Chrysler to fast-track redesigns

Included in the five-year plan Chrysler will release on November 4 is a requirement for refreshing or redesigning seven models by late spring 2011. The ambitious timetable, about half the time normally allotted for such projects, will require the automaker to staff up in departments that were nearly stripped of personnel while Chrysler’s former owner, Cerberus Capital Management LLC, sought to conserve cash.

During Cerberus’ ownership, new product development almost stopped. This has left the company with little new product for the 2010 model year, putting it at a disadvantage compared to its competitors and making it difficult for dealers to attract buyers to showrooms in what remains a very tough market.

Chrysler has already told its employees in several departments that they will be working long hours in the coming months and has recalled 14 union designers. The company will be adding workers but has declined to say whether it will rehire former employees or use contract labor.