LaSorda: Chrysler looking to add small cars as fast as it can

You would think with all the hype surrounded around the Dodge Challenger, Chrysler has no intentions of going green. However, if you remember Jim Press recently said that Chrysler will offer a hybrid variant of every model in its lineup. We have no idea if that’s every going to become reality, but the auto maker is now quickly looking to add small and mid-sized cars to its lineup.

“The bottom line is to shift the portfolio into mid- and small cars as fast as we can and balance the portfolio and the technology,” said Tom LaSorda.

Work is progressing on Chrysler’s Project D program that was launched in 2007 to develop a new global mid-sized car to replace the...
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moto - 5/9/2008 10:33:13 PM

0 Boost

"Chrysler has also signed a contract with Nissan to build new small cars for North America starting in 2009 for the 2010 model year."

... in other words, since the Chery miserably fained the US DOT crash tests, Chryserberus can't import their small cars from China. Who the hell knows what happened to plan B (import Mitsubishis?) or plan C (assemble Chrysler-badged Mitsubishis in Mexico?), but now they've moved on to Plan D: let Ghosn bail us out.

Way to go, Cerberus. I can see why you get paid the big bucks. Have you ever considered just building a simpler small car that Americans would be proud to drive?

91z4me - 5/10/2008 12:47:32 AM

+1 Boost

Actually I believe Nissan approached Chrysler for this as they are looking to partner up with a larger North American production unit (GM was also approached previously). With the prospect of a Dodge designed and engineered Titan on the horizon it is more of a trade than anything.

Also I think the plan is still on to bring a SUB-compact Chery to the states for Dodge but the plans may be in flux.