AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — The midsize Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger aren't slated for extinction just yet, despite the fact that the Sterling Heights, Michigan, assembly plant where they are built is scheduled to close in late 2010, a Chrysler spokesman told Inside Line.
Chrysler issued a statement on Wednesday that said "a severe decline in the market has resulted in reduction of volumes and thus made operation of [the Sterling Heights] plant not possible. The plant is expected to continue operation through December 2010."
Sales of the Sebring sedan and convertible in the first four months of 2009 have plummeted more than 80 percent from their depressed levels of a year ago. Sebring sales through April plunged to just 6,956 units, compared with 35,787 for the same period last year.
In comparison, the midsize Honda Accord sold 84,491 units through April, while the Toyota Camry sold 92,523.
In a phone conversation with Inside Line, Chrysler spokesman Rick Deneau was asked if the plant closing meant that Sebring and Avenger will go away after model year 2010.
"We definitely have plans for these vehicles beyond December 2010," Deneau replied. "That's about all I can tell you, but it's pretty definitive."
"They aren't being killed?" Inside Line asked.
"Nope," Deneau said.
He added: "We have flexibility in our plants. We said [that] all along. You could build Sebrings and Avengers in Belvidere. I'm by no means trying to make a manufacturing statement. But we have plans for them beyond December 2010."
Chrysler's Belvidere, Illinois, assembly plant builds the Dodge Caliber and the Jeep Compass and Patriot.
Inside Line says: Chrysler has yet to lay out a plausible business case to show how it plans to reverse its rapidly dwindling fortunes in the midsize segment. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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nan17 says:
04:57 PM, 05/08/2010
Has anyone experienced problems with the brakes on the 2009 Sebring?