#ChryslerGroup

The Chrysler Group reported a net income of $1.6 billion for the fourth quarter today, aided by a one time tax gain of $962 million.

Chrysler‘s newest offices in the Chrysler House has opened up in downtown Detroit, occupying the top two floors of the 23-story former Dime Building at 719 Griswold Street.

Chrysler is withdrawing its fleet of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in order to issue out a battery-pack upgrade due to overheating issues with its lithium-ion propulsion batteries.

In a recent article, Automotive News praised the new Dodge Dart as an example of true synergies between Fiat and Chrysler, declaring, “the Dart uses savings from its shared Fiat platform and co-developed technology to give Chrysler a larger, more powerful and technologically advanced compact sedan at a lower price than its competitors.” 

It looks like the days of plugging in your mobile device to a 12-volt power outlet might soon be over, at least if you drive a Chrysler product. Beginning with the 2013 Dodge Dart, the company has announced it will be introducing a wireless in-car charging system.

It seems, from a financial standpoint, things are getting better for Chrysler Group.  The company reported a total net income of some $183 million last year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Jeep Liberty SUVs built between 2002 and 2003 for an issue regarding the premature deployment of airbags.

After several rumors and reports, Chrysler has now confirmed that the Dodge Ram will be spun off into its own brand with the appointment of two individuals. Fred Diaz Jr., formerly Director of the Denver Business Center, will now head up the RAM brand, while Ralph Gilles will take over at the helm of the car brand. Gilles will also continue to run the product design department at Chrysler Group.

“The brand-focused strategy has been refined further with the unbundling of the Dodge Brand which now consists of the Dodge RAM Brand and the Dodge Car Brand organizations,” said Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne. “This reorganization will allow us to protect and develop the unique nature of the product offerings within the Dodge Brand.”

Within this new corporate structure, Marchionne also appointed a new Chrysler brand CEO; Olivier Francois, who comes from Fiat’s Lancia Brand and will continue in his position there as well.

Official release after the jump: