Speculation Abounds Around Fiat-Run Chrysler

By David Thomas

October 2, 2009

As we near the anticipated early November announcement about the future of Chrysler, news agencies are already speculating about its plans. Today, Reuters reported that Fiat will spin off Ram into its own brand and new, jointly designed Chrysler models won’t arrive until late 2011.

Publications such as Car & Driver magazine have suggested the new models will include a midsize sedan based on a Fiat and branded as the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, which was shown as a concept car at last year’s Detroit auto show.

The redesigned Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee have already been announced and will go on sale at some point in 2010, as will the Fiat 500.

As to the Ram brand rumor, Reuters says its to serve as an umbrella for all of the Dodge trucks. However, with weakening demand for small trucks like the Dakota and sales of the Ram falling behind its Detroit rivals, we’re not sure there is any reason to change the way Dodge sells trucks.

Fiat to create Ram brand, rush new Chrysler models (Reuters)