Fiat - Chrysler US Product Plans Revealed

Ever since Chrysler and Fiat announced they are forming a strategic alliance, we all knew that such an agreement would bring major changes in both companies. In fact, even if the two partners announced some of their goals, details have always been quite sketchy on this matter. Until now though as IHS Global Insight recently rolled revealed some new aspects of the partnership, including Fiat's plans over the Alfa Romeo products in North America.

First of all, it seems like the Alfa 169 will be built in Brampton, Ontario at the Bramalea production facility, with first models expected to roll off the assembly lines as soon as November 2011. The car will be based on the LX platform, similar to Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. And speaking of Dodge Charger, production of the 2011 has been postponed to November 2010 while the future Chrysler 300 won't arrive sooner than January 2011. The reason? The numerous plant halts that occurred in the US following Chrysler's bankruptcy filing.

Fiat 500, one of the models likely to arrive in the US as part of the agreement, will be produced in Toluca, Mexico and will go on sale in July 2011. Fiat and Chrysler plan to reach a sales volume of 25,000 units in 2015. It will be the only model sold in the United States that will still wear the Fiat logo. The 500 won't be the only model manufactured by this particular facility as it will also handle the production of the Jeep Panda, with operations expected to start in July 2011. It will be based on Fiat Panda Cross.

The Toluca Assembly Plant will also host the next-generation Dodge Journey to be based on the Fiat C-EVO platform, as well as the so-called Chrysler Mid-Sedan (often referred to as the replacement of Chrysler Sebring). The cars are expected to reach mass-production in April 2011 and June 2011, respectively.

As for Alfa Romeo, the company will bring the MiTo in North America in July 2011, with production handed over to the Belvidere Assembly Plant. It will be based on the Fiat 199 platform, just like Dodge Hornet. Additionally, the Alfa Romeo GTX will be launched in the US in the same month as MiTo and will be built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant.