New Chrysler models coming

A new-model armada is being readied across the Pacific for the biggest Chrysler Jeep onslaught in the American company's history in Australia. 

Fiat is now the driving force at the Detroit brands, after taking a controlling interest during Chrysler Group's bankruptcy, and is planning a consolidation and new-model drive that will sweep through Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat and Alfa Romeo.

"Chrysler is undergoing a renewal under Fiat. There is a whole lot of product in the pipeline and coming through," says spokesperson, Lenore Fletcher.

"It's definitely all happening here. We have updates, limited-edition cars and all-new models."

The SRT versions of the 300C and Jeep Grand Cherokee are coming up fast and Fletcher says there will be more Fiat models to stretch the appeal of the baby 500 in Australia. Further into the future, Australians can expect a wider choice of cars with more personality and - thanks to Fiat cash - better quality in the American models.

Fletcher says recent talk about an uncertain future for the Jeep Compass and Chrysler Town&Country - sold here as the Voyager people mover - that followed comments by Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne might not be relevant for Australia.

"Those vehicles are just going through their natural product lifecycle. We have not heard anything about them being dropped," she says.

There is talk in the USA that Chrysler plans to downsize its people mover lineup, starting with the Grand Voyager, but it showed a full-sized concept at the Detroit Motor Show in January that only reflected a more SUV-type look.

Dodge is also uncertain, with a global wind-back on the cards, but even that could change downunder if the macho appeal of the badge can be justified. Fletcher says all product choices for Australia will be made to boost the appeal and sales of the Fiat Chrysler range.

"There should be no fears that there won't be a terrific lineup from our brands - Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, and Alfa Romeo and Fiat," she says.

"Naturally we'll be looking at whatever products become available and evaluating their suitability to the Australian market. We are really at the moment looking at the Chrysler and Jeep line-ups - we're just about to launch the Chrysler 300 - and we're very positive about our volume expectations in the next 12 months."

She also emphatically denied any showroom stall in May, despite official VFacts sales figures this week that show a zero against the Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands.

"Due to systemic issues which occurred during the changeover from local distributors Ateco Automotive to the Fiat Chrysler factory group, no sales were registered on VFACTS for the Fiat or Alfa Romeo brands during May. The relevant figures will be included in next month’s report," Fletcher says.