Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Future Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Fiat product plans revealed?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/future-chrysler-alfa-romeo-and-fiat-product-plans-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/future-chrysler-alfa-romeo-and-fiat-product-plans-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/future-chrysler-alfa-romeo-and-fiat-product-plans-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


Alfa Romeo Kamal concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to automotive consulting firm IHS Global Insight, the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep lineups are going to look drastically different over the next few years under Fiat control. No surprises there, but the report goes on the forecast which current Chrysler vehicles will be dropped and which ones will be transferred to new platforms. We've already heard that the next Alfa Romeo 169 sedan will be built atop Chrysler's LX platform in Ontario, Canada and that the Fiat 500 will be built ASAP in Toluca, Mexico, but that's only the beginning.

If IHS is right, joining the 500 in Toluca will be the Jeep Panda, which, as you may have guessed, will be a version of the Fiat Panda wearing Jeep's trademark seven-slot grille. Furthermore, Alfa Romeo may get two new SUVs that would be built in Jeep factories in Jefferson, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio - one midsize 'ute called the GTX that's based on the WL platform that underpins the Jeep Grand Cherokee and a smaller one built on Fiat's C-EVO platform, which will also underpin the next Jeep Liberty. That leaves the unloved Jeep Compass and its somewhat more likable brother, the Patriot, to die slow and inglorious death.

Fiat's C-EVO platform will also spawn the next-gen Dodge Journey, Chrysler Sebring (and presumably the Dodge Avenger if it survives past its current form), and Dodge Caliber. Moving downward in size a notch will (finally) be the Dodge Hornet, which will forgo Bad Chrysler's old deal with Nissan in order to share its Fiat 199 platform with the Alfa Romeo MiTo, both of which will be assembled in Belvidere, Illinois sometime in 2011. Thanks for the tip, Dad!


Gallery: Alfa Romeo Kamal concept


[Source: Global Insight]

Future Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Fiat product plans revealed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoalfa romeo gtxalfa romeo kamalalfa romeo mitoalfa romeo suvalfa romeo suv crossoverAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoGtxAlfaRomeoKamalAlfaRomeoMitoAlfaRomeoSuvAlfaRomeoSuvCrossoverbelividere assmebly plantBelividereAssmeblyPlantdodge hornetDodgeHornetglobal insightGlobalInsightihs global insightIhsGlobalInsightjeepjeep compassjeep libertyjeep pandajeep patriotJeepCompassJeepLibertyJeepPandaJeepPatriottoledotoledo jeeptoledo jeep plantToledoJeepToledoJeepPlanttolucatoluca mexicotoluca plantTolucaMexicoTolucaPlantFri, 19 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Despite Fiat deal, Chrysler will still get small cars from Nissan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/despite-fiat-deal-chrysler-will-still-get-small-cars-from-nissa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/despite-fiat-deal-chrysler-will-still-get-small-cars-from-nissa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/despite-fiat-deal-chrysler-will-still-get-small-cars-from-nissa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Dodge Hornet concept

Fiat's tentative global alliance with Chrysler should have the desired effect of bolstering the American automaker's nonexistent small car line and give Fiat access to a nationwide network of dealerships in the United States. Don't forget, however, that Nissan also has a deal in place with Chrysler that predates its tie-up with Fiat, and the Japanese automaker fully expects to make good on the arrangement that would provide Chrysler with two small cars developed by Nissan in exchange for one full-size Ram-based truck to replace the aging Titan. The first vehicle to spawn from this alliance is the Dodge Trazo C1.8 sedan, a carbon copy of the Nissan Versa (known as the Tiida in some other parts of the world) and sold in South America.

Before Fiat was ever considered (at least publicly) as a partner, it was assumed after initial negotiations with China's Chery failed to pan out that the second vehicle Nissan would develop would be at least partially inspired by the Dodge Hornet first seen in concept form back in 2006. Since the arrangement with Nissan was announced back in April of 2008, it's probably safe to assume that development work on the protracted small car project for Dodge is already underway and will conclude as planned. Whether or not any fruit of Chrysler's partnership with Nissan will be sold in the U.S. or just South American markets is unknown, as Fiat has plenty of small cars that could be built, badged with a Pentastar and sold in on American soil.

