Chrysler working on next-generation platforms

Last month Chrysler revealed its plans to establish a