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2011 is Chrysler launch year
Date: 18 November 2010 | Author: Tristan Young
Fiat, which part owns and controls Chrysler, is planning to relaunch the US brand over the coming year as a host of new models are introduced.
Fiat has chosen to stick with the Chrysler name in the UK, while in Continental Europe the Chrysler name will disappear with the US cars being rebadged as Lancias.
In the UK, not only will there be new or facelifted versions of current Chrysler models arriving during 2011, but several Lancia models, rebadged as Chryslers, will also be added to the line-up. Speaking at the launch of the ultra-efficient two-cylinder TwinAir engine launch, Fiat and Chrysler marketing director Elena Bernardelli said: "There will be a new Grand Cherokee and a refreshed Voyager. There will also be a Chrysler Delta and a Chrysler Epsilon going on sale next year.
"The Delta will go on-sale in June and the Epsilon will go on-sale in September, but the UK is only taking the five-door version. In left-hand drive markets it will also be available as a three-door from about May or June."
Bernardelli said she expected Chrysler to sell more than 6000 cars in 2011 with sister brand Jeep selling more than 4000 vehicles thanks to the introduction of a new Grand Cherokee.
Fiat chose to stick with Chrysler in the UK despite it having an "image problem", according to Bernardelli, because "Chrysler is still stronger than Lancia in the UK".
Business sales of the new cars are expected to fall under the control of Simon Wheeler who has recently taken control of Fiat and Alfa fleet business, although a spokesman for the manufacturer refused to confirm this.
Meanwhile, BusinessCar's sources at Fiat expect the Dodge brand to be dropped from the UK.
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