Gallery: Dodge Hornet Concept


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Despite Fiat deal, Chrysler will still get small cars from Nissan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler fiatChryslerFiatdodge hornetdodge hornet conceptDodgeHornetDodgeHornetConceptnissan chryslerNissanChryslersmall dodgeSmallDodgeWed, 28 Jan 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler and Chery quit talking about small car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/chrysler-and-chery-quit-talking-about-small-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/chrysler-and-chery-quit-talking-about-small-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/chrysler-and-chery-quit-talking-about-small-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Well, crap. For all of us who were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Chinese-built Dodge Demon or the Chinese-built Dodge Hornet or the Chrysler-badged, Chinese-built Chery A1, fugetaboutit. It's officially not happening.

Mike Manley, Chrysler's executive vice president of international sales and marketing, tells The Detroit News that talks between the two companies have officially ended. Manley cites economic troubles in both the U.S. and China as the main reason the two have decided to go their separate ways. While Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli is in D.C. begging for government money, Chery has its own problems in China.

Then again, who knows what might happen after the whole bailout saga has ended? With a cash infusion, Chrysler could restart its partnership with Chery. Or, denied a government loan, Chrysler could find itself bought by the Chinese company.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Chrysler and Chery quit talking about small car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cherychery a1CheryA1demondodge demondodge hornetDodgeDemonDodgeHornethornetTue, 09 Dec 2008 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[New Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 confirmed for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/new-dodge-charger-chrysler-300-confirmed-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/new-dodge-charger-chrysler-300-confirmed-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/new-dodge-charger-chrysler-300-confirmed-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Charger

Ending speculation about what new products Chrysler will be rolling out in 2010 is none other than Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli. Now confirmed are redesigned full-size sedans in the form of a new Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 as well as a new Jeep. While none of these vehicles is likely to be particularly fuel efficient, the man behind the scenes at Chrysler also stressed that new fuel-saving models are on their way by means of the automaker's recent partnership with Nissan. We believe that the new vehicle will be a version of the Dodge Hornet concept that we've seen everywhere these last few years.

The redesigned 300 from Chrysler and the Charger from Dodge will be extremely important launches. We expect the square-jawed styling to be radically different since Ralph Gilles, who has promised more "organic" styling, is now head of design. Lastly, we're still a bit skeptical that Chrysler will be able to launch an electric car by 2010, we'd love to be proven wrong. A hybrid drivetrain for the Charger and 300, though, seems like a real possibility.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

New Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 confirmed for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 chrysler 3002010 dodge charger2010Chrysler3002010DodgeChargerchrysler 300chrysler nissanChrysler300ChryslerNissandodge chargerdodge hornetdodge hornet conceptDodgeChargerDodgeHornetDodgeHornetConceptTue, 07 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More evidence Nissan will build the Dodge Hornet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/16/more-evidence-nissan-will-build-the-dodge-hornet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/16/more-evidence-nissan-will-build-the-dodge-hornet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/16/more-evidence-nissan-will-build-the-dodge-hornet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Hornet concept

The Dodge Hornet was one of the best-looking concepts that Chrysler has produced the past few years, and thanks to a partnership with Nissan, the impressive-looking compact is inching closer to production. Chrysler and Nissan have yet to officially announce details of the upcoming Nissan Versa-based vehicle they'll develop together, other than to say that it'd be available as a 2010 model, but everyone is banking on a production Hornet. Chrysler vice president of international sales Thomas Hausch recently said that the Pentastar is working hard on a Hornet Study, and that Chrysler would "announce something" in the near future. The linked Automotive News article is further evidence that our suspicions were correct and that Nissan, rather than Chinese automaker Chery, will build it.

