Chrysler planning redesign of five key models

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By Matt Brogan | September 25th, 2009

A report published in the Detroit Free Press today has said that Chrysler is planning significant redesigns of at least five of its key models by mid-2011. The move will see some of Chrysler’s previously retrenched workers re-hired.

Chrysler CEO Mr Sergio Marchionne, who also runs sister company Fiat, said he wants face-lifts within 18 months of the Chrysler Grand Voyager, Dodge Journey, Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. A typical redesign of such scale usually takes between two and three years at best.

Mr Marchionne said he hopes to submit a five-year plan to the US presidential auto task force next week, after receiving approval from Chrysler’s board on Friday.

It has also been suggested by those close to the source that Chrysler also plans to redo the PT Cruiser, although no time frame was specified for that project.

davie

How are Chrysler going these days in the US?

I wonder if the recent bankruptcy antics have drained the public goodwill.

Maybe the facelifts are to make people think they are not Chryslers? something to do with that saying about polishing turds?

mad max

One of the little known problems with the court protected bankruptcy of Chrysler was the instant cancelling of existing new car warranties for North America and Mexico. If you bought your nice new Chrysler/Dodge anytime before the chapter 11 was enacted, sorry Sir/Madam, your new vehicle warranty is now null and void. For all its faults, GM are still honoring theirs. Customer loyalty for Chrysler? Zero!
Luckily it didn’t happen here.

4:20 All Day

You can’t pollish a turd….

D

Good to see that you’re opened minded about a company that is clearly trying to change it’s ways.
mad max

Dodge Chrysler are trying hard though! Take a Caliber for a drive. It makes 1990′s Daewoo’s look like a good drive.
Yep, its that bad!

Captain Mainwaring

You can facelift a Caliber all you like, but what you’ll end up with is a facelifted Caliber.
The US car market is mercenary on those who either don’t do their homework properly, or rely on momentum.
The current Fiat/Chrysler shotgun marriage has all the hallmarks of a combination of both.
This outfit is doomed, and it may well take Fiat down with it.