Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has revealed its 2018 Full Year Results (PDF) and the company’s presentation was littered with details about future products.
A lot of attention was focused on Maserati which saw its global sales fall by 28 percent last year. In order to reverse this trend, the company will focus their marketing efforts on promoting the Levante crossover instead of sedans like the Ghibli and Quattroporte. Furthermore, Maserati will now be managed as a “luxury brand” rather than a premium brand like Alfa Romeo.
On the product side, FCA revealed Maserati will bridge product gaps with “specialty models.” The company didn’t elaborate, but noted they will leverage investments in the Giorgio architecture for future models.
The Giorgio platform already underpins an assortment of different vehicles including the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. It will likely be used on the Maserati’s mid-size crossover which was announced during last year’s Capital Markets Day presentation. At the time, Maserati hinted the upcoming crossover will slot beneath the Levante and feature a plug-in hybrid option, a 50/50 weight distribution and a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio.
Maserati also confirmed plans for an all-new Levante and Quattroporte. Both models will ride on a modular platform, have a 50/50 weight distribution as well as plug-in hybrid and battery electric powertrains.
The company is also slated to launch a production version of the Alfieri concept. That particular model will ride on an aluminum spaceframe platform and be offered as a coupe and convertible. Maserati also noted there will be plug-in hybrid as well as battery electric powertrains. These will enable the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in approximately two seconds, before hitting a top speed in excess of 186 mph (300 km/h).
Getting back to today’s presentation, FCA confirmed the Jeep Wrangler plug-in hybrid is on track to be launched in early 2020. Unfortunately, this will effect production of the standard Wrangler as there will be some planned downtime at the Toledo plant to retool the facility to build the Wrangler PHEV.
Speaking of Jeep, it and Alfa Romeo will become the focus of FCA in Europe. The company will also look to support its European operations by exploring partnerships with rival automakers about shared platforms and technologies.
In related news, Reuters reported FCA will increase spending to help to fund the redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The publication also said FCA CEO Mike Manley revealed the automaker hasn’t decided whether or not to approve a mid-size Ram pickup to battle the likes of the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma.
