Chrysler and Fiat Group Reveal 2010-2014 Product Plan, Many U.S. Models to be Based on Fiat Platforms

Today, the Chrysler Group LLC and it's Italian parent company partner Fiat presented the firm's long-awaited five-year business plan that's supposed to show how Fiat will turn the U.S. automaker's fate around and save the company from going down. Many interesting thing were said and shown at the eight-hour long press conference including Chrysler's new logo but in this post, we'll concentrate on the 2010-2014 product plan of the Chrysler Group's core division that comprises of the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Cars and Ram Truck brands.

The company's five-year product strategy that includes many new models based on Fiat platforms was unveiled by the Group's vice president of product planning, Joseph Veltri.

Starting off from 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.

Moving on the Chrysler, 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 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.

In 2010, the Dodge Car brand will unveil refreshed versions of the Avenger and Journey, along with a fully redesigned Charger 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. 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.

In 2013, 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.

Finally, highlights of the newly-formed Ram Truck division's 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.

More details can be found in the presentation sheets below.

Chrysler LLC Group Product Plan 2010-2014

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Chrysler LLC Group Product Development

Mopar to Show Off Custom Dodge Ram Bianco at 2009 SEMA

Next month's SEMA show at Las Vegas will see the Mopar squad revealing several concept models including this custom Dodge Ram Bianco that's based on the HEMI V8-powered Ram 1500 Sport. Chrysler's in-house performance tuning arm said that the Ram Bianco has been modified to reflect a more upscale feel and appearance with the help of several Mopar performance parts and accessories.

Finished in a special Arctic Ice pearl paint, the truck is distinguished by a Mopar body kit that includes modified fender flares while the 22-inch alloy wheels in dark finish and lowering kit complete the upgraded looks.

Inside, Mopar said that the Ram Bianco gets black and white Katzkin seats with matching door trims and Piano Black and Arctic Ice accents. There's also a new For Kicker audio system consisting of an audio amplifier, a subwoofer and new speakers.

Performance upgrades are limited to a Mopar cold-air intake and a new exhaust system.

Fiat S.p.A Splits Dodge to Car and Ram Truck Brands

In a surprise move, the Chrysler Group's new Italian management on Monday announced that it is splitting the Dodge passenger car and truck division into two separate entities. The American automaker now has four brands - Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Dodge Ram. Heading the Dodge Ram brand is Fred Diaz Jr. who was appointed President and CEO of the marque while Ralph Gilles, Chrysler's Chief of Design becomes president and CEO of Dodge Car.

"The brand-focused strategy has been refined further with the unbundling of the Dodge Brand which now consists of the Dodge Ram Brand and the Dodge Car Brand organizations," said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of both Fiat S.p.A and Chrysler Group LLC. "This reorganization will allow us to protect and develop the unique nature of the product offerings within the Dodge Brand."

Other managerial changes include the appointment of Olivier Francois as the President and CEO of the Chrysler Brand. Francois, who continues to hold his position as head of the Italian automaker's Lancia brand, will also be the lead executive for the Marketing organization with responsibility to coordinate worldwide marketing strategies, brand development and advertising for the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Dodge Ram brands.

There are no changes at the Jeep brand that will continue to lead by Michael Manley.

-Thanks to everyone for the tip!

Dodge Challenger and Ram Stencils for Halloween Pumpkin Carving

Our last attempt to carve a fairly simple face on a Halloween pumpkin didn't quite work the way we'd imagine it to - somehow the face fell off when we tried connecting the eyes with the Joker-style smile. So we gather we're not the ones to ask for advice on how to carve a Dodge Challenger and Ram pickup truck from these stencils that we're released by Chrysler LLC's official blog. But feel free to read the instructions after the jump and if you happen to succeed, send us a photo so we can see your achievements. -Continued

Instructions:

1. Download and print pumpkin template.
   
2. Trim and make small incisions in the pattern so that it lies flat on the fact of the pumpkin. Tape the edges of the pattern to the pumpkin.
   
3. The black shapes will be carved from the pumpkin. Transfer the pattern by poking small holes along the black shapes with a push pin.
   
4. Remove the pattern.
   
5. Saw carefully along the dotted lines. Gently push the pieces through with your fingers.
   
6. Anchor a candle at the bottom and light your candle.
   

Via: Chrysler LLC

SEMA Preview: 2009 Dodge Ram Sportsman

The Sportsman is one of four 2009 Rams that Dodge's Mopar Underground Design Team is preparing to display at its SEMA show stand in Las Vegas. The four-door pick up that features a weird blowing-leaves paint scheme that is supposedly inspired from traditional camouflage is packed with Mopar accessories including a two-inch lift kit, 20-inch wheels with 33-inch off-road tires, a headrest DVD system, perforated leather seats by Katzkin that are embroidered with the Sportsman logo and a unique ambient lighting system in the cabin.

SEMA Preview: 2009 Dodge Ram TRXtreme

Playing up the off-road capabilities of the 2009 Ram with the TRX package, the Mopar Underground Design Team is readying an upgraded version of Dodge's full-size pickup truck for the SEMA Show. The Ram TRXtreme gains an extra 4.5-inches of ground clearance allowing the use of 20-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in chunky BFG 37X12.50's. -Continued

The modified pickup truck also gets a two-tone paint job that incorporates a mud splash theme, a Mopar tuned dual exhaust system, tube steps, telescoping mirrors, a bed accessory system, a neat one-off steel hood with cooling louvers and larger grille. Changes in the interior include a Mopar navigation system, DVD headrests and Mopar leather seats by Katzkin.

Mopar-Prepped Dodge Ram R/T Concept Heads to SEMA

Even though truck sales in the U.S. are dropping like flies, there will always be a market for vehicles like the new Dodge Ram. And when there’s a market, there’s an aftermarket. Chrysler LLC’s Mopar division is now readying a customized version of the range-topping Ram R/T for the world’s largest aftermarket trade show, the 2008 SEMA which will take place in Las Vegas this November. The 2009 Ram R/T is powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 pushing out 390 HP and according to Dodge, the run from nought to 60mph (96 km/h) take a mere 5.6 seconds. -Continued

According to the folks at ‘TheCarConnection, the SEMA show Ram R/T will get a full bodykit treatment that includes a dual snorkel aluminum hood with carbon fiber accent strips (just like the Challenger) and a hard tonneau complete with an integrated spoiler. The Ram R/T’s ‘bad boy’ looks are complemented by a set of 22-incg machine forged alloy wheels wrapped in 285/45R22 front and 305/40R22 rear tires and the lowered suspension. Inside the souped-up Ram R/T will feature a sportier trim and special leather sport seats.

Via: Thecarconnection