Dodge‘s announcement that the Caliber’s production has ended was no surprise, and now the Nitro SUV has also been confirmed to share the same fate as the Caliber. Nitro monthly sales had continued to be dismal with its lowest in July 2009 with just 1,115 vehicles sold.

The Nitro at its best selling month was 7,532 vehicles and last month Chrysler sold just 1,661 of their outdated SUV. While other Dodge vehicles continued to get makeovers and receive technological improvements and enhancements, both the Caliber and Nitro sat stagnant, featuring underpowered engines and poorly designed four-wheel-drive systems.

Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne has been quoted as saying that a replacement for the Nitro was “under consideration”. We already know that the Dart will be replacing the Caliber, what Dodge decides to do for the Nitro SUV remains unknown.

[Source: Automotive News]

Chrysler has said that it is recalling some 11,351 vehicles from the 2011 model year, including Chrysler 200s and Town & Country minivans, Dodge Avengers, Calibers, Journeys, Nitros and Grand Caravans, as well as Jeep Compass, Patriot and Wrangler models.

The problem? An incorrectly installed steering column rivet that could potentially cause the steering system to fail, resulting in loss of vehicle control and even an accident.

The automaker said the cause of the problem was “improper identification of rejected components by new employees during the second shift.” Out of some 14,000 steering columns Chrysler inspected, it found that seven of them boasted missing or incorrect rivets.

So far the Auburn Hills, Michigan automaker has said there have been no consumer complaints nor records of accidents or injuries resulting from the issue. Nevertheless, owners of the affected vehicles will be notified starting next month and urged to contact their nearest Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep dealer to have the problem fixed free of charge.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Recently, Chrysler issued a recall affecting approximately 22,000 vehicles from model year 2010. Said vehicles include Ram 1500 1/2 pickups, the Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty SUVs, plus the Jeep Wrangler. The recall centers around the brake system on these vehicles, whereby  the lines from the master cylinder to the hydraulic brake unit could fail, causing a loss of fluid and compromised braking ability, potentially resulting in accidents.

However, at the time of posting, Chrysler said it was unaware of any vehicle crashes relating to the problem. The recall is scheduled to begin at the start of August and dealers will inspect the brake lines on the affected vehicles and replace them for free if they are discovered to be faulty. Owners of the Dodge and Jeep vehicles affected can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Hotline on 800-327-4236 for more information regarding the recall.

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

The Ford Transit Connect, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Nitro and RAM 1500 are being recalled by Ford and Chrysler respectively, for separate issues.

A pushpin that holds the Transit Connect’s headliner in place could come loose, a seemingly minor error that according to Ford’s statement on a NHTSA website, “…could exceeded head injury criteria requirements set by the standard,”. Ford said the safety recall for the Transit Connect is expected to begin “on or about” July 19.

Chrysler is recalling the aforementioned vehicles due to “defective brake tubes” that could lead to a loss of brake fluid. Anything involving the brake systems should be attended to right away, and owners should service this problem immediately, when Chrysler begins the recall in August.

[Source: Carscoop]

The Dodge Nitro is already sold in Europe, but parent company Fiat appears to be looking for a piece of the action. Industry journal Automotive News reports that the Jeep Liberty-based SUV could be badged as a Fiat product by the end of this year. The export model would presumably be manufactured in Chrysler’s Toledo, Ohio factory and sent across the Atlantic. A heavily revised Nitro is expected for the 2011 model year, but almost no details surrounding the car have surfaced, including whether it’s destined for Fiat’s European product line.

At a press conference held today to discuss the future product plans of Fiat and its numerous brands (including the Chrysler companies) the company CEO Sergio Marchionne did not expand on plans to rebadge the Nitro.

[Source: Automotive News via Left Lane News]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

For 2010 Dodge has decided to shake up the Nitro lineup with three new model designations: Heat, Detonator and Shock. All models will come with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, 20-inch wheels, and a 368-watt eight speaker audio system, plus 9-inch subwoofer. That 4.0-liter V6 has also been tweaked significantly for 2010 with 23 percent more ponies on call and 12 percent more torque for a total of 260-hp and 265 ft-lbs. The V6 comes mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Heat models are priced from $23,995, while Detonator models start at $25,995 and add remote start, color-matched cloth interior and rear-park assist. The top trim level Shock model gets heated leather seats and a sunroof and retails fr $26,995.

All 2010 Nitro models will be available in a new Detonator Yellow paint color (shown above).

