TURIN, Italy — Some familiar nameplates, including Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, will likely disappear soon from the U.S. market as Fiat continues to draw the future of Chrysler closer to its own Lancia and Alfa Romeo brands.
The Chrysler Sebring nameplate may not survive 2010, as the Detroit Free Press reports that a refresh planned for later this year will result in a new name and extensive chassis updates for the midsize sedan.
"We've rolled up our sleeves and have torn apart that architecture," Fiat Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne told the Free Press. "You'll see a completely different animal. We're having a discussion about what name this animal should have. The jury is still out."
Marchionne said last week that he expects Alfa to return to North America "within the next 24 months." What was left unsaid is how much intermingling of platforms and components there is likely to be between Alfa and Chrysler.
Inside Line reported last September that the next-generation Chrysler 300C would provide the donor platform for a new large, rear-wheel-drive Alfa sedan, code-named Project 169, that would replace the European-market Alfa 166. This sedan could be built in North America in 2013.
The same platform could also provide the base for replacements for the Alfa Brera and Spider.
In addition, the European-market Alfa 159 is slated to be replaced by a new Giulia sedan and wagon, also to be built in North America for model-year 2013.
The Giulia reportedly will share a Fiat-designed "compact-wide" platform with the 2013 replacements for the current Sebring and Avenger. (The changes Chrysler is making to the two American sedans this year won't constitute a full redesign.)
The compact-wide platform also will underpin the all-new Giulietta hatchback, which debuts next month at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show as the successor to the Alfa 147. According to Automotive News, there are no current plans to sell the car in North America.
Marchionne earlier said it is likely that the Chrysler and Lancia brands will be combined in Europe and other overseas markets, and will share platforms and models outside North America. One or more Lancia models, including the Delta, could also come to the U.S., but wearing only a Chrysler badge.
Inside Line says: Many other multinational automakers have tried to intermingle brands and platforms — often without success. The jury's still out on this one. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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jscion says:
11:02 PM, 03/24/2010
Yeah, Sergio better get moving soon. Ford and GM are putting out lots of great new cars while Chrysler is still selling crap. As for the redone Sebring and Avenger....JUST GET RID OF THEM...NOBODY WANTS EITHER ONE OF THEM OVER ANYTHING ELSE!!!
wjtinatl says:
07:37 AM, 02/19/2010
I had the misfortune of spending 3 days and about 250 miles in a new Avenger SXT (4 cylinder) courtesy of the friendly folks at National Car Rental in Pensacola. I travel a lot, and rent a lot of average at best cars, made in all countries. Replacing the Cobalt as my least favorite was a stretch I didn't think any car could acheive, but the Avengeful did it! Mushy handling, no acceleration and soft brakes were easily eclipsed by horrid styling and interior plastics! Even my traveling partner who has no interest in cars at all commented on what a piece of crap it was. When National asked "how was your rental" at the return station, I shared my enthusiasim for the Avengeful to the rep, who replied she'd heard that before. I don't have much hope for the Fiat engineered products, but cannot imagine how they could do worse. Good Luck, Sergio!
jepontiac says:
02:50 AM, 02/19/2010
If the Chrysler cars look like the Lancia concept from NAIS, Chrysler doesn't have long for this world.
juan_mx says:
03:32 PM, 02/18/2010
The current Chrysler 300 is built on an old Mercedes platform (E-Class).
What is the next generation 300 based on?
If it is still the old Mercedes platform, then the new Alfas will be Old Mercedes?????
adavis2493 says:
02:46 PM, 02/18/2010
The Sebring will be deeply missed by an interesting few groups of people:
1) Hertz Rental Car
2) Senior Citizens
3) Michael Scott (The Office)
4) The Entire State of Florida (They seem to be quite common there)
angry_mushroom says:
02:42 PM, 02/18/2010
So Chrysler goes from a rather unreliable, badly built American car to a Italian car known for it's rather poor track record of not fall apart on the road. This is going to be fun. I just can't wait for the new Chrysler Delta or the Lambda.