Fiat Sending Seven New Cars to the US After Chrysler Success

ChryslerChryslerUnited States of America, 1925 > present70 models
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had a very good year in 2012, according to its annual financial announcement. Sales were up 21% in the US, and its brands now control 11.2% of the US vehicle market. Its operating profit was up 47% to $2.9 billion (€2.1 billion). Reacting to this, FiatFiatItaly, 1899 > present159 models
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has dropped plans to give the DodgeDodgeUnited States of America, 1914 > present59 models
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and Chrysler brands two, new small cars. Instead, Fiat will bring seven new cars to North America by 2016. 

Chrysler released its North American product plans through 2016 that include plans for the new Fiat and many product refreshes for the traditional Chrysler brands. It dropped plans to introduce new, small Dodge and Chrysler models in 2013. 

It appears that Fiat and Chrysler are focusing on their truck brands for the near future. According to Chrysler's financial release, 70% of its US sales in 2012 came from pickups, SUVs, crossovers and minivans. It apparently sees no need to invest in cars that only make up 30% of its sales.

Fiat reported a 29% increase in its European fourth quarter profit thanks mostly to strong Jeep sales. Earnings before interest for the fourth quarter were €929 million ($1.2 billion) compared to €765 million ($1 billion) in the same quarter of 2011.

Chrysler and Dodge will not get new cars until 2015. JeepJeepUnited States of America, 1941 > present33 models
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will get a new, Chrysler-built D-Segment SUV in 2013, the refreshed Grand CherokeeJeep Grand Cherokee Gen.4United States of America, 2010 > present57 versions
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and a new Fiat-built crossover in 2014. 

For the Fiat and Alfa RomeoAlfa RomeoItaly, 1910 > present108 models
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side, it says that it will offer 14 more cars in North America by 2016. Seven of these cars have been added to the business plan since 2009. None of the cars were identified in the document. 

"The only thing I can tell you is that we continue to rework the portfolio to meet profit demands going forward," Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said.

Chrysler's performance brand, SRT, will get a refreshed version of the new ViperSRT ViperUnited States of America, 2013 > present33 photos
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in 2015 and three refreshes in 2014. 

Source: Automotive News (1,2)