Fiat Chrysler’s latest dealer’s meeting, held in Las Vegas on April 1, gave FCA-branded dealerships an early look at the automaker’s future plans. Dealership brass heard from Reid Bigland, FCA’s head of North American sales, on the company’s plans to expand the Ram and Jeep lines with more vehicles.
On the Ram front, confirmation was given that Ram is planning a midsize pickup entry that slots under the Ram 1500. The plans with Jeep are more extensive, including the addition of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs, along with a Wrangler-based pickup.
As we reported earlier, Ram’s midsize pickup could be a joint effort with Fiat, whose Toro pickup sells in markets around the globe. The appointment of Bob Hegbloom to Ram International further signals the possibility. Hegbloom previously led the Ram brand in North America. Jeep head Mike Manley was then tapped to fill Hegbloom’s position, leaving Manley to fill both roles simultaneously.
The dealer meeting wasn’t all about trucks and SUVs. FCA announced would in fact not kill off the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 sedans – a report that contradicts previous statements. However, FCA is looking for a partner to build the two sedans. This helps answer the important concerns about federal CAFÉ standards regarding corporate fuel economy averages. While unconfirmed, it the Ram and Jeep projects likely ride on whether FCA can find a partner to build the Dart and 200. Otherwise, FCA could hinder itself from meeting the impending federal standards.
Continue reading for more information
from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1MONNd6
via IFTTT
0 comments:
Post a Comment