormant brand will re-enter the U.S. in 2012 positioned at the top of the new Chrysler/Fiat range. A new Alfa sedan based on the 2011 Chrysler 300 could be in the works; Alfa Romeo may also sell the MiTo hatchback, Milano hatchback, and Giulia sedan here--and could build them all in some of the alliance's North American factories. It's possible that the cars could be sold in the existing dealerships as well. Dealers ask, get no answers--yet While the press are getting some tips on the long-awaited business plan, some of Chrysler's own dealers say they are being left in the dark. Management hasn't been telling its own dealers what they'll be selling next year, reports MSNBC, though the company says it will follow the November 4 announcements with eight regional dealer meetings across the country. IHS Global Insight analyst Aaron Bragman told MSNBC it's troubling to see Fiat apparently not ready to take over the American company. Even though it received taxpayer money, Fiat "hasn't said a thing," he told the network. In contrast, GM has shown reporters future products for its entire lineup--from a range of new Buick sedans and crossovers, to future Cadillacs including the 2013 Cadillac XTS sedan. Chrysler has about 2,400 dealers left, after it revoked franchises in the wake of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year. Some terminated dealers still are pursuing the company legally, claiming they were put on the closure list though they were profitable. It's unknown whether the remaining dealers--who will sell all Chrysler Group products--will also sell the coming Fiat and Alfa Romeo models. Only Alfa Romeo has a presence in the U.S. at present--and it's a very small one. Signs of hope at Chrysler / Fiat? The fundamental issues facing Chrysler are serious. Sales are tracking below even today's terrible industry levels, off 40 percent this year versus 27 percent on average for the industry as a whole. As it prepared for Chapter 11, the company had shuttered its plants for so long, it ran out of vehicles to benefit from the Feds' Cash for Clunkers program. Chrysler’s U.S. market share dipped to 8.3% in September, down from 11.1% the year before, and with next-to-no models in the small car segments this figure is likely to deteriorate further. Executive churn remains a problem as well. Deputy CEO Jim Press is on the way out, the latest in a string of departures in the 18 months since it became certain that Chrysler would have to obtain federal loans to file bankruptcy, merely to have a chance at survival. There are also signs of hope, however. Rising talents like designer Ralph Gilles are being promoted--in his case, to lead the Dodge brand. The current generation of Alfas and Fiats have regained their performance luster, though quality's still a major concern for both companies. [Chrysler, MotorAuthority, MSNBC]
Responses (16 total)
By Bill Burke #1, Posted: 10/28/2009
Marty,you have been pretty accurate on your information, so I have to defer to your knowlege on the subject. What disturbs me is the speculative nature and lack of specificity in the WSJ release. It is too far from what information I have gotten from Chrysler sources, that I doubt the product phase out time frame. No doubt some of the products will be phased out, but I doubt it will all happen by 2012. The implication is that Chrysler and Dodge will be losing product, I believe both will see an increase in product and more of a Chrysler specificly designed product offering mix than assumed. Also left out are the Alfo Romano branded Jeep and the Chrysler Mid-size RWD LY platformed AR offerings. No mention is made of the ENVI electrics also. Looks to me as if this leak lacks too much detail to make too much of until the "Big Show" next week. As a Chrysler loyalist, I can't wait!
By John Thompson #2, Posted: 10/28/2009
Wow... Imagine that! Chrysler leaving their dealers in the dark... No way! Its obvious that chrysler could care less about their employees, customers and dealers. Anyone that sees anything otherwise is ignorant to the company. The company needs to liquidate, and probably will before 2011. To all the dealers left... You better invest in other brands now because they will leave you and take everything they can when they go. If you think you're protected by state laws and the legal system, forget it, they will find their way around it.... Probably with your own tax money... Again.
By R2Dad #3, Posted: 10/28/2009
I don't necessarily blame FIAT for keeping the dealers out of the loop. Dealers in this country have hid behind state franchise laws to arm twist the manufacturers, thereby creating a competing interest. Instead of allowing manufacturers flexibility with their sales channel, everyone treated the auto industry like a cash cow to be milked. No one learned from the 70's. FIAT doesn't want to leak any info, since these same dealers may take them to court or try to get Obama to squeeze more concessions from the Italians. I don't care what happens in the short term, since the "loans" are now a sunk cost. Long term, I don't think we should give Chrysler/FIAT any more money. FIAT can get it from the Italian government first. If FIAT tries to play hardball with us, our government should have the guts to send the whole ugly mess to bankruptcy court, which is what they should have done in the first place. That's where broken businesses are supposed to go.
By ram #4, Posted: 10/28/2009
I am excited to see Fiat trucks on the road. It will be refreshing to see a whole new brand.
By Limousine Liberal #5, Posted: 10/28/2009
i don't find a great deal of this news to surprising, but can't say that makes most of it any less disappoining. may be a bit nostalgic, but seems like a lot is going away from an iconic brand. had to happen in light of performance, chapter 11, etc. i agree regarding the silver lining. hopefully some of the new talent will step up with fresh, exciting products. great update!
By jim Beaker #6, Posted: 10/28/2009
I love the new design of Fiat... so if someone in Chrysler reading this - please bring them here to the USA asap!
Thank you - thank you.
By Allan #7, Posted: 10/28/2009
This whole scenario reads like an Onion article. Who's actually at the helm making decisions? I can see how the 500 might do well as a fashion hatch, but Fiat's other smaller cars will not translate directly.
By ragingmoderate #8, Posted: 10/28/2009
why would they cancel the dodge grand caravan if it was selling so well, dont get it . That said would be great if they can turn that screwed up company around..
By Damien Thomas #9, Posted: 10/28/2009
I think the more control over Chrysler Fiat has, the better.
By Cochrane Ping #10, Posted: 10/28/2009
Just reading the tenor of these comments, it's clear Chrysler/Fiat has a long road ahead of it. And didn't Fiat CEO say they found more problems than they knew even after due diligence? I just wonder if they know how little most Americans CARE one way or another about Fiat and Alfa. YAWN.
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