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

More evidence Nissan will build the Dodge Hornet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>B-CarChryslerDodge HornetDodgeHornetNissanVersaMon, 16 Jun 2008 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Chrysler still working on compact Hornet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/confirmed-chrysler-still-working-on-compact-hornet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/confirmed-chrysler-still-working-on-compact-hornet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/confirmed-chrysler-still-working-on-compact-hornet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the Dodge Hornet Concept

It's been so long since we've heard anything new regarding the Dodge Hornet concept from way back in 2006 that you could be forgiven for assuming it was dead on arrival. Not so, according to Thomas Hausch, ChryCo's veep for international purchasing, who says that the automaker is hard at work developing its Hornet model. Not that it's particularly shocking that Chrysler would be doing everything in its power to bring more small cars to market, considering that sales in that segment are so strong in the face of $4 per gallon gasoline.

It has long been assumed that the tie-up with Chinese automaker Chery would yield the first Chrysler compact, but remember that Chrysler recently made a deal with Nissan. In that arrangement, Nissan would get a version of the Dodge Ram in exchange for a Nissan-built small designed and developed by Chrysler. So perhaps the Hornet will actually come from Nissan. Whatever the case, the American automaker is in desperate need of a good compact vehicle as quickly as possible.

Gallery: Dodge Hornet Concept


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

Confirmed: Chrysler still working on compact Hornet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler compactchrysler hornetChryslerCompactChryslerHornetdodge compactdodge hornetDodgeCompactDodgeHornetWed, 11 Jun 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler says talk of breakup with Chery "Absurd"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/chrysler-says-talk-of-breakup-with-chery-absurd/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/chrysler-says-talk-of-breakup-with-chery-absurd/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/chrysler-says-talk-of-breakup-with-chery-absurd/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Inside Line is reporting that Chery will not be building the Dodge Hornet or Demon after all. They deducted this from a report in the Wall Street Journal published on Monday that quotes Simon Elliott, president and CEO of Chrysler Group China Sales Ltd. as saying that his company really wants to fill product holes in its lineup in China, but that it won't be working with Chery to do it. Inside Line takes that information and combines it with a quote from Chrysler's Design Chief Trevor Creed at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September when Creed said Chery's B-segment platform isn't appropriate for the Hornet.

So Elliott says Chery won't be building Chryslers for sale in China, and Creed says Chery's platform isn't right for the Hornet. To us, that doesn't exactly add up to no more Chrysler/Chery deal.

So we sent an email to Chrysler and heard back from David Elshoff at Chrysler's Business Operations Communications. His e-mail simply said, "Absurd." To get a little more detail, we called him up. Elshoff tells Autoblog that Chrysler and Chery are definitely still working together on building cars for export, but not for cars to be sold in China. He tells us that the Chery A1 platform is still targeted for use as a Chrysler vehicle to go on sale in Latin America by the end of 2008. Elshoff says the two companies are also still working on a version of the Hornet, for sale possibly by the end of 2009.

So there, straight from the source, Chrysler and Chery still buddies.

[Source: Wall Street Journal via Inside Line]

Chrysler says talk of breakup with Chery "Absurd" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chery ChryslerCheryChryslerDodge DemonDodge HornetDodgeDemonDodgeHornetWed, 17 Oct 2007 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge Hornet gets the green light]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/dodge-hornet-gets-the-green-light/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/dodge-hornet-gets-the-green-light/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/dodge-hornet-gets-the-green-light/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Dodge Hornet is about to be officially a go. Dodge's Euro B-segment entrant will be produced with Chinese automaker Chery, and won't have a Chrysler-branded counterpart. The show car, from the 2006 Geneva show, had a supercharged 4-cylinder with 170 hp, and got to 60 in 6.7 seconds. Autocar believes the production version may bow as early as this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, though we think that's a bit optimistic.

The good thing is that the Hornet's impending production is part of Chrysler's 3-year, $3-billion product renewal program, which has been "confirmed" since Cerberus bought the company. Though it will likely debut at a European auto show, we have high hopes that Chrysler will bring its Chinese-built B-car to the U.S., as well.

