Chrysler planning to redesign at least five models by mid-2011

Due to Chrysler Group’s plans to redesign at least five of its models by mid-2011, it’s likely that it will rehire workers and schedule overtime to do so, according to a report by the Detroit Free Press, citing people familiar with the plans.

The report claims that Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, who also runs Italian automaker Fiat S.p.A., wants face-lifts in 18 months for the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan minivans and the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot crossovers. It is estimated that redesigns of this sort usually take two to three years. There are also plans to redo the PT Cruiser, although the report failed to specify a time frame for the project.
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lexusrox123 - 9/24/2009 6:24:21 PM

+1 Boost

Hopefully, the redesigns would be a little bit better than the redesigns they did this past couple years...or they will go bankrupt again or something.

MSP6 - 9/24/2009 7:28:23 PM

+2 Boost

It's about time...

sdcarguy - 9/24/2009 8:25:14 PM

+2 Boost

Wow great news. 18 month for facelifts would be a staggering accomplishment.
Was Chrysler asleep for the past 2 years or what? What were they doing?

bfghemicuda - 9/24/2009 9:52:48 PM

+2 Boost

Chrysler was being destroyed by Diamler for 9 years and the past 2 years by Cerberus. With them gone is a good thing. At least Sergio has a passion for cars and has experience in recovering a car company. There is a positive vibe back at chrysler these days.

sdcarguy - 9/24/2009 10:55:09 PM

+1 Boost

Good to hear.

dumpsty - 9/25/2009 11:28:08 AM

+3 Boost

having a 300 Touring and a 300C Touring may be a little confusing to the average consumer. but good idea no less.

i do agree that the magnum should return as the wagon version of the 300 in the Chrys brand lineup. with so many near luxury and luxury makers updating or making new wagon versions of their prominent sedans, the Magnum's return should be well-received.

rigid - 9/25/2009 8:12:38 AM

-2 Boost

I did not read the article, but I assume they are just doing bodies no actual chasis changes right. I mean those 10 year old Mercedes designs are pretty awesome they should use them forever!

MSP6 - 9/25/2009 8:47:27 AM

-2 Boost

Not 10, 15 years old !

mini22 - 9/26/2009 12:56:18 PM

+2 Boost

Any updates of the 5 models will be an improvement.If Marchionne wants to keep the PT Cruiser then make it more of a drivers car-better suspension,a Fiat Multiair engine,update the interior with better materials. For Chrysler car products I really think Marchionne and crew need to go back to the 50's and 60's and really research the styling of Chrysler products inside and out. It's fine to redo the mechanicals with some from Fiat. However the styling inside and out has to reflect a typically American feel but with good performance,good quality,a good ride and handling compromise. They have to recognize that the American culture is different from the Italian one. To market an Italian car but just with badge engineering would be a fatal mistake. It can look and feel American but it can perform and handle like a European.The cars have to be slightly larger then their Fiat counterparts. Fiat needs to understand what the passion was for Chrysler back in the 50's and 60's and somehow translate this into a modern product. Not necessarilly retro but there should be some connection from the old Chrysler.

lambo98 - 9/28/2009 4:52:53 AM

0 Boost

i think there is no point because no one s gonna buy them still