According to a report by Wall Street Journal, Alfa Romeo will be confirmed to return to the US in 2012, the entrance onto the market of the 500, as well as the scrapping of several Dodge (most of the range, rumor goes) and Chrysler models. A mid-sized Fiat-base, Chrysler branded sedan will become a reality in 2012 as well.
"The biggest issue this company has is getting through the next few years," Rebecca Lindland, automotive analyst at IHS Global Insight told the source. "They are going to have a hard time maintaining market share let alone increasing it."
According to insider reports, the models to be scrapped are the Caliber, the Nitro, the Avenger and the Dodge Caravan. Fortunately for car lovers in the US, the Challenger and Charger are to Fiat's liking and will stay.
For the Chrysler brand, the manufacturer will kill the Jeep Commander by 2010, the recently revived PT Cruiser by 2012 and, by an unknown date, the Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Compass and Patriot.
"I like that plan a lot. Dodge can be the performance brand. They don't have to be something to everyone, but they have to start being profitable," Lindland concluded.
We will all see if these rumors are true next week. Until then, we are sure more speculation will arise on the matter.
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