[Source: Autocar]

Gallery: Dodge Hornet Concept


Dodge Hornet gets the green light originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-segmentchryslerdodgedodge hornetDodgeHorneteuropeangenevahornetWed, 06 Jun 2007 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler and Chery resume discussions; Hornet confirmed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/24/chrysler-and-chery-resume-discussions-hornet-confirmed/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/24/chrysler-and-chery-resume-discussions-hornet-confirmed/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/24/chrysler-and-chery-resume-discussions-hornet-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chery officials say the pause in their discussion with Chrysler was so the Chinese company could get a better idea of the American's future. Now that Cerberus has taken over, Chery sees the coming years filled with puppy dogs and lollipops.

And in their giddiness, someone at Chery leaked a few details of the project to Automotive News. Chery will build two cars for Chrysler, to be sold under the Chrysler brand. Chery is already building one of the two in China (possibly the A1?), but for Chrysler it will be shipped in kit form to South America where it will be assembled for that market.

The other Chery-built car will, in fact, be the Hornet, according to AN's anonymous sources. The car will be based on Dodge's show car, but engineering will be handled by Chery in China. Hornet production could begin as soon as 2010.

It's good to see these two playing nice again, even better to hear the Hornet may actually reach production.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Chrysler and Chery resume discussions; Hornet confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2007 06:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-segmentb-segment cheryb-segment chery chryslerb-segment chryslerB-segmentCheryB-segmentCheryChryslerB-segmentChryslercherychery a1chery a1 chryslerchery chryslerchery hornetCheryA1CheryA1ChryslerCheryChryslerCheryHornetchryslerchrysler a1chrysler chinachrysler chinesechrysler hornetchrysler small carChryslerA1ChryslerChinaChryslerChineseChryslerHornetChryslerSmallCardodge chinesedodge hornetDodgeChineseDodgeHornethornetThu, 24 May 2007 06:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge's mini car to be Chery A1?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/dodges-mini-car-to-be-chery-a1/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/dodges-mini-car-to-be-chery-a1/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/dodges-mini-car-to-be-chery-a1/#commentsFiled under: , ,



China Car Times says that Chinese Web site Autohome is reporting Dodge will re-badge Chery's A1 mini car for sale around the world. According to China Car Times, the A1 is a QQ3 renamed for export. The new name is supposedly intended to avoid any further confrontation with General Motors' lawyers over the whole QQ vs. Spark fight.

We can't find the original article on Autohome, and China Car Times cites no official sources. So this may well be nothing more than rumor at this time. But the A1 does appear to fit Dodge's minicar needs and is styled to compete with the Fit/Jazz, Versa, Matrix, Vibe, Soul and all those other B-cars and CUVs on the road and in development. It sure ain't the Hornet we were hoping for, though.

[Source: China Car Times, Autohome]

Update:TO SEE MORE PICS FROM AUTOBLOG CHINA.

Dodge's mini car to be Chery A1? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cherychery a1chery chryslerchery dodgechery dodge hornetchery hornetchery qq3CheryA1CheryChryslerCheryDodgeCheryDodgeHornetCheryHornetCheryQq3chrysler chinaChryslerChinadodge chinadodge hornetDodgeChinaDodgeHornethornet chinaHornetChinaWed, 07 Mar 2007 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Buzz is back: Chery to build Hornet after all?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/21/buzz-is-back-chery-to-build-hornet-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/21/buzz-is-back-chery-to-build-hornet-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/21/buzz-is-back-chery-to-build-hornet-after-all/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Yes, we know, it wasn't that long ago we reported Chrysler Group President Tom LaSorda saying Chery would not build the Hornet show car, but rather supply one of its own models for sales as a Dodge-branded small car in the Chrysler Group's product portfolio. Now Autoweek is reporting that Chrysler is none too happy with Chery's weak efforts to improve the production quality of its own cars. So instead of having Chery supply one of its own models, Chrysler may go ahead on its own with development of the Hornet Concept. The Hornet would still be built by Chery in China, but Chrysler would help the Chinese automaker select suppliers for the production Hornet that meet a satisfactory quality standard.

