Chrysler is preparing to roll out production of a new hatchback in the US based on nothing other than Alfa’s Giulietta.
In another sign of the Fiat-Chrysler alliance at work, Chrysler has announced that it will conduct test production of the new car by the end of 2011. The manufacturer is expected to start tooling up its Belvidere, Illinois plant in August, 2011. The new car will wear a Dodge badge, Bloomberg reports.
Fred Goedtel, the head of Chrysler’s vehicle assembly operations told the news agency full-scale production would start in 2012.
PRODUCTION PLAN
The new Dodge hatchback will be based on Alfa Romeo’s Giulietta hatchback, although Chrysler executives refused to release the model’s name.
The production plan is the latest in a series of moves by Fiat as it gains control of Chrysler. One of the conditions for Fiat to gain an additional five percent of Chrysler, is its commitment to building a vehicle in the US below the 40mpg-mark, it is reported.
Fiat has already taken the option to purchase a portion of the company after loans were recently repaid to the US and Canadian governments. Chrysler, along with fellow US giant General Motors, filed for bankruptcy in 2009.
As part of the tie-up, Fiat has already started sales in global markets of a seven-seater MPV called Freemont, which is based on the current Dodge Journey. Fiat Auto SA recently told Wheels24 the Freemont’s local introduction remained undecided since the Dodge Journey is already sold here.
In another sign of the Fiat-Chrysler alliance at work, Chrysler has announced that it will conduct test production of the new car by the end of 2011. The manufacturer is expected to start tooling up its Belvidere, Illinois plant in August, 2011. The new car will wear a Dodge badge, Bloomberg reports.
Fred Goedtel, the head of Chrysler’s vehicle assembly operations told the news agency full-scale production would start in 2012.
PRODUCTION PLAN
The new Dodge hatchback will be based on Alfa Romeo’s Giulietta hatchback, although Chrysler executives refused to release the model’s name.
The production plan is the latest in a series of moves by Fiat as it gains control of Chrysler. One of the conditions for Fiat to gain an additional five percent of Chrysler, is its commitment to building a vehicle in the US below the 40mpg-mark, it is reported.
Fiat has already taken the option to purchase a portion of the company after loans were recently repaid to the US and Canadian governments. Chrysler, along with fellow US giant General Motors, filed for bankruptcy in 2009.
As part of the tie-up, Fiat has already started sales in global markets of a seven-seater MPV called Freemont, which is based on the current Dodge Journey. Fiat Auto SA recently told Wheels24 the Freemont’s local introduction remained undecided since the Dodge Journey is already sold here.