The New New Chrysler Is The Old Jeep

It seems like just yesterday we heard about the "New" Cerberus-run Chrysler. That didn't work. Today we're in Auburn Hills, MI to hear the five-year plan of the even-newer Fiat-controlled "New" Chrysler. This oughtta be good. What to expect, below.

With Chrysler sales plummeting to Carpocalypticly horrific levels this past month, a new game plan's clearly needed. We've already reported on some of what we've been told to expect — that certain models will not be long for this earth and Chrysler'll be getting a new logo. It's clear there's very little of the "Old" Chrysler Fiat wants to keep. But apparently, according to the WSJ's Kate Linebaugh, they expect Jeep to play a starring role in Fiat's attempt to turn-around Chrysler:

"As part of a new five-year business strategy it will unveil Wednesday, Chrysler is expected to spell out a plan to expand Jeep's sales dramatically, especially in overseas markets, people familiar with the matter said."

Friend of Jalopnik Jim Hall (of auto consulting firm 2953 Analytics) agrees, telling the WSJ:

"Jeep is an export-viable product that could end up with significant sales...there are lots of countries where Jeeps are desirable vehicles, like Brazil."

The only question is — what product are they talking about exporting? The Journal says four models are expected to be eliminated over the next four years and be replaced by two new Jeeps based on Fiat technology. The Jeep Commander is slated for elimination next year while the mid-size Liberty and Compass and Patriot will be replaced by Fiat-based vehicles in 2013, according to their source.

Well, we always knew Jeep would either doom an automaker — as it did with AMC, Willys and Kaiser-Jeep — or save them. Which will it be this time? We'll be here live covering the event — so follow along with us at my twitter account and here all day long.

[via WSJ]

Photo Credit: AFP

Send an email to Ray Wert, the author of this post, at ray@jalopnik.com.

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