New 2010 and 2011 models will be delayed

Bankruptcy and balky suppliers are likely to delay the introduction of new models for the 2010 and 2011 model years.

Testifying at a bankruptcy hearing in Manhattan, Frank J. Ewasyshyn, Chrysler’s executive vice president of manufacturing, said model break will be delayed when production is resumed to allow the completion of vehicles on the lines at idled plants. Model break, when equipment is changed over for the new model year, normally happens in July, which is about when the new Chrysler hopes to emerge from bankruptcy.

Ewasyshyn also said some suppliers are reluctant to send the tooling and parts that must be validated for the 2011 model year. The company has received approval to pay the majority of supplier invoices which hopefully will quieten some supplier anxieties.

The new models affected include the 2010 Dodge Ram heavy-duty trucks and the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly the most important introduction on the Chrysler calendar.