A Chery spokesman would not confirm the Hornet's production, and a Chrysler spokesman said the deal is still in the early stages and final product has not yet been decided. Jason Vines, vice president for Chrysler Group Communications had this to say via email, "No comment. The Supervisory Board still has to approve the whole Chery deal."

For a quick timeline on this saga, follow the jump.

[Source: Autoweek via China Car Times]

Continue reading Buzz is back: Chery to build Hornet after all?

Buzz is back: Chery to build Hornet after all? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cherychery building hornetchery chryslerchery hornetchery to build hornetCheryBuildingHornetCheryChryslerCheryHornetCheryToBuildHornetchryslerchrysler chinachrysler hornetChryslerChinaChryslerHornetdodge hornetDodgeHornethornetWed, 21 Feb 2007 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler may ship entire transmission line to China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/23/chrysler-may-ship-entire-transmission-line-to-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/23/chrysler-may-ship-entire-transmission-line-to-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/23/chrysler-may-ship-entire-transmission-line-to-china/#commentsFiled under: , ,

So if you order everything necessary to produce transmissions, do you get free shipping? China's Chery may find out if negotiations to buy one of Chrysler's Indiana facilities lines are successful. Autoweek is reporting that Chrysler may sell Chery one of its Kokomo, Ind. automatic transmission-producing lines and send it all to China.

Autoweek's sources say Chery would use the 4-speed in Chrysler's China-built car. Chery, in its pursuit of international exports, would gain transmission-building technology, while Chrysler would use the extra cash to develop a dual-clutch assembly line.

According to Chrysler's Web site, their Kokomo plant produces several transmissions, but only four 4-speed automatics: the 40TE (used in PT Cruisers, Chrysler minivans, and last gen Sebring), the 41TE (PT Turbo, Pacifica, and last gen Sebring), the 40TES (2008 Avenger, 2007 Sebring), and the 41TES (2008 Avenger, 2007 Sebring). Which line from the plant is up for sale isn't known exactly.

[Source: Autoweek]

Continue reading Chrysler may ship entire transmission line to China

Chrysler may ship entire transmission line to China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cherychery chryslerchery chrysler transmissionchery transmissionchery transmissionsCheryChryslerCheryChryslerTransmissionCheryTransmissionCheryTransmissionschryslerchrysler kokomochrysler transmissionchrysler transmissionsChryslerKokomoChryslerTransmissionChryslerTransmissionsdodge hornetDodgeHornetTue, 23 Jan 2007 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[The buzz is wrong: LaSorda says no Hornet from China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/03/the-buzz-is-wrong-lasorda-says-no-hornet-from-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/03/the-buzz-is-wrong-lasorda-says-no-hornet-from-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/03/the-buzz-is-wrong-lasorda-says-no-hornet-from-china/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Despite early assumptions, it looks like the Dodge Hornet has been swatted down for now. The news comes out of a talk Chrysler's media-only Firehouse blog recently had with Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda.

Q - Will this car mean the death of the Hornet, the muscular small car concept that we saw at the Geneva auto show this year?
Tom - "The Hornet is a great statement of our design. It is also a statement that it's something that we're going to continue to take a look at, and depending on the business case going, we'll look at that independently from this particular project."

So that puts us back into the guessing game as to what the Chinese Chrysler product from Chery will be. Or even if it will be a Dodge.

LaSorda confirms, however, that the Chery-built car will be B-Class-sized. He goes on to address concerns about the level of quality we can expect from Chinese-built cars as well as political repurcussions of choosing to build a new car in a foreign country instead of the U.S.

Read the entire interview after the jump.

