GM, Chrysler Electric Cars Not A Must

Even if the government demands carmakers to concentrate more on fuel efficient models and develop as many electric cars as possible, Chrysler and General Motors are not forced to direct their efforts towards this kind of vehicles. at least, this is what Ron Bloom, the head of the US government task force, said in a statement, emphasizing that both carmakers are free to decide on their product lineup.

The government has asked them, however, to change their market strategy in a manner that would allow to compete with global companies and repay their loans as soon as possible.

"We obviously would be very happy if Chrysler and GM were making lots and lots of high mileage cars. It's not a prerequisite. It's not an obligation," Bloom said on Tuesday according to a report by Reuters.

While General Motors will introduce its already-popular Volt model in 2010, Chrysler and Fiat established different plans, with no electric models scheduled for the upcoming years.

"We're completely separating policy from ownership," Bloom said. "We trust that the board has carefully thought through the various options of the company and where it was and made judgments on the electric program based on that."

According to Chrysler's new revival plan, the US-based manufacturer, together with its new ally Fiat, ill bring to the US three Italian built vehicles: a subcompact hatchback, compact sedan and midsize sedan (Fiat 500 and the replacements for the Dodge Caliber and Avenger). Chrysler will discontinue the two Dodges, kill the Viper in 2010 (but only after a very special, 500 units limited edition of the Viper will be released) and kill the Patriot and Compass in 2012.

Viper's replacement, to be built together with Fiat, will come in 2012. The Jeep brand will receive a new version of the liberty in 2013, together with another two Fiat-based models.