Wall Street Journal makes early Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat predictions
Finally, after years of mismanagement marked by a distinct lack of tangible product decisions, the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands seem likely to get a thorough makeover via its new Fiat corporate overlords. Whether this turns into a good thing or bad thing for the three brands remains to be seen, and the stage is set for the plan to be officially released on November 4.
The Wall Street Journal has apparently procured a little inside knowledge on the plan, and, if accurate, there are a few surprises. First, the expected: Chrysler will begin offering the Fiat 500 in its own U.S. dealerships as soon as possible; Alfa Romeo will make its long-awaited American comeback with an established dealer network and the majority of the Dodge and Chrysler lineups will be reworked atop Fiat platforms, save the rear-wheel drive architecture of the Dodge Charger/Challenger and Chrysler 300.
Looking further down the line, the Dodge Grand Caravan will reportedly be dropped in favor of the Chrysler Town and Country and unloved nameplates like Dodge Nitro, Caliber and Avenger will be forgotten, probably along with the Jeep Patriot and Compass. New models will be brought in from Fiat to replace these outgoing cars, including a new mid-size sedan in 2012. Finally, Alfa Romeo's resurgence will begin with the subcompact MiTo in 2012 and a larger sedan a year later.
We won't know how much of this is accurate until we hear it from the horse's mouth next Wednesday, but it definitely gives us plenty to chew on. Thanks to all who sent this in!
[Source: Wall Street Journal | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
F50 12:38PM (10/27/2009)
I think the Avenger and Sebring names should be replaced by the Interpid and Concorde names. They are good names and the LH Cars were good. The Concorde should be the 200C and the Interpid should be a car based on the C-Evo.
Reply
Stu L Tissimus 1:00PM (10/27/2009)
As a (reluctant) Concorde driver, agreed. Good names for very decent cars.
PJ 2:44PM (10/27/2009)
Agreed. During Chrysler's new-model intro frenzy of 2006-2007, I couldn't believe that those old cars were, in many ways, better than the ones replacing them. Same went for the Neon vs. the Caliber.
As for model naming, I think Chrysler's pre-C11 game plan--slapping superficially patriotic or miltant-sounding model names on mediocre cars to cash in on a nation's post-9/11 anguish--will be remembered as a low point in American automaking history.
RwR 9:07PM (10/27/2009)
It is difficult to see how Chrysler survives for years with a largely static lineup until "help" arrives. Its not as though their products are selling well now and the cavalry is still a good two years away.
Sea Urchin 12:38PM (10/27/2009)
Why can't they sell Alfa as a Chrysler in USA, wouldn't it sell more units that way?
Reply
travisty 1:09PM (10/27/2009)
BITE YOUR TONGUE!!
Sea Urchin 1:10PM (10/27/2009)
Oh come on, it's just a badge, the car is still Alfa.
wally 1:32PM (10/27/2009)
Not at the price Alfa's command!!!!!!
Brian 12:39PM (10/27/2009)
Chrysler is dead. Gone. Chapter 7, baby.
Reply
Aprime 1:25PM (10/27/2009)
Not happening under government ownership.
Are you being stupid on purpose?
gbgcarguy 1:52PM (10/27/2009)
@Aprime
Brian is not being stupid on purpose. In automotive terms he engages his mouth (or in this case typng fingers) BEFORE he has in brain in DRIVE!!
If you look at the majority of his posts, if it is not an import he thinks it is not worthy of being on the face of the planet.
A prime example of just because you CAN express your opinion does not mean you SHOULD!!
Jrejre 12:40PM (10/27/2009)
Where does that leave the 200c? Is it going on a fiat platform? The rumors I was hearing was that it was going on the shortened lx platform used for the Challenger, which never really made sense to me for a midsize car. Even if it's smaller than the charger and 300, the challenger is still a boat.
Reply
Tool 1:49PM (10/27/2009)
The 200C was a great concept vehicle. But I suspect it was created by the old Cerberus management to show taxpayers that Chrysler still had it.
Now with the new Fiat management, we'll never see the 200C come to life.
After reading the WSJ article, I have little hope that Chrysler is ever going to make the turn. It needs some serious mainstream hits. And as interesting as the Fiat 500 is, it is still a 75,000 unit vehicle -- if they are lucky.
The big issue for Chrysler is and always has been how they are going to last the next 2-3 years while these new vehicles come to market.
DieselFan 12:41PM (10/27/2009)
Goodbye Chrysler. It's been a good run.
Reply
mapoftazifosho 12:52PM (10/27/2009)
No, it wasn't. I'm younger and in my lifetime...they offered me NOTHING. The younger buyers, 20-somethings, were given nothing from Chrysler.
Good riddance.
m 1:37PM (10/27/2009)
mapoftazifosho:
Have you ever heard of the SRT-4? How about the Viper? Does the name Wrangler possibly ring some bells?
I think it'd take more than being young to miss those.
David 12:42PM (10/27/2009)
Weren't we most recently told that the MiTo was NOT coming after all (which pissed me off!)?
This WSJ information is contradictory.
Reply
zamafir 1:51PM (10/27/2009)
yeah... it's the only bit that i personally care about, i'd buy a mito in a heartbeat (played with a few in europe not to long ago).
Steve Lopez 12:51PM (10/27/2009)
Well, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep will be fine.
Avenger, Sebring, Caliber, Compass have to go. Too ugly and did not sell well.
The 200C should replace the Sebring sedan. A new convertible needs to replace the current and ugly Sebring.
The Caliber needs to be replaced and Dodge needs a compact 4 door sedan as well. Bring back the Dodge Dart nameplate.
The Dodge Caravan should stay. The Town and Country should go away and be replaced by a nice small SUV. Maybe on the mechanicals of the Journey. Not rebadging, but, it must stand out a Chrysler brand.
The Jeep Compass must go. Keep the Patriot and give it a true automatic tranny. Give it a more retro look.
If Fiat decides to do away with Dodge, it will never make it here on its own. Better quality is needed for both companies. Take it from VW. Chrysler makes a minivan for VW and it has better interior fit and finishes. What? Learn from this Chrysler/Fiat or is it Fiat/Chrysler?
Reply
Hike15 5:03PM (10/27/2009)
You forgot the nitro in cars that need to go!