Chrysler News: Most of FCA's Vehicles Moving to PSA platforms

[Drew Dowdell]

In a discussion about their pending merger, Fiat Chrysler revealed that the combined company's future vehicles in the small to mid-size range will be built on two of PSA's platforms.  The reasoning behind it is that PSA's platforms are more modern than FCA's which first debuted in 2003. They are also capable of a wider range of propulsion methods like electrification that are harder to incorporate into the aging platform that FCA is using.  

The smaller of the two platforms, PSA's CMP, launched last year is found under the Peugeot 208, 2008, DS 3 Crossback and the new Opel Corsa.  The larger platform is called EMP2 and launched in 2016.  It underpins the Peugeot 3008, 5008, 508, DS7 Crossback, Citroen C5 Aircross, and Opel Grandland. Both of these platforms could become the basis for new Jeep, Dodge, and Fiat models. The first possible FCA model to debut on one of these platforms is likely to be a small crossover for Alfa Romeo, due out in 2022.

On the other hand, the Ram trucks and larger Jeep models will continue to use technology developed by FCA.  The next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is already well into development and the forthcoming Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are set to go into production in early 2021. 

The primary question mark remains around the larger Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger, and Chrysler Pacifica. 

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[riviera74]

I doubt that PSA makes anything that could be the next 300/Charger/Challenger anytime soon.  The Pacifica really does not need a platform change anytime soon.  Other than that, PSA platforms will address the weaknesses of FCA small and midsize cars (and hopefully crossovers) within a couple of years and actually make all of this work.

Which would you rather drive: a Dodge Dart or a Peugeot 208?  A Chrysler 200 or a Peugeot 3008?

[balthazar]

Certainly not a peugeot.

[smk4565]

I imagine the PSA platforms and powertrains will take over, and commoditize the running gear of all the FWD/AWD cars and crossovers.  Stuff like Promaster City and any commercial vans will all be one vehicle with multiple badges.  Obviously Ram pickup is unique, and the larger Jeeps.  The 300/Charger cars could end up on Georgio or a PSA platform or dead, that is basically a 1 market vehicle in a shrinking market, PSA is going to want global product.  

[G. David Felt]

Be interesting to see what really happens in 16 months once the merger is complete as Month 16 to 24 will be the assessment period and axe cutting period of products to survive.

[Robert Hall]

I could see the next gen versions of the 3 current smaller Jeeps on such a platform.  Maybe a Dodge Journey replacement also.    It will be interesting to see if any sedans come to the US and under what brands, given the current US sedan market contraction...I do like the looks of the 508. 

Edited December 19, 2019 by Robert Hall

[balthazar]

From the Detroit Free Press; should answer a number of questions/musings above :

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"The biggest intangible asset of a car company is the brand portfolio," Tavares said, echoing a sentiment expressed by Sergio Marchionne, the late FCA CEO. "The brands carry passion, the brands carry the history and the brands carry the emotions. This is the reason why we consider they will stay in their countries of origin — Italian brands will stay in Italy, French brands will stay in France, American brands will stay in the U.S., and German brands will stay in Germany.”

 

Quote

Industry expert and "Autoline" host John McElroy echoed the sentiment that the Chrysler legacy, with Jeep and Ram included, will have a future.

"Chrysler is the golden goose within FCA. It makes 100% of the profits. It will also be the most profitable part of PSA-FCA, and PSA will not want to screw that up. The merger could actually help the Chrysler brand, which is down to only two vehicles, the 300 (sedan) and Pacifica (minivan)," McElroy said.

 

Edited December 20, 2019 by balthazar