Chrysler to debut new Charger, 300

Tag : charger

The Auburn Hills automaker's plan to launch redesigned versions ofthe full-size cars in 2010 was an open secret in Detroit, but itwas something that Chrysler officials never talked about in public.
That is until this week when Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli confirmedit.
"In the pipeline for 2010: A brand new 300, a brand new Charger ...a brand new Jeep, the pipeline is full, plus we have these smallervehicles coming through partnerships and alliances," Nardelli said."I think the product cadence at Chrysler is coming back strong."
As the Free Press first reported, Chrysler is planning a "productrenaissance" for 2010 when it will launch seven -- perhaps eight ornine -- new vehicles.
Nardelli made his comments in an interview on CNBC's "Conversationswith Michael Eisner," which aired this week.
Chrysler has said that it plans to offer a new Jeep Grand Cherokeeand a Nissan-made small car in 2010. The automaker also hasannounced plans to begin selling a hybrid version of its Dodge Ramin 2010.
Last week, Chrysler unveiled three electric-drive vehicles, one ofwhich will be ready for market by the end of 2010.
Speaking to journalists after the announcement, Frank Klegon,Chrysler executive vice president for product development, said thenewly announced electric vehicles are in addition to the sevenvehicles planned for launch in 2010.
Launching in 2010, the new 300 and Charger will probably be soldunder the model year 2011.
In an interview with the Free Press earlier this year, RalphGilles, Chrysler's vice president for design, said the redesignedChrysler 300 would be a "quantum leap in quality."
Sales of the 300 are down 43% this year through September and thesales of Charger are down 10%.
Erich Merkle, an industry analyst with Crowe Horwath, foresees goodthings for these redesigned vehicles if Chrysler is able toreplicate its formula of good design with good value as it did lasttime out, noting the vehicles provided customers with a nicemixture of space and efficiency.
"Make no mistake about it, right now the 300 and Charger havedropped off, but they've been going through their product lifecycleand, granted, gas prices have gotten a little out of hand and thatdidn't help them, either," Merkle said. "But I think by the timethey launch these new vehicles ... there's a great opportunity."
Analysts say 2010 can't come fast enough for Chrysler, which hasseen its sales drop 25% so far this year. While Chrysler is outwith a new Dodge Ram this year, little new product is expected fromChrysler in 2009.
Speaking to journalists in Paris, Jim Press, a Chrysler presidentand vice chairman, said he doesn't expect the industry to improvenext year.
"I don't see any 'whys' why it's going to be any better," Bloombergquoted Press saying at the Paris Motor Show. "We're alreadyadjusting to this level pretty well. We're learning how to fightthrough it. It's hand-to-hand combat. It's tough."
Meanwhile, Chrysler plans to increase the price of its 2009model-year vehicles by on average $500, according to a person toldof the plan.
A Chrysler spokesman declined comment.
Contact TIM HIGGINS at 313-222-8784 or thiggins@freepress.com .