Correction: cars, Wagoneer, Alfa CUV

Sergio Marchionne’s comments in yesterday’s discussion of FCA’s earnings verified some rumors and solidified some dates, according to Prabhjot.

First, Dodge’s rear wheel drive series will apparently be the “sole survivor” of FCA US’ own, non-outsourced midsize and compact passenger-car portfolio around calendar-year 2018.  Other sedans will be outsourced. The 300 does not appear to be covered in this.

There will be two “all new” Jeeps, a Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, around calendar year 2018. This coincides with the move of Ram trucks from Warren to Sterling Heights, and is not likely to be coincidental, especially if the Grand Wagoneer will follow the old Jeep Rescue idea of making Ram-based Jeeps.

Finally, the Alfa Romeo crossover (Stelvio?) will start production at the end of 2016. Based on when the current Journey is slated to be dropped, Dodge’s own rear wheel drive crossover should appear in 2018. It’s possible that the Jeep Wagoneer will be based on the same FCA-developed core as the Alfa Romeo crossover.

FCA is still profitable in Brazil, and even if sales fall in the US, Jeeps made in the US have a large foreign demand that could pick up the slack. The company is looking at a sale or spinoff of the Magneti Marelli parts division (originally a separate company); it is increasing its profitability. A sale is unlikely in the short term because the division’s technical capabilities are vital to current development.