Chrysler Confirms New Dart Based Liberty, 100 Hatchback
In a recent article, Automotive News praised the new Dodge Dart as an example of true synergies between Fiat and Chrysler, declaring, “the Dart uses savings from its shared Fiat platform and co-developed technology to give Chrysler a larger, more powerful and technologically advanced compact sedan at a lower price than its competitors.”
The publication also hinted that new models based on this architecture, dubbed CUSW are already in developmental testing, “including the successor to the Jeep Liberty that will be built at Chrysler’s Toledo (Ohio) North Assembly plant and a Chrysler 100 hatchback that will join the Dart on the line in Belvidere, Ill. Both of those vehicles are expected in 2013.”
Another interesting rumor emerging is that the Liberty’s successor, despite being car derived, will revert to the Cherokee name. Jeep brand CEO Mike Manley was recently quoted as saying, “the Cherokee has a huge amount of equity. Liberty, I think, has built up some equity as well. I don’t think we’re going to invent a name.”
This would seem logical, since the Liberty was called a Cherokee in Europe and would not only save costs and time on nameplate manufacturing but likely also marketing strategies and brand awareness campaigns too.
[Source: Auto News]
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