Sergio Marchionne Confirms SRT Dart, Signs Compass Death Warrant

Following the product-centric interview Marchionne gave to Automobile (which is still not available online), Sergio Marchionne revealed even more Chrysler/Fiat product plans at a media event last week. The announcements are all good news; an SRT version of the Dodge Dart is well on its way, with Automotive News quoting Sergio as saying "The only thing we're fighting over now is to determine how big an engine we stick in it." On the opposite end of the spectrum, Marchionne said that the Jeep Compass and Patriot will stay in production through August 2014. The Compass will be replaced (apparently a number of alternative vehicles are being considered) while nothing was said about the Patriot. With the focus on Jeep as a "global brand" the most obvious alternative seems to be the Alfa-based crossover, dubbed the "Jeepster", which can be sold across the globe. On the alternative fuel front, Chrysler is working on CNG powered cars, as well as hybrids. These cars should roll out by 2017, though no details were announced about specifics. The Ram CNG will arrive this year. A Fiat 500 EV will also be introduced, mainly as a compliance car for California. Marchionne was adamant in the Automobile interview that he "wasn't afraid" of EVs but he will also not go ahead with large-scale EV production because it can't be done profitably. from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com

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