Fiat's Plan for Chrysler
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Updated: 6:03 PM Nov 2, 2009
Fiat's Plan for Chrysler
With numerous Dodge and Jeep models potentially on Fiat's chopping block what will replace them? 23 News reporter Adam Behrman spoke with local dealer Jack Wolf to learn what consumers want.
Posted: 6:02 PM Nov 2, 2009
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You can bet when Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne unveils his five year plan on Wednesday workers at the Belvidere Chrysler plant will be listening intently.

Because if you believe some of the media reports the Belvidere Chrysler plant may turn into a Belvidere Fiat plant. According to an auto blog report.. "unloved nameplates like Dodge Nitro Caliber and Avenger will be eliminated along with the Jeep Patriot and Compass." The Caliber Patriot and Compass are the three vehicles made in Belvidere.

Autoblog goes on to say that new models will be brought in from Fiat to replace the outgoing cars." the Wall Street Journal and Autoguide dot com have made similar predictions regarding the demise of the Caliber Compass and Patriot.

Jack Wolf has been selling cars in Belvidere for a long time. Chrysler may be going through some rough times, but Wolf says his auto group is doing fine because Stateline consumers can find what they want from him.

"We have sold an awful lot of the Calibers and they are more interested today in vans and more economical cars. They have been very popular here." says Wolf.

But when Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne lays out Chrysler's new business plan on Wednesday, many of Wolf's best selling models may not make the cut.

Chrysler's Belvidere plant is filled with Dodge Calibers and Jeep Compasses and Patriot's. Model's that could all be on Marchionne's chopping block.

Chrysler officials were not available for comment. Wolf thinks Belvidere's largest employer has invested too much money in the plant to just abandon it. If the Caliber, Compass, and Patriot are phased out something else, perhaps Fiats, will be made there. Wolf says he will be here to sell them.

"Right now they are one of the most popular and fuel efficient cars in Europe. I would look for us to head in that direction." adds Wolf.

Auto industry insiders expect Marchionne to replace Chrysler's unpopular cars with new Fiat models, but they will not be ready for another two years. With Chrysler's nationwide market share below 10%, it could be a long wait for Belvidere.

Wolf says his business has been doing fine ever since Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy. Wolf says business was booming during the Cash for Clunkers program, and it fell off just a bit when it was over. But he has seen the best sales in the last six weeks and he adds last weekend was phenomenal.

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