Seeing what the tariff situation is combined with the labor unrest in Eastern Europe, which is also occurring, maybe Stellantis should build some "Smart" based products stateside. The legacy Chrysler Corporate brands desperately need some entry level vehicles. For that matter even Fiat needs something "entry level" if it is to stay in our market. The Smart platform covers both B and C segment sizes and Fiat will have 3 new C-segment products next year based on the Smart platform. While these new Fiats are Panda themed, having a production line here can provide the opportunity for American branding, styling, and equipping. I would like to see a Jeep Renegade replacement, a Ram 700 type pickup, and an entry level Dodge about the size of the old Caliber. Fiat needs the Grand Panda offered here to supplement their 500. Micky Bly and his team managed to transform the 1.6 four cylinder for our driving conditions and it would be nice if the same thing could be done for the 1.2 three cylinder as well. Both engines come from the same family and can share many parts. This three cylinder would be useful for a Grande Panda and a Fiat 500 hybrid for our market. A three cylinder can also become the IC engine for use with the EREV and plugin hybrid systems found in smaller vehicles.
The new Cherokee shows that Auburn Hills is finally breaking free from the Euro dictates on drive-train offerings. We need Chrysler and Dodge products on the STLA-Medium in addition to the Cherokee. Hopefully there will be drive train choices beyond the base hybrid.
One last thing, there needs to be an entry level Dodge Charger.
moparinsiders.com
