“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.”
“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.”
“A recent shuffle of Chrysler Group’s design team could be just what the company needs to effect a quick turnaround after bankruptcy, industry analysts say. The automaker has promoted three men from within to head design for its Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands.”
“Mark Allen, 46, was promoted to head of Jeep design from his previous position of chief of Dodge and Jeep truck design.
Jeep has the most going for it in terms of design, analysts say. Allen’s prime directive will be to preserve and evolve the iconic Jeep look that makes the Wrangler a continued sales success relative to other models in the line-up. “Don’t try to make Jeep what it’s not,” Hossack says. “Don’t be selling these little crossover SUVs that won’t go over anything other than wet grass. Make a Jeep a Jeep.”
Allen is very familiar with Jeep’s design heritage, having worked on the 2007 Liberty and 2006 Wrangler. And he certainly has experience with trucks that can tackle more than a damp lawn, after helping craft the 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 and 2008 Dodge Dakota.”
“GM’s decision opens the door for other automakers to look at a deal for Chrysler — with Renault-Nissan potentially reemerging in that scenario — although Renault-Nissan’s chief executive has indicated a reluctance to spend in this economic climate.”
At this point it’s safe to assume that Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler will be split apart in some capacity. To what degree we’re not sure of yet. Hyundai Motor Co. has no entered the ring;
“Hyundai Motor Co. emerged as a possible suitor for Chrysler late Friday. Reuters reported that Cerberus has had talks with the South Korean automaker about a potential deal to acquire Chrysler’s Jeep brand and other assets. Hyundai reportedly denied interest, saying it lacked the capacity for such a deal.” (Freep.com)
According to NDTV Profit, things could shake out a little differently:
“Hyundai has shown some interest, though only in the Chrysler brand- which is where the idea of splitting the portfolio originated.”
NDTV has a lot to say about the possibility of Indian Company Mahindra & Mahindra buying Jeep & Dodge together.
“There could be another global acquisition brewing in the auto industry…with an Indian player in the fray. Jeep and Dodge are the target and NDTV has learned that Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) could be in the mood to buy… In the heels of collapse of merger talks between Chrysler and general Motors, M&M is likely to make a bid for parts of the Detroit based automotive giant Chrysler. However sources indicate that M&M will most likely bid for the Jeep or Dodge lines of business as it would strengthen the Indian company’s UV capability.” (NDTV)
My head is spinning trying to keep up with the bevy of rumors and speculation regarding the sale of Chrysler and the Jeep Brand. GM is merging with Chrysler, Nissan/Renault is buying the Jeep line while GM takes the rest, GM is buying Chrysler to keep Jeep and scrap the other lines, GM is gobbling up Chrysler to eliminate a competitor, and on and on. Does anyone else’s head hurt trying to keep up with this stuff? Regardless, the situation is one god-awful, ugly mess and it only looks to get worse before it gets better. Here’s the latest information on the goings on.
“What will become of Chrysler? And of General Motors, for that matter?
Chrysler’s 80% owner, Cerberus Capital Management, desperately wants out of car and truck manufacturing, and will soon sell Chrysler to GM, merge it into the Renault-Nissan alliance, break it into pieces and pawn them, or just crash the Auburn Hills automaker into bankruptcy court.
GM, careening toward insolvency itself, sees in Cerberus-Chrysler a wad of cash that may help GM buy enough time to see the promised land of 2010, when the U.S. economy is stronger, when retiree health care costs shift to a UAW-run trust, when the electric Volt and other hot, new cars hit the market.”
“Most of what you have read about the prospective deals for Chrysler involving General Motors, Cerberus Capital Management and Nissan/Renault is misleading.
Let me make this clear: Any merger between General Motors and Chrysler would mean the death of Chrysler and another coffin nail for GM.
If GM gains control of Chrysler, it would shut most of Chrysler’s plants and fire most of the workers. I have seen estimates that 30,000 to 40,000 people would lose their jobs, and I do not dispute these figures.
A Chrysler takeover could also be fatal to General Motors. GM needs every bit of its energy to save itself–and adding Chrysler would be a huge distraction, with no rewards…
Jeep would survive. It was part of Willys when it went down, and it survived. Jeep was part of American Motors and endured. The Chrysler minivan plant in St. Louis might last for a few years, but the bloom is off the minivan market. It is hard to see why GM would want 450,000 units of capacity for the Dodge Ram trucks. GM cannot sell the Chevy and GMC pickups it builds now. Nor do I think that GM would have much interest in Chrysler’s passenger cars.”
Jeep Liberty or Dodge Nitro to be phased out, officials say.
Nameplates will be merged by 2012 model year
“Chrysler LLC officials yesterday confirmed that they will phase out either the Toledo-made Jeep Liberty or the Dodge Nitro sport utility vehicle by the 2012 model year. Steven Landry, vice president of North American sales, told industry analysts that the slow-selling Nitro and its near-twin, the Jeep Liberty, would be merged behind one nameplate within three years.
“If you put sales of Liberty and Nitro together, it’s doing what we want it to do,” Mr. Landry said while discussing the poor August sales of the two vehicles.”
Most people are saying that the Dodge Nitro will be the one to go. There seem to be a lot more of the Jeep Liberties on the road than the Nitro, then again we’re not out there looking for Dodges.
As Chrysler’s “Project Genesis” continues it’s cost cutting measures, expect to see either the Jeep Compass or Patriot go by the wayside as well.
“At this point, it’s hard to say what positive value Chrysler has,” said Gerald Meyers, chairman of the former American Motors Corp., which owned Jeep until Chrysler snapped up AMC in the late 1980s. “But Jeep is worth a lot — it’s the sole clear-cut jewel in their crown … that can be isolated and sold as a unit, without being much concern if Chrysler survives or not.”
We had posted that Chrysler may be in trouble a few days ago. The Jeep Brand is very strong and still has a huge following, but will need to evolve along with our collective driving habits. It remains to be seen if Chrysler will sell the brand to free up cash or put the hard lean on Jeep in order to survive.
Chrysler to Quit Leasing Business
“I see this as indicative of some financial difficulty … banks may not be willing to lend Chrysler money on the same favorable terms as in the past,” said Aaron Bragman, automotive research analyst at Global Insight Inc. “It’s very risky to leave the leasing business up to a third party. Some customers will go to competitors and they will lose volume.”
Customer Concerns
Chrysler Financial is ending its leasing programs, raising questions:
Q: I currently lease, will I be affected?
A: No, current lease terms are unchanged, and vehicles should be returned to dealers as normal.
Q: If I still want to lease a Chrysler vehicle, can I?
A: Yes, but you or your dealer will have to make arrangements through a third-party bank.
Q: Will my monthly payment go up on my next lease?
A: Possibly, it’s expected that third-party banks will offer competitive terms, but there may be less incentives for leasers.
Q: If I buy, will I pay more per month?
A: Chrysler says no, but you may be paying off your vehicle loan for five or six years.
Chrysler, Jeep, & Dodge Middle East Enjoy Half Year Sales Boost
“Despite economic gloom affecting the world automotive market, Chrysler International- Regional Center Middle East is bucking the trend with 2008 half-year sales up by 31%, compared to the first six months of 2007″
Posted by jeepworld 
