Marchionne may start leading Chrysler Group LLC by cutting-out weaker models

Jeep Compass

Sergio Marchionne plans on kicking off his Chrysler Group LLC. leadership by cutting out weaker models and tweaking gas prices, according to a report by Reuters. Yesterday, Marchionne said that he hopes to have “at least a roadmap from a product standpoint” in 14 days.

He said that he plans to have a final decision on what to do with Chrysler’s Dodge and Fiat’s Alfa Romeo brands by the end of this month. Marchionne said yesterday that he is considering selling all Dodge models as Alfa Romeos in Europe, and all Alfa Romeo models as Dodge models in the United States.

Models that could be ditched in the short-term include the Chrysler Sebring and PT Cruiser, the Jeep Compass and Patriot, while the Dodge Caliber could be either cut or re-engineered.

Chrysler had planned on a new Jeep Grand Cherokee and a new Chrysler 300 for 2010.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters