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 RamsWhile 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