Today Was the Big Chrysler LLC 5- Year Plan Announcement. What Did We Learn?
News from Dodge:
- Fiat is reorganizing the way in which the Dodge brand will operate
First... We're getting a new logo:
Second, this is where they're putting it:
They want to make Dodge more of a "lifestyle" brand (I hear Saturn?), with an emphasis on measurements of "Sweet, Fun, Uptown, Thrill Seeker/Ultimate Performance (SRT), and Cool." Basically, model designations are going away (kinda), and moving into some kind of categorization like that. Every current model will be here for the moment, receiving major interior and equipment upgrades, with new focuses on a sporty driving experience, fuel economy, and overall comfort. New B, C and D segment vehicles will be coming from Fiat by 2014.
News from Team Viper:
The current Viper we know and love today will only be around for 500 more units, which will be done around June 2010. Word on the street is that the next Viper will be in development shortly after that, with plenty of help "from other Fiat brands." That should make things interesting, that is, if an "S.F." is involved under the hood.
News from Chrysler:
- There is going to be a new focus on QUALITY
- New seven stage program:
- There are going to be more Fiat-based models coming, and by more, I mean almost everything
- Engine technology will be going overboard as well. Chrysler's cheap engine tech and designs will be worked over by Fiat, with direct-fuel and turbo tech, as well as diesel options going across the Atlantic.
- Chrysler has a bunch of stuff coming for the end of the 2010 model year
Not entirely surprisingly then, Chrysler is trying its best to add a few reasons to purchase its current models before the major changes happen in the next few years. Each of Chrysler's current nameplates 300, Town and Country, Sebring and PT Cruiser get Special Editions that will hit the market in the first quarter of 2010.
First, the 300 is slated to get a complete redesign later on in 2010, probably as a 2011 model vehicle. Regardless, the current 300 will get a Sport Edition that's targeted at the youth market before the reboot button is officially pressed. The Town and Country gets a Fashion Edition and the Sebring gets an Ocean Edition (we have no idea what that means).
Lastly, the long-in-the-tooth PT Cruiser gets a Final Edition (finally final? Promise?) and the nameplate is not scheduled to live on past the 2010 model year. So, if you want one... better hit your local dealer post haste. As a parting note, Chrysler never actually mentioned it, but take a good look at the new Chrysler 300 brochure at the top right of the image above that doesn't look like the current 300 grille, does it? Hint, hint.
What's This?
Ram will now operate as its own brand, separate from Dodge and the rest of the gang. I guess?
The Dakota is dead, and we're getting Fiat vans. Not as tough as I thought.
News from Jeep:
- They want to push Jeep to become the #1 sport utility brand in the world
- Being "Trail Rated" is still the goal
- Models are going to be killed off
It comes as little surprise that Jeep is looking beyond its current Patriot and Compass models, which have, to put it mildly, underperformed in the burgeoning compact CUV market. While the two concepts had lots of potential, the actual production ComPatriot twins were deemed uncompetitive with class leaders right when they were launched.
As such, the two models are both destined to meet their makers after the 2012 model, to be replaced by a single model sourced from Fiat. Can you say Panda (the image above is just a possible rendering, not a production car)? It's also worth noting that the iconic Wranger will get mild makeovers for both the 2010 and 2011 model years along with what seems likely to be a special 70th Anniversary Wranger for 2011.
Across the line, all Jeeps will reportedly come with an optional Trail Rated package, which means no more on-road only models like the Compass are likely to dilute the Jeep brand. That edict includes the new Grand Cherokee, and Jeep says the Trail Rated Grand Cherokee has already successfully tackled the legendary Rubicon Trail and Moab.
News About the Fiat 500 NA:
Listening to Chrysler's long and rambling 2010-2014 Business Plan, it was clear that the company and its dealerships are very much looking forward to finally getting the Fiat 500 in North America. Much like what happened when BMW launched the Mini brand eight-odd years ago, it's hoped that the cute little 500 will attract a whole new customer to the Chrysler fold.
In order to properly court those new wallets buyers, Chrysler plans to open "specific interior showroom branded salons" in select dealerships, mostly in metropolitan areas. A dedicated set of salespeople will be assigned to sell the Fiat 500 in the States... ya know, since they otherwise wouldn't know how to sell the important car to American consumers.
There will also be a full line of accessories made available to customize the new car, which we would expect will include unique color and stripe packages both inside and out along with a slew of optional wheel designs. Whatever, make ours an Abarth and we're good. Expect all of this to take place before the end of 2010 as the Fiat 500 finally starts to show up in those selected dealerships.
Wow. A lot of stuff to digest.
