Chrysler's plan for the next five years includes a radical shift in its product lineup--one that doubles the number of Chrysler-badged vehicles, while the Dodge brand refocuses on performance.
In a reversal of the past two decades, the Chrysler brand will now be marketed as a mainstream brand--not premium.
ALSO SEE: Dodge Five-Year Plan: Musclecars Rule, Grand Caravan A Goner
In a press conference at its U.S. headquarters in Auburn Hills, Chrysler executives confirmed the following new products will be launched through the 2018 calendar year:
2015: The 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan is the brand's big launch this year; the Town & Country minivan and 300 sedan are carryovers--except the Chrysler 300 SRT, which ends production after the 2014 model year.
2016: A new Chrysler Town & Countryminivan becomes the company's only sliding-door people mover, as the Dodge Grand Caravan is being cancelled. A plug-in hybrid version will get up to 75 MPGe.
In the same year, the Chrysler 100 compact sedan will be added to the lineup. It's unknown if it will live on the same architecture as the current Dodge Dart--which is only four cubic feet smaller inside than the Chrysler 200.
2017: A full-size crossover with plug-in hybrid technology will be introduced, as a sort-of successor to the old Chrysler Pacifica.
2018: A new Chrysler 300 bows, some 13 years after the first version was introduced in 2005. There's no word on what will underpin this new sedan, or if it will remain essentially a rear-wheel-drive car. In the same year, Chrysler will also introduce a new mid-size crossover.
Chrysler's Future: A New Minivan, A New Compact Sedan, And Crossovers - Yahoo Autos