GALLERY: 2010 Dodge Nitro Detonator

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

All-new Dodge Nitro model lineup gives more bang for your buck
The Dodge Nitro lineup has been revised and renamed for 2010, offering new exterior and interior styling and new standard features and safety equipment for 2010. These new models (Heat, Detonator and Shock) provide Nitro customers with more standard content, including a standard 4.0-liter V-6 engine, 20-inch aluminum wheels, eight premium speakers with a 368-watt amplifier and 9-inch subwoofer, deep-tinted glass, Uconnect Phone, iPod Control, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, speed control and security alarm.

In addition to the curb appeal gained from its 20-inch painted Mopar® aluminum wheels and body-color grille with bright billets, the 2010 Dodge Nitro Heat packs a punch with 23 percent more horsepower and 12 percent more torque than the previous entry-level model. With its aluminum 4.0-liter overhead cam V-6 engine, the Nitro Heat, and the entire Nitro lineup, delivers 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 265 lb.-ft. (359 N•m) of torque with a five-speed automatic transmission. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Nitro Heat is $23,995 (including $745 destination).

The Dodge Nitro Detonator offers new exterior design cues, as well as standard interior and safety features that were previously optional on the former SXT model. The new Dodge Detonator model features 20-inch Mopar polished/painted aluminum wheels, hood decal, eight speakers plus subwoofer, remote start, ParkSense® rear-park assist and color-keyed premium cloth interior that matches the exterior paint color. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Nitro Detonator is $25,995 (including $745 destination).

The Dodge Nitro Shock adds heated leather seats and a sun roof to the Nitro Detonator model. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Nitro Shock is $26,995 (including $745 destination).

The new 2010 Dodge Nitro lineup is now available in nine exterior colors, including Detonator Yellow Clear Coat (late availability).

Last week Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne set out a long-winded plan for the future of the American automaker and how its future will be closely tied to its new Italian parent company. There was a lot to digest at the seven hour press conference and so we thought a model by model breakdown would be helpful and would shed some light on what appears to be the general plan to eliminate old Chrysler products and replace them with new Chrysler Group-branded Fiat models. So let’s start with Dodge…

DODGE BRAND

From the smallest to the largest vehicles, Dodge will see the introduction of a subcompact car in 2013 based on the Alfa Romeo MiTo. Currently Dodge does not offer a sub-compact with its smallest offering being the compact Caliber, which receives a mild update this year but will be eliminated in 2012 and then replaced the same year by a Fiat Group-based vehicle. Presumably it will be another Alfa Romeo platform, however, the car will be built in the U.S.

Moving to the mid-size segment, the Avenger will also be updated for 2010 and then replaced by a Fiat Group platform in 2013.

The future for the Journey, Grand Caravan and Charger is more positive, with the Journey and Grand Caravan getting updates for 2010 with a new Grand Caravan due in 2014. The Charger will be all-new for 2011 with a new interior and exterior, after originally launching in 2006. A new rear suspension will also be part of the package. As for its Challenger sibling, it will be updated for the 2012 model year.

Two vehicles that will be eliminated are the Nitro and Viper, with the Nitro slated to be scraped in 2011 (with a possible successor), while the Viper will cease production mid next year with a potential sports car replacing it in 2012.

One new model will be added to the Dodge lineup; a seven-seater crossover based on the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (pictured above).

RAM BRAND

The new Ram brand still won’t have a lot going on, although Fiat is looking to expand its offerings. The Dakota is scheduled to cease production late in 2011 with a possible unibody pickup to replace it. As for the Ram 1500, it will get a mid-cycle refresh in 2012, as will the heavy duty Ram trucks. A chassis cab version of the Ram will also arrive in 2010.

Two additions to the lineup include a front-drive small work van and full-sized van in 2012. The small van will be similar in purpose to Ford’s Transit Connect and will be based on the next-generation Fiat Doblo. It will be imported from either Turkey or Brasil. As for Ram’s new full-sized van offering, it will be one of two vehicles: either the body-on frame Iveco Daily or the unibody Fiat Ducato. Unlike the small van, this full-sized unit will be assembled in the U.S.

CHRYSLER BRAND

Starting in the small scale, the Chrysler Brand will also get a subcompact, although (surprisingly) it will not be based on the same Alfa Romeo vehicle as the Dodge sub-compact. Instead, it will be underpinned by the next-generation Lancia Ypsilon five-door hatch and will go on sale in 2013.

