Chrysler Group’s plans for Jeep through 2014

From Automotive News:

“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.”

Here’s what they have in store for 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.”

To see what’s in store for Chrysler & Dodge Models, read the full article here.

 

Chrysler bringing in Fiat, Alfa Romeo. Dropping several Jeep and Dodge models.

From Motor Authority:

“The Fiat-Chrysler partnership has been brewing since well before the economic meltdown and federal loan bonanza of late 2008, but it’s still taking shape as the automakers find ways to work to their mutual benefit. The combined companies’ new CEO Sergio Marchionne is set to reveal the future plans for both Fiat and Chrysler in just a week’s time but we already have much of the details on hand.

According to people briefed on the plans, Alfa Romeo is set to return as a volume player in 2012. Fiat will be here too, although the only model planned is the 500 minicar, which should in early 2011…

Don’t feel too bad Fiat isn’t coming here in full force. Chrysler will introduce several new models that rely on Fiat platforms and technology. The first of these will be a new mid-sized sedan from Chrysler based on Fiat’s C-Evo platform, followed by new hatchback and a compact Jeep. There will also be redesigned versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300 arriving as early as next year.

Several models will be dropped from Chrysler’s U.S. lineup as well. These will include a number of Dodge models, such as the Caliber, Nitro, Avenger, and several Jeep models, too, such as the Commander, Compass, and Patriot. Other vehicles getting the axe include Chrysler’s PT Cruiser and Sebring.”

Full article here.

The Jeep Sales Figures for January 2009 are Brutal.

Chrysler LLC has reported it’s Jeep Sales Figures for the January 2009 sales period.   The Commander undersold by a whooping -71% compared to the same period last year.  The Jeep Compass had a -69% percent drop and moved a measly 819 units nationally during this time.  Look for it to be dropped in the near future with those kind of  sales numbers.  The Grand Cherokee and Liberty both had a -60% drop, while the recently popular Patriot saw sales fall -53%.  Jeep’s lone positive performer was the Jeep Wrangler who was showing a slight up tick in sales from last year at a 4% sales increase, most likely helped by the slew of rebates out there right now.  Overall Jeep sales are down -49% from the same time period last year.

Is Chrysler Kaput?

“Chrysler doesn’t have a single big-selling model in its entire inventory of passenger cars. The only profitable asset the company still has is its Jeep brand (a small miracle, that, given the Patriot/Compass/Commander albatross hanging around its neck).”

The rest of the story from the American Spectator here.

Would this be good or bad for Jeep? Share you thoughts below.