Marchionne May Push Chrysler 300 Launch Forward

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne knows the automaker has an aging lineup. To remedy the problem, Chrysler may advance the deployment of its new 300 sedan and other important vehicles.

The new 2011 Dodge Charger is scheduled to begin production later this year, before the revised 2011 Chrysler 300. That plan may be altered a bit though, as Marchionne may push 300 production ahead of the Charger. As the company’s flagship sedan, Chrysler needs to hurry its 300 release to help draw customers back to the brand. On the year of its introduction, Chrysler sold 143,647 300 sedans. Last year that number fell to just 38,606. The Charger’s sales dropped off too as it only sold 60,651 in 2009, a 38-percent drop from 2008.

“The 300 looks like a lot more sophisticated and expensive car, which is what dealers, are excited about,” industry analyst Jim Hall told The Detroit Free Press.

Marchionne isn’t just hurrying the two full-size sedans; he’s encouraging designers and engineers to finalize other products quickly, too. Later this summer, Chrysler’s Jeep brand will launch its all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee. The sub-compact Fiat 500 is due to hit these shores late this year too. Chrysler realizes though it needs to freshen its entire lineup to stay competitive.

Source: The Detroit Free Press