A new compact sedan (based on a Fiat Group platform) will be launched in 2012. It is not clear if the Fiat Group platform is the same one that will underpin the Dodge compact sedan. The same can be said for the Sebring, which, like its current Dodge counterpart (the Avenger) will get styling updates next year and be replaced by a Fiat Group platform in 2013.

As for the PT Cruiser, it will be eliminated late next year – although we’ve heard that one before.

The Chrysler 300, like the Dodge Charger, will be all-new for 2011 with the new model arriving some time next year. Styling is expected to be evolutionary, so don’t expect much change – which is probably a good thing.

And as for Chrysler’s final product, the Town & Country minivan, it will get updates next year with a new model in 2014. Fiat hopes to differentiate the Chrysler minivan from its Dodge counterpart by taking it more up-market. (Have we learned nothing from the R-Class?)

JEEP BRAND

Finally, there’s the Jeep brand, where we’ve already learned the Patriot, Compass and Commander will be eliminated over the next few years. The first to meet the scrap heap is the Commander, with production ending late next year, while the Patriot and Compass will be get mild updates for 2010 before being retired in 2012. Interestingly, Fiat may build and sell the Commander overseas after 2010.

At the low end of the spectrum, a new subcompact SUV will arrive in 2013 based on the next generation Fiat Panda Cross, while a new compact crossover will arrive the same year based on an unnamed Fiat Group platform. A new Liberty will also arrive that year, again based on a Fiat.

As for Jeep’s core vehicles, the Wrangler will get a new interior next year, with a new engine offered in 2011. The Grand Cherokee will continue on as planned with the new model debuting next year as a 2011 model.

[Source: Automotive News]

A week ahead of a planned Fiat/Chrysler press conference in which Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of both automakers, was to outline the future of Chrysler, much of the information has been revealed in an in-depth report in the Wall Street Journal. But before we get to the new products that the Italian-owned automaker is planning to bring into the North American marketplace, it’s time to learn the fate of the vehicles being axed. And judging from the list, it appears as though Fiat is intent on moving its products in and Chrysler’s products out.

The vehicles to be cut include the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Sebring. On the Dodge side, four models will be eliminated, including the Caliber, Nitro, Avenger and Grand Caravan. Three Jeeps will also meet their maker: the Commander, Compass and Patriot.

In place of these vehicles Fiat is ready to announce the introduction of the 500 in 2011, along with three Alfa Romeo vehicles: the MiTo (shown above), Milano (which will replace the 147) and another yet unnamed mid-sized sedan.

The rest of the plan will see the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger redesigned in 2011, with the Grand Cherokee due out soon. And with only two Chrysler products left, the rumored decision to axe that brand’s name may just happen.

The Wall Street Journal made no mention of past reports that the Fiat Panda would see its way to the U.S. as a Jeep. There is also no word on if the Fiat 500 will be offered in just it’s standard hatchback form, or if a convertible and sporty Abarth version will also join the product lineup.

GALLERY: Alfa Romeo MiTo

[Source: WallStreetJournal via KickingTires]

UPDATE: Since posting this article Chrysler has announced that the three vehicles slated for elimination are the Chrysler PT Cruiser,  Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango – all three of which the company had already announced were doomed. Feel free to read our exercise in creative writing/wishful thinking anyway.

—————————————————————————————————————————

When Chrysler announced yesterday in its Viability Plan submitted to the U.S. Treasury that it would reduce its workforce by  3,000 jobs and eliminate three vehicles from its lineup they didn’t mention which models would get the axe.

Not prepared to wait and find out, we’ve gone over the sales numbers and the recent reports from Chrysler to come up with a short list of models that have the best chance of being canned. And then we’ll choose our top three dead-pool picks.

For starters, Chrysler currently sells a total of 27 vehicles: 7 Chrysler models, 13 Dodge models (if you list all the Rams as one), and 7 Jeep models.

From the list we can already eliminate the PT Cruiser, Aspen, Aspen Hybrid, Durango and Magnum because all of those models have already been slated for the history books. So now we have just 22 models.

The Viper can also be eliminated fro the list because Chrysler has continuously announced that it wants to sell the brand and is currently in talks to do just that.

Based on the fact that both the Chrysler 300C and the Jeep Grand Cherokee appeared in Chrysler’s Viability Plan, we can assume these models are safe. And considering the Charger shares the same platform as the 300C and actually suffered only an 18 percent loss in sales versus the 300C’s 48 percent decline, we can’t see Chrysler eliminating that model either.

Now we’re down to 18.

Other keepers are sure to be the Ram and the Dakota, which despite a 49 percent drop in sales for 2008 is a necessary vehicle in the Dodge lineup. The Sprinter commercial truck is also a necessity. Also safe are both minivans, the Chrysler Town and Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan.

The Jeep lineup continues to be cluttered but on the whole it does very well and with the Wrangler listed as Jeep’s top seller, we can’t see Chrysler cut it or the Wrangler Unlimited from the list.

All of a sudden, we’re down to 11.

Some other simple eliminations from our list would include any brand new platforms and any compact crossover-type vehicles that are most popular right now. That being said the new Challenger and Journey are keepers. The Caliber is also likely to stay as it is essentially the Chrysler brand’s entry level vehicle.

Naturally we’d say the Nitro and Liberty are safe, but rumors have already surfaced that Chrysler plans to axe one of the two vehicles – likely the poorly selling Nitro.

And there you have it.. one of the three in Chrysler’s dead-pool. But we still have six vehicles to go.  For the record, they are: the Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Dodge Avenger, Jeep Commander, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot.

Shockingly this short list of potential vehicles-to-be-cut includes both the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger. The fact that they are high volume vehicles and mid-sized sedans should put them out of harm’s way. Then again, they are terrible. We’ll say they’re safe for now though. As for the Sebring Convertible, well, nobody needs a convertible and in this economic climate needs certainly outweigh wants, and so it’s a definite candidate for elimination.

Our remaining three vehicles to discuss are the Jeep Commander, Compass and Patriot, three similar SUVs (especially the Compass and Patriot). And while the redundancy does seem to put either the Compass or Patriot up on the chopping block, the Commander is our dead-pool pick considering it’s sales decline of 56 percent from last year.

So there you have it, our list of the most likely three vehicles to be eliminated from the Chrysler family are:

Dodge Nitro

Chrysler Sebring Convertible

Jeep Commander

Official Chrysler 2008 sales figures afte the jump:

Chrysler LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru December 2008
Month Sales     Vol %           Sales CYTD     Vol %
Model     Curr Yr     Pr Yr     Change     Curr Yr     Pr Yr     Change
Sebring     3,572     9,274     -61%     71,663     93,130     -23%
300     3,707     9,950     -63%     62,352     120,636     -48%
Crossfire     110     180     -39%     2,021     8,774     -77%
PT Cruiser     1,823     9,738     -81%     50,910     99,585     -49%
Aspen     1,515     3,022     -50%     22,254     28,788     -23%
Pacifica     574     2,009     -71%     7,345     53,947     -86%
Town & Country     8,152     14,211     -43%     118,563     138,151     -14%
CHRYSLER BRAND     19,453     48,384     -60%     335,108     543,011     -38%
Compass     1,225     3,295     -63%     25,349     39,491     -36%
Patriot     2,597     4,987     -48%     55,654     40,434     38%
Wrangler     7,048     9,007     -22%     84,615     119,243     -29%
Liberty     4,529     9,941     -54%     66,911     92,105     -27%
Grand Cherokee     5,504     11,753     -53%     73,678     120,937     -39%
Commander     2,188     5,821     -62%     27,694     63,027     -56%
JEEP BRAND     23,091     44,804     -48%     333,901     475,237     -30%
Caliber     2,896     8,851     -67%     84,158     101,079     -17%
Avenger     2,050     8,146     -75%     61,963     83,804     -26%
Charger     5,414     11,115     -51%     97,367     119,289     -18%
Challenger     2,602     0     0%     17,423     0     0%
Viper     152     46     230%     1,172     435     169%
Magnum     31     2,278     -99%     6,912     30,256     -77%
Dakota     1,701     2,873     -41%     26,044     50,702     -49%
Ram P/U     16,618     32,118     -48%     245,840     358,295     -31%
Journey     4,275     109     3822%     47,097     109     43108%
Caravan     6,927     21,217     -67%     123,749     176,041     -30%
Durango     1,435     2,480     -42%     21,420     45,503     -53%
Nitro     2,036     7,350     -72%     36,368     74,825     -51%
Sprinter     1,132     1,652     -31%     14,600     16,586     -12%
DODGE BRAND     47,269     98,235     -52%     784,113     1,058,402     -26%

TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC     89,813     191,423     -53%     1,453,122     2,076,650     -30%

TOTAL CAR     20,535     50,273     -59%     406,125     569,859     -29%
TOTAL TRUCK     69,278     141,150     -51%     1,046,997     1,506,791     -31%
Selling Days     26     26           308     307