Continue reading The buzz is wrong: LaSorda says no Hornet from China

The buzz is wrong: LaSorda says no Hornet from China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jan 2007 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CheryChery Dodge HornetCheryDodgeHornetChina ChryslerChina DodgeChina HornetChinaChryslerChinaDodgeChinaHornetChinese Dodge HornetChinese HornetChineseDodgeHornetChineseHornetChrysler ChinaChryslerChinaDodge ChinaDodge HornetDodgeChinaDodgeHornetTom LaSordaTom LaSorda ChinaTom LaSorda Chrysler HornetTom LaSorda Dodge HornetTom LaSorda HornetTomLasordaTomLasordaChinaTomLasordaChryslerHornetTomLasordaDodgeHornetTomLasordaHornetWed, 03 Jan 2007 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Western Europe will be first to get small Dodge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/27/western-europe-will-be-first-to-get-small-dodge/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/27/western-europe-will-be-first-to-get-small-dodge/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/27/western-europe-will-be-first-to-get-small-dodge/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It's been almost two months since we last talked about Dodge's rumored partnership with Chery. So we thought we'd bring you an update. It now looks like Western Europe is being tabbed as one of the key markets for this small Dodge when it launches. Chery Automobile of China is still the most likely partner on the project, according to Chrysler group CEO Tom LaSorda. LaSorda actually said the choices have been narrowed to two, with rumors that the company is also looking at PSA/Peugeot-Citroen or perhaps even Hyundai. He added that a decision should come by the end of the year at the latest.

After Western Europe the small car should head to Mexico and Canada, with U.S. sales a possibility after that. DaimlerChrysler had previously told us that it really needed a partner if it were going to succeed at the low-margin end of the lineup, where Chery can certainly help with one of its small car platforms. The most likely vehicle coming out of this partnership would be a production version of the Dodge Hornet concept, shown above at the recently held Beijing Motor Show in China. Dodge wants to be more competitive globally and Chery has the ability to produce the subcompacts and superminis Dodge would need to be a real player. Chery has also wanted to establish itself in the U.S. to help build some credibility for the company, so this might be good for both parties.

[Source: Automotive News Europe, sub req]

Western Europe will be first to get small Dodge originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chery AutomobileCheryAutomobileDodge HornetDodgeHornetTom LaSordaTomLasordaMon, 27 Nov 2006 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge-badged small car from China appears imminent]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/dodge-badged-small-car-from-china-appears-imminent/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/dodge-badged-small-car-from-china-appears-imminent/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/dodge-badged-small-car-from-china-appears-imminent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,




Word out of Detroit today has Chrysler almost ready to sign and seal a deal with Chinese automaker Chery Automobile. We just talked about this a few days ago, but it looks like it's actually going to happen any time now. DaimlerChrysler had previously told us that it really needed a partner if it were going to succeed at the low-margin end of the lineup, where Chery can certainly help with one of its small car platforms. The most likely vehicle coming out of this partnership would be the Dodge Hornet concept in production form. Dodge wants to be more competitive globally and Chery has the ability to produce the subcompacts and superminis Dodge would need to be a real player. Chery has also wanted to establish themselves in the U.S. to help build some credibility for the company, so this might be good for both parties.

Caught somewhere in the middle of this negotiation is none other than Malcolm Bricklin who has been working on his own Chery import deal. Bricklin should be well-known to Autoblog readers. His plans to make the Chery the Yugo Kia of this century, have been met with cynicism, especially after all of the delays and scaling back the project has encountered. But his dreams of bringing low-cost, decent quality cars would live on even if the Chrysler deal goes through. In fact, this would most likely help Bricklin a lot, as Chery would all of a sudden have a little more street cred.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req]

Dodge-badged small car from China appears imminent originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CheryChinaDodge HornetDodgeHornetMalcolm BricklinMalcolmBricklinTue, 03 Oct 2006 15:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler continues to seek partner for B-car production, China still in the mix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/chrysler-continues-to-seek-partner-for-b-car-production-china-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/chrysler-continues-to-seek-partner-for-b-car-production-china-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/chrysler-continues-to-seek-partner-for-b-car-production-china-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Dodge Hornet Concept

DaimlerChrysler has been looking for a partner to produce subcompact cars, like the Dodge Hornet concept the company unveiled in Geneva last year, and according to Chrysler Group CEO Tom LaSorda, a Chinese company may be the lucky recipient of the business. Speaking at an Automotive Press Association luncheon in Detroit on Monday, LaSorda said that the company is finishing up its research, and when asked if the partner would be Chinese, LaSorda said that Chinese automakers have not been ruled out.

D.C., which currently has no infrastructure in place to build and sell subcompacts, has said that it wants to make Dodge an international player -- a classification that all but requires the company to produce subcompacts. Earlier this year, LaSorda met with China's Chery Automobile Co. to discuss the topic further and if the partnership is given a green light, it will be the first such alliance of its kind.

[Source: Reuters]

Chrysler continues to seek partner for B-car production, China still in the mix originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Sep 2006 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-carconcept carsConceptCarsdodge hornetDodgeHornetsubcompactTue, 26 Sep 2006 10:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler taking its time selecting small car partner]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/09/chrysler-taking-its-time-selecting-small-car-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/09/chrysler-taking-its-time-selecting-small-car-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/09/chrysler-taking-its-time-selecting-small-car-partner/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group seems to be in no hurry to select a development partner for the new subcompact car the company wants to add to its lineup. According to a Reuters report, Chrysler Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour said Thursday that the automaker would name a partner "by the end of the year."

Ridenour suggested that the company is working through a short list of several "semi-finalists" at this point.

Chrysler has been looking for a partner to help share the cost of designing and developing the new small car, which will be marketed globally, not just in the U.S. Volkswagen has been widely rumored as a likely partner, but by the sound of Thursday's announcement it's far from a done deal. The new model will likely take styling cues from the Hornet concept that debuted in Geneva this spring (shown at right).

Chrysler would do well to get a move on - 2005 U.S. subcompact segment sales are expected to double by 2007.

[Source: Reuters]

Chrysler taking its time selecting small car partner originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jun 2006 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge hornetsubcompact chryslersubcompact dodgeSubcompactChryslerFri, 09 Jun 2006 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge Hornet buzzes for partners; narrows it down to three]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/dodge-hornet-buzzes-for-partners-narrows-it-down-to-three/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/dodge-hornet-buzzes-for-partners-narrows-it-down-to-three/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/dodge-hornet-buzzes-for-partners-narrows-it-down-to-three/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

DaimlerChrysler is on the lookout for companies to serve as a joint partner in making the Dodge Hornet, a sub-compact vehicle to be priced below the $13,995 sticker price of the Dodge Caliber. At this point, it looks like three automakers are on the short list -- Volkswagen and two others. Chrysler COO Eric Ridenour says that the contenders are European and Asian manufacturers.

The butch little car was shown in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

[Source: Automotive News]

Dodge Hornet buzzes for partners; narrows it down to three originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 May 2006 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodgedodge caliberdodge hornetDodgeCaliberDodgeHornetgeneva motor showGenevaMotorShowvolkswagenTue, 09 May 2006 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva Motor Show: Dodge Hornet concept world premiere]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/01/geneva-motor-show-dodge-hornet-concept-world-premiere/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/01/geneva-motor-show-dodge-hornet-concept-world-premiere/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/01/geneva-motor-show-dodge-hornet-concept-world-premiere/#commentsFiled under: ,



Dodge says that its Hornet B-segment concept car is "an ideal combination of American fun and European function." Straight from the Scion shoebox design school, Alberto reports that, in person, the Hornet is just too big to carry it off. On the MINI the box look works, on the Scion it's quirky but it grows on you, but the Hornet may have carried the idea too far.

Nice interior concepts, though, including the suddenly de rigeur suicide doors. Lots of pictures after the jump, with the official press release.

Continue reading Geneva Motor Show: Dodge Hornet concept world premiere

Geneva Motor Show: Dodge Hornet concept world premiere originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Mar 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodgedodge hornetgenevahornetWed, 01 Mar 2006 13:30:00 EST