[Team Yates]

Dodge on the way out?: Four months after exiting a U.S.-funded bankruptcy reorganization, Chrysler Group is about to unveil a product roadmap that relies heavily on vehicles from Italian partner Fiat while abandoning many of the U.S. carmaker's own models. The plan, due to be unveiled Nov. 4, involves the reintroduction of Fiat's premium, sporty Alfa Romeo brand to the U.S. starting in 2012, The Wall Street Journal reported. Chrysler also will introduce the 500, Fiat's tiny car that is popular in Europe, to Americans. It won't, however, attach the Fiat name to it. Chrysler meantime is preparing to phase out many of its current models, particularly Dodge cars, the Journal said.(MSN Money), doesn't mentioned which Dodge models will be part of the phase out or how this move will affect the teams in NASCAR that run the Dodge Charger.(10-29-2009)

[nascaraddict]

I know that the economy is tight; but for a make of car that made such a hit in the early 2000's to leave the sport just would'nt make sence. Of course I know that they have to circle the wagons, and do what's best for the company. But I'm still shocked.

[Robertdjr]

Update:

According to the Wall Street Journal, which claims access to people who have seen Fiat's plan for Chrysler, many of the recent rumors regarding current models are incorrect, and Chrysler will incorporate more Fiat Group products than expected.

Vehicles planned for the US, according to the Journal article, include a replacement for the Chrysler Sebring, based on a Fiat design. The PT Cruiser, Sebring, Avenger, Compass, Caliber, and Patriot will all have their final year in 2012, with even the popular Dodge Caravan ducking out; the Chrysler Town & Country will be Chrysler's sole minivan, according to the article, though historically the Caravan has sold better. The Nitro will also be dropped.

To be kept are the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger.

Under this plan, Dodge would be strictly muscle cars and trucks, while Chrysler would take over the “Chevrolet – Plymouth – Ford – Toyota" position as the “everycar” brand.

WSJ claims scoop of Fiat-Chrysler plan | Allpar Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep News

[Bob Tanner]

Thanks for the link, Robert. I'd heard about this a couple months ago but I guess the article and accompanying photos kinda validate it.

Sad. A company with the heritage of Chrysler to end up pumping out motorized roller skates like the Fiat 500 just seems wrong to me.

[nascaraddict]

No more Mr. Z?