Movement on the Horizon at FCA

There are times when we see automotive executives boasting about the lofty goals the set when they appear at auto shows only to have these goals brought back to reality when the bright lights and the adrenaline are no longer present. This isn’t exactly the case at FCA as most of what we have heard in recent months has been speculation, with only a few exceptions. CEO of FCA, Sergio Marchionne is extremely skilled at being careful with his words, as most executives should be, and he has not led on to anything definite when it comes to the rumors swirling around FCA.

First of all, there has been a rumor that a crossover SUV will be built that is based upon the Pacifica minivan. The thought is that the two would share a platform and offer similar equipment including having plug-in variations of both vehicles. While this was the rumor that had come through media sources, Marchionne had only stated a crossover was possible, but not a definite decision yet. This makes for a bit of a difference as we were expecting a couple new models by the end of next year and now we are left without that thought at all.

FCA has announced the Dodge Grand Caravan, which was slated to be deleted after 2017, will continue until 2019. This minivan has been the top seller for FCA in this market for nearly thirty years and it will continue to give families the minivan name they have trusted for years as the Pacifica becomes a household name around the country. With this plan in place FCA will be able to continue to improve the Grand Caravan for us over the last few years in existence to be what families want to drive.

Another thought that has become a rumor but tends to look more and more like it will come true is the possible cancellation of the next generation of the Chrysler 300. This car is one of our favorites on the road, but it’s no secret the car has had dwindling sales over the past several years and is one that seems to be bringing the name down. The only confirmation we have had from Marchionne regarding the sedan lineup from Dodge and Chrysler is that he would like to have a partner company to build the Dart and 200 going forward. Otherwise the 300 is expected to move forward and continue on for a new generation.

One thing Marchionne has not made any bones about is the fact FCA wants to focus energies on the Jeep and Ram lineups. These have been the two most profitable markets for the company in recent years and they need to find ways to make them even better than before. FCA has many different brands under its name which means you shouldn’t expect them to get out of the sedan market entirely, but viewing the changing automotive landscape to small SUVs it makes sense for Marchionne to focus his energies on Ram and Jeep and not on two failing sedans.