Alfa to launch in US in 2012

Chrysler's future product plans have been revealed by the Wall Street Journal newspaper - and they include launching Alfa Romeo and the Fiat 500 in the US.

The five-year plans, which were due to be revealed early next month, outline Chrysler's future product launches under the stewardship of Fiat.

According to the leaked information, launches in the next two years are scant - only a revamped Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300 saloon will be put on sale.

The Fiat 500 will then be launched in 2011. It will have to be re-engineered to meet US safety and environmental standards, and is likely to be built at a factory in Mexico.

Alfa Romeos will then be relaunched in the US in 2012, beginning with the Mito supermini, then a midsize saloon and the Milano hatch in 2013. All three will be made in North America.

Also in 2012, Chrysler will launch a midsize saloon and small family car, based on Fiat underpinnings. A new small Jeep will also use a Fiat platform, and is due to go on sale in 2013.

Under the plans many Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models will be axed.

The Dodge Caliber, Nitro and Avenger are set to be dropped (leaving the Challenger and Charger).

The Jeep Commander will be axed at the end of 2010, while the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot will be dropped by 2012.

Analysts fear that the lack of launches before 2012 could leave the company in a perilous state - its market share is currently 8.3 per cent, down from 11.1 per cent last year.

In Europe, plans have emerged for two Chrysler-based vehicles to go on sale.

The cars are expected to be based on Chrysler's large-car platform and will use a Chrysler V6 engine. This would most likely mean the rear-drive platform of the next Chrysler 300C and the new Pentastar V6 petrol engine.

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