Chrysler Sebring name change, C-size styling changes

The Chrysler Sebring, which has been savaged by some critics, is likely to get a new name when it is re-engineered for a brief two model year run. Sergio Marchionne, in an interview/press conference, said, “We’ve rolled up our sleeves and have torn apart that architecture to make sure he has a car that can [...]

Belvidere plant reopens today

Chrysler Group is recalling hundreds of employees to resume production at the Belvidere assembly plant. The plant, which builds the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot, will run today, tomorrow and Friday before breaking for the two-week summer furlough.
Two months ago, the company had planned to lay off 992 of Belvidere’s 2,600 employees at [...]

Mopar, all three brands reorganized

As part of the continuing transformation of Chrysler’s management structure, each of the major brand groupings has been reorganized.
At Mopar Service, Parts, and Customer Care, led by Pietro Gorlier:

James Sassorossi is in charge of parts
Aldo Pallisco is responsible for parts supply chain management and distribution
Albert Motta is in charge of service operations, including tech support [...]

Marchionne may cut more Chrysler models

He saved the PT Cruiser, but new Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne may trim some other models from Chrysler’s lineup.
While no decisions have yet been set in stone, the Chrysler Sebring and Jeep Compass could be candidates for a date with Jack Ketch. The Compass’ GS-platform stablemates could share the Compass’ fate, though it’s possible [...]

Belvidere to see Fiat reps

A large group of 30 Fiat representatives will be at the Belvidere plant on Monday May 4th, according to our correspondents. Rumors are circulating that the Fiat people may want to bring a new SUV or other vehicle to the flex-capable plant, which was set up to make the Patriot, Caliber, Compass, and one unrelated [...]

Chrysler sales plummet in November; Dodge still strong brand

Chrysler sales plunged 47.1 percent in November as tight credit and consumer concerns about the economy took a toll on the entire industry. Compounding the matter was buyer uncertainty about the future of Chrysler and the other American automakers. In its loan request to Congress, General Motors cited a study by CNW Marketing Research that [...]