A number of Chrysler Group models that we were planned to be either replaced or introduced soon, will be delayed, the Detroit News reported today citing unnamed supplier sources.
In particular, Detroit’s third biggest carmaker is said to have decided to extend production of the Dodge Avenger sedan, originally earmarked to be replaced in early 2014, until the end of 2015, the Wrangler that was due for a replacement in 2016 until the middle of 2018, and the Dodge Grand Caravan until late 2017.
For what it’s worth, Chrysler LLC spokeswoman Jodi Tinson told the newspaper that, “We’ve made no announcement to that effect.”
Analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP said Chrysler is doing the right thing by delaying the product launches of said vehicles, as the company should place all of its investment and attention on “critical high-volume cars” such as the next Chrysler 200 that’s schedule for launch in early 2014.
“It’s exactly what they need to do. They need to focus on things with volume,” he told the Detroit daily. “When you find your consideration is increasing, you want to cash in with high-volume vehicles — not a bunch of niche vehicles.”
Hall added that the Dodge Challenger’s replacement, the Barracuda “just got pushed back a while, too”. Early reports have suggested that the Barracuda will be significantly lighter and more compact than the current Challenger, and will likely gain a turbocharged four-cylinder base engine in addition to V6 and V8 engines.
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