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New Chrysler to be leaner, greener – Metro US

New Chrysler to be leaner, greener

Leaner, greener and with an Italian flourish — that’s the “New Chrysler.”

Or at least that’s the plan. Chrysler LLC is counting on a reversal of fortunes through a quick bankruptcy and a combination with Italian automaker Fiat Group SpA. The result will be a drastically remade lineup in dealer showrooms.

Analysts say Chrysler’s most valuable brands — Jeeps, minivans and perhaps pickups — will survive.

Chrysler’s plans call for it to also sell a handful of electric cars. Fiat will add a smattering of small, fuel-efficient cars, like its peppy 500. The rest of Chrysler’s existing lineup will likely be history.

Fiat will bring a handful of its small cars within 18 months, and it is likely to be the compact, two-door 500, which in Italy carries a base price of 11,250 euros ($17,500). Fiat will also bring its sporty Alfa Romeo brand to the U.S., though it is not planning to relaunch the Fiat brand there. The cars would either be branded as Chryslers or a variation of its European models.