Chrysler Australia buoyed by future plans

It may be early days, but Chrysler Australia is pleased at the future plan for the company unveiled by new masters Fiat. The five-year plan has made it clear that international markets, like Australia, will play an increasing role in the future of the Chrysler Group.

Speaking to the Carsales Network, Chrysler Australia spokesman, Jerry Stamoulis, admitted that while there are still a lot of details to be worked out there was a positive reaction to the plan.

"It's still very early days," Stamoulis said. "But what we can say is that international [markets] are still an important part of the plan moving forward. The increase in volume means Australia, being the fifth largest market, means we'll play an important role."

But exactly what that means for the Australian organisation remains up in the air. Stamoulis confirmed that the updated Dodge Caliber would go on sale in Australia next year and would be joined by the new Jeep Grand Cherokee (pictured) either late in 2010 or early in 2011. The only other confirmation is the arrival of the new Chrysler 300C (pictured), which will arrive sometime after the new Jeep.

A push for more international sales could mean an increase in right-hand drive vehicles and that could mean Australia might finally see the Dodge Charger sedan, Dodge Challenger coupe and even the Ram pick-up. According to Stamoulis, while both cars are firmly on Chrysler Australia's wish list, nothing is confirmed yet.

"What we do every time we go into a product forum, there are lots of products that we want, like Charger and Challenger, but it's about making the business case work," Stamoulis says. "They are vehicles that we want but we need to see if these changes affect what we get in Australia."

"The plan hasn't gone into that detail but I'd be surprised if there wasn't more focus on right-hand drive," he added.

"[The Ram is] definitely a vehicle we're interested in but it depends on the business case. It's no secret that we want Ram and Charger."

Interestingly, two of the slides (pictured) during the Chrysler presentation featured an image of the possible 2010 Dodge Charger. The first slide shows a side profile of a four-door sedan and the second is an image of an updated dashboard.

Stamoulis also confirmed comments from Mike Manley, President and CEO of Jeep Brand and International Markets, that Chrysler Australia will join forces with the Fiat-owned Iveco truck business locally.

"That makes business sense for us," Stamoulis said.

The timeframe for that integration is still unclear but will likely happen sooner rather than later to minimise disruption to customers and dealers, according to Stamoulis. It will primarily affect backroom dealings such as IT and logistics, meaning no crossover with Fiat importer Ateco Automotive.

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