Chrysler ’s mid-size sedan offerings – the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger – have been less than competitive since their introductions in 2006 and 2007, respectively, but the Michigan automaker is working to ensure similar mistakes won’t happen in the future. Chrysler started ‘Project D’ last spring to oversee the entire design of its next global mid-size sedan, but Chrysler could leave the underpinnings of the new sedan up to another automaker.
According to Automotive News, Chrysler will decide by early next year if it will partner with another automaker for its Project D vehicle. Chrysler is currently deciding whether to design and build a completely new platform in-house, or to partner with another automaker to use a platform already in place. Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli indicated the company preferred the latter.
“We have costed out the in-house version, and we’re still working with two or three platform providers,” he told Automotive News.
Nardelli failed to mention which other automakers were still in the mix, but a recent report revealed Chrysler could merge with General Motors. If that scenario were to play out, it would likely mean Chrysler ’s Project D car would share GM’s mid-size car platform – which underpins the Chevy Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura. That being said, Chrysler is still considering offering its next mid-size sedan with all-electric and range extending electric drivetrains, so it remains possible that the Project D vehicle could share its parts with the Chevrolet Volt .
However, a Renault/Nissan deal is still possible, which would give Chrysler several more options.
Whatever the case, it sounds as though Chrysler strongly prefers borrowing from another automakers’ parts bin rather than having to start from scratch – a move that would save Chrysler both time and money. And with the company’s stand-alone future in question, that could be a smart move.
