Missed: The future of Cyrsler/Fiat - REPORT

While we were off, Fiat announced what were they going to do with Chrysler, now they own it. Of course, Fiat CEO - Sergio Marchionne, said this future plans for Chrysler is for the next 5 years. So here goes:

Starting off with the loans that the U.S Government has given Chrysler, Marchionne promised that by 2014, Chrysler would have payed all their $12.4 million loans, and even generated a profit of $5 billion. Chrysler say that they have $5.7 million in-hand.

Chrysler will also be the Fiat's channel to come to U.S. showrooms, as Fiat announced their 500 will be available in U.S. Chrysler dealers in 2010. Also, rebadged Chrysler vehicles (Chrysler 300 to go as Dancia, and Caliber to go as Fiat) will go on sale in Europe within the next year or two. Which hints the reason why Chrysler will be building smaller-sized cars, with fewer V8 engines, and more fuel-efficient 4-cylinders.

Starting with the Chrysler brand, the brand will be getting an all-new logo (image right). Next year, the brand will present the redesigned Sebring and 300 sedans, while in 2012, a new Fiat-based compact sedan will join the range., In 2013, Chrysler will get three new products based on Fiat platforms, including a Fiat Group sourced small car (most likely the Fiat Punto), a successor to the Sebring and a new midsize crossover. An all-new Chrysler-developed Town and Country minivan will be presented in 2014.

Moving to Chrysler's Dodge brand, Marchionne announced the official split of the brand into two cores - Dodge car brand, and Ram Truck brand. As for the car brand, Dodge will be unveiling refreshed versions of the Avenger and Journey, along with a fully redesigned Charger (teaser image right) sedan and a new fullsize CUV. The Nitro will receive a facelift in 2011, as will the Challenger pony car, while the Viper will be freshened up in 2012, and will only produce 500 more units. The same year will see the introduction of a new Fiat-based compact sedan that will replace the Caliber which will be discontinued after 2012. Dodge will get yet two more Fiat-based models, a small car and a replacement for the Avenger sedan. The Grand Caravan will be replaced with a new model in 2014.

As for Ram Truck brand, plans include the possible presentation of a new mid-size pickup truck based on a car platform in 2011, and the launch of Fiat-based small and large commercial vans in 2012. Furthermore, the company said that it will discontinue the production of the Dakota in mid-2011.

And finally, Jeep. In 2010, aside from the market launch of the new Grand Cherokee, the Patriot, Compass, Wrangler and Liberty will be freshened. The following year, the Wrangler will receive another update including a new interior. 2013 will see the Jeep brand receiving three new models based on Fiat platforms including a small SUV, a common replacement for the Patriot and Compass, and a new Liberty. The Commander will most likely be dropped off in 2011.

So what do you think? Can this 5-year business plan really change the fate of Chrysler, and the American auto-manufacturing business? Well tell us what you think in the comments below.

Source: [Chrysler via Autoblog and egmCarTech]