Chrysler Accelerates New Models Launches

Former bankrupt US automaker Chrysler will bring new models on the market sooner than initially planned. Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler's new CEO, was surprised by the slow developments within the US-based carmaker in the last 24 months, autoobserver.com reported citing an interview of the Italian at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

As part of a five-year plan submitted by Marchionne to Chrysler's management board, no less than five models will arrive on the market in the next few years, including the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the facelifted Chrysler 300. Furthermore, Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan minivans, the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot compact crossovers and the Chrysler PT Cruiser will hit the stores next year.

Last but not least, the 500 minicar will arrive in the United States in mid-2011 and will be produced at Chrysler Toluca Mexico, plant, which also manufactures the PT Cruiser.

In an interview with Bloomberg in July, Marchionne said that Chrysler was still burning cash but at a slower rate than before filing for Chapter 11 protection.

"We are still burning cash, but it's slowed down by far," Marchionne said at that time. "The question is how quickly we can stop the bleeding. That is priority No. 1."

As part of the Chrysler - Fiat US plans, the Alfa Romeo will be launched in the United States as well. The Alfa 169 will be manufactured in Brampton, Ontario at the Bramalea production facility, with the first models expected to roll off the assembly lines as soon as November 2011. It will be based on the LX platform, together with Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.