Fiat’s recently released five-year plan has revealed the automaker’s tie-up with Chrysler will be farther reaching than first thought. The plan revealed the automakers’ future product roadmap, with several collaborations planned.
In 2012, Fiat will begin production of a new compact sedan for the Chrysler brand. The new sedan will be built in Italy, suggesting it could be priced at the premium end of the segment.
Starting in 2013, Fiat will begin building a mid-size sedan for Chrysler in Italy. The sedan will replace the current Chrysler Sebring. Although the product roadmap says the new sedan will be produced in Turin, Fiat went on to say the Sebring replacement “will be primarily produced and distributed for Chrysler in the U.S.”, indicating North American production is possible.
2012 will also mark Alfa Romeo’s U.S. return. The iconic Italian marque will re-launch in the U.S. market with a compact SUV based on the vehicle that will replace the Jeep Compass and Patriot. A larger SUV based on the next-generation Jeep Liberty is also planned for the Alfa brand, with a launch scheduled for 2014. Both models will be sold globally.
Alfa’s model expansion will continue in 2013 with a new rear-wheel drive roadster. The roadster model will either be built in Italy or Canada. Chrysler’s LX platform will likely serve as the basis for the roadster model. As shown by the 200C concept, the LX platform is flexible enough to accommodate a shorter wheelbase.
Beginning in 2013, Fiat could begin importing subcompact models for the Dodge and Chrysler brands. The small cars would be built in Serbia.
Fiat also plans to continue the integration of the Chrysler and Lancia brands. Lancia will land a re-badged version of the Canadian-built 300 in 2011, as well as a Lancia version of the Chrysler Town & Country. A year later the Lancia lineup will feature a U.S. made compact, followed by a U.S. built hatchback in 2012.
References
1. ‘Fiat, Chrysler to…’ view
