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The ink isn't even dry yet on the deal between Chrysler and Fiat, but design executives from both automakers are slated to begin meeting next week to discuss collaboration on future products and how Fiat's current offerings can be adapted for Chrysler's needs.

The meetings were confirmed by Chrysler's VP of design Ralph Gilles, who also revealed that the alliance extends only to the Fiat brand itself, and does not include Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati or Ferrari. So don't expect to see a Dodge 8C Competizione hitting the market any time soon. However, although Maserati and Ferrari are already active on this side of the Atlantic, Fiat is expected to use Chrysler's existing infrastructure to reach its goal of bringing the Alfa Romeo brand back to he North American market. The cars available to Chrysler for re-badging, however, will remain exclusively from the Fiat portfolio.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Fiat and Chrysler designers to collaborate, other Fiat divisions excluded originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler alfachrysler alfa romeochrysler designchrysler fiat alliancechrysler lanciaChryslerAlfaChryslerAlfaRomeoChryslerDesignChryslerFiatAllianceChryslerLanciafiatfiat chryslerfiat designFiatChryslerFiatDesignralph gillesRalphGillesFri, 23 Jan 2009 10:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler design done with the 'edge,' going organic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/chrysler-design-done-with-the-edge-going-organic/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/chrysler-design-done-with-the-edge-going-organic/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/chrysler-design-done-with-the-edge-going-organic/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Trevor Creed resigned from the position of Chrysler's head of design, and as of today is succeeded by Ralph Gilles, the man who designed the 300C. Since every change at the top comes with a "new sheriff in town" speech -- or at least one-liner -- this is what Gilles had to say: "It's definitely time for a new aesthetic at Chrysler. ... We're done with the 'edge' look."

Gilles says he wants the Pentastar's cars to look more "organic." This being art, however, that could really mean anything. For concrete examples and practical considerations he mentioned the Dodge Zeo and Chrysler Ecovoyager, and said that he wants to design "sexy" cars that will appeal around the world. Intriguing statements from the gent known for a car that epitomizes the American muscle sedan, but we are all in favor, and we say "aye." The only question is how soon will they start the redesign, and what will organic look like?

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Chrysler design done with the 'edge,' going organic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We're already encouraged by the fact that Ralph Gilles has ascended to the top of Chrysler's design department, as the past vehicles penned under his supervision have all been some of Chrysler's best. Say what you want about the reborn 300 now, but when it was first introduced, it's styling set in motion a major tidal wave of accolades and was a fresh direction for Detroit's number 3. The 'Edge' look, as Gilles calls it, though, is getting a bit stale these days and Chrysler needs a new direction -- Sebring anyone? According to the new design chief, ChryCo's new look will be 'Organic', which Gilles says will get "our cars to be sexy again." Remember "cab forward"? That moniker could make a comeback along with the more stylish interiors that Chrysler so desperately needs.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Gilles: Chrysler done with 'Edge' look, going 'Organic' originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cab forwardCabForwardchrysler designChryslerDesignedge stylingEdgeStylingorganic stylingOrganicStylingralph gillesRalphGillesWed, 20 Aug 2008 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Trevor Creed retires from Chrysler, Ralph Gilles ascends]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/trevor-creed-retires-from-chrysler-ralph-gilles-ascends/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/trevor-creed-retires-from-chrysler-ralph-gilles-ascends/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/trevor-creed-retires-from-chrysler-ralph-gilles-ascends/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Trevor Creed has decided that being the capo di designi capo for such programs as the Chrysler 300, PT Cruiser, Dodge Challenger, Viper, and Ram, among others, is a satisfactory way to cap a career in design. Creed has spent the past 23 years at Chrysler, and his departure as Vice President of Design on August 31st opens up the slot for Ralph Gillies to step up. Gillies will start his new role as Design Veep September 1st, and he'll answer to Frank Klegon, Executive VP of Product Development.

Hey Frank, get rid of focus grouping, give Ralph a bit more leash to manage a staff that can design a car that actually looks good. As Design Vice President, Gillies will now oversee the Product Design Office, so one imagines that, given the opportunity, there may be a glimmer of hope for righting the horrid wrongs of the Sebring, as long as some of that 2009 Ram mojo is still around.

Once Gillies and team work sheetmetal magic, Andreas Schnell is the newly appointed Vice President of Electrical/Electronics Engineering Core, the people that come up with the electronics that not only run the vehicle, but entertain and delight, as well. Schnell will also be responsible for "voice of the customer" efforts, and the voice of the customer should be heard loud and clear saying "please build better cars."

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Trevor Creed retires from Chrysler, Ralph Gilles ascends

Trevor Creed retires from Chrysler, Ralph Gilles ascends originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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