Chrysler's Fiat-influenced product plan

November 9, 2009 - 10:10 am ET
By 2014, 12 nameplates from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram will have
heavy Fiat influence. They will either be developed on Fiat Group platforms
or rebadged and imported from the Fiat Group. For example, a fwd Lancia
will be badged as a Chrysler. A subcompact Jeep will share a platform with
the next-generation Fiat Panda Cross. A redesigned Chrysler Sebring and
Dodge Avenger will evolve from an unspecified Fiat Group platform.

Chrysler's newest brand, Ram, will add two rebadged vans from Fiat.

Rear-drive vehicles, namely trucks and big cars, will continue to be
Chrysler's area of expertise. The next-generation Charger will woo baby
boomers, with styling cues drawn from the iconic 1968-1970 Chargers.

Meanwhile, Ram executives say the model line will be expanded up to
Class 5 medium-duty trucks. It is an effort to push Ram sales over the
400,000 mark. Last year, Chrysler sold 245,840 Rams

While V-8 engines such as the Hemi will continue to play a prominent
role in the automaker's largest vehicles, Fiat's four-cylinder engines will
rule elsewhere. Displacements will range from 1.4 to 2.0 liters.

Chrysler executives project that in 2014, Fiat-derived engines will
account for 42 percent of the company's mix. Chrysler's new Pentastar V-6
family, developed before Fiat came on the scene, will account for 38
percent.

Hybrid development will continue. The 2011 Ram pickup hybrid is slated
for next year.

Additionally, Fiat-designed dual-clutch transmissions will be offered,
beginning at the end of 2010.



Listed below are Chrysler Group's future vehicle plans through 2014,
from the company and other sources. All references are for the calendar
year.

Dodge car

Subcompact: The fwd car will be a rebadged version of the next
generation Alfa Romeo MiTo three-door hatchback. It debuts here in the 2013
calendar year.

Caliber: A new interior is featured on the 2010 model. Caliber
production will end in 2012.

Compact sedan: The car will be developed on a Fiat Group platform;
production begins here in 2012.

Avenger: Late in 2010, the Avenger will receive a new grille,
headlights, and front and rear fascias. A redesign is due in 2013, using a
Fiat Group platform.

Journey: A freshened exterior, new interior and handling improvements
are due late in 2010.

Grand Caravan: An exterior facelift is planned in late 2010, along
with interior and handling improvements. The next-generation minivan debuts
in 2014. Still to be decided is whether Dodge will sell a short wheelbase
model.

Charger: A new Charger debuts late next year. The sheet metal and
interior are new. The Charger will continue to share a vehicle platform with
the Challenger and Chrysler 300. The re-engineered platform incorporates a
new rear suspension. The current suspension was adopted from the
Mercedes-Benz E class.

Challenger: Minor exterior and interior changes are slated for 2012.

Nitro: Production ends in 2011. A replacement is under consideration.

Large crossover: A seven-seater based on the redesigned Jeep Grand
Cherokee platform is due next year.

Viper: Dodge's V-10-powered sports car goes out of production in
mid-2010. A replacement is under review, possibly for 2012.

Ram

Dakota: Production of the small pickup ends in the 2011 calendar.

Mid-sized pickup: A unibody pickup is under consideration but not yet
approved.

Ram 1500: Engine and minor styling changes are planned in 2012.

Ram heavy-duty: Engine and minor styling changes are slated in 2012.

Ram chassis cab: Debuts in 2010. Engine and minor styling changes are
slated for 2012.

Small van: The next-generation, fwd Fiat Doblo will be imported from
either Turkey or Brazil in 2012. It will be about same size as the Ford
Transit Connect.

Full-sized van: Sales begin here in 2012. Although not identified by
Chrysler, the van will either be the body-on-frame Iveco Daily or unibody
Fiat Ducato. The truck will be assembled in North America.

Chrysler

Subcompact: The next-generation Lancia Ypsilon five-door hatchback
will be rebadged and sold here as a Chrysler starting in 2013. The car is
expected to be about size of the Ford Fiesta and Mini Cooper.

Compact sedan: The new car will be developed on a Fiat Group platform.
Sales begin in 2012.

PT Cruiser: Production ends in late 2010. A final edition model is
planned.

Sebring: New front and rear styling changes are planned for late 2010,
as well as a new interior. The suspension will be retuned for a sporty ride.
A redesigned Sebring will be developed here on a Fiat Group platform; sales
begin in 2013.

Mid-sized crossover: The vehicle will be developed on a Fiat Group
platform. Sales start in 2013.

300: The next-generation 300 debuts late in 2010. The car receives all
new sheet metal but styling change are evolutionary. Significant styling
cues from 2005 model.

Town & Country: The front end is restyled and the interior receives
some upgrades in 2010. Chrysler's goal is to take the Town & Country
upmarket, aiming it at affluent families. The next generation arrives in
2014. Significant exterior and interior styling differences are expected,
separating the Chrysler from the Dodge Caravan.


Jeep

Subcompact SUV: A small SUV is planned in 2013, based on the platform
for the next generation Fiat Panda Cross.

Patriot: Minor exterior and interior changes are planned for 2010.
Production ends in 2012.

Compass: Minor exterior and interior changes are slated for 2010. The
Compass will be dropped in 2012.

Compact crossover: The unnamed crossover will be developed on a Fiat
Group platform. Sales begin in 2013.

Wrangler: A new interior is scheduled for 2010. A new powertrain will
be offered in 2011.

Liberty: Minor cosmetic and interior changes are planned for 2010. The
redesigned Liberty debuts in 2013, based on a Fiat Group platform.

Commander: U.S. production ends late in 2010. The Commander may be
assembled outside North America for export markets.

Grand Cherokee: The redesigned Grand Cherokee and next-generation
Mercedes-Benz full-size SUVs are linked at the hip. Vehicle development
started when Daimler owned Chrysler. Component sharing is expected to
continue for several years. The redesigned Grand Cherokee debuts in May 2010