I have to wonder if Alfa Romeo can remain in our market because of the slow sales combined with the tariff situation. Fiat did a little better, but those give away leases will end with the Federal subsidies. Fiat needs some hybrids suitable for our market ASAP. One of them should be the Grande Panda.
The CDJR brands seem to be at least keeping their heads above water. Jeep needs some rationalization in its lineup, a simpler trim menu and some mild hybrid offerings. This isn't to say don't offer Hemi options, but Jeep needs to have something available to offer to those who come into the showroom dreaming about a Hemi, but then have to face the reality of affordability. The Wagoneer S and Recon desperately need an ICE range extender option to survive.
At Dodge there will be a presentation of the play, Hellcat on a Hot Tin Roof . The name of the main character will naturally be Brick. Dodge needs to fix the darn battery electric software problem, and then they should look into some sort of range extender solution for the electric Charger models. Dodge also needs an STLA-medium vehicle to replace the Hornet with.
Send the people who run the Chrysler brand to the Japan Mobility Show this month and have them study Lexus, Toyota's Crown Lineup and the Century SUV.
The Ram brand needs to always remember the BOF mid-size pickup is a replacement for the Ram 1500 Classic, which was affordable, simple and rugged. The Federal subsidies for battery electric vehicles has ended. The changes in emissions regulations may allow the Multi-Jet diesel to be offered here in the US. The Multi-Jet 2.2 is an option in both the Ram ProMaster's equivalent van in Europe and the Ram ProMaster City electric van slated for our market as well. Speaking of electric the Ram REV, formerly known as the Ramcharger has to be all dialed in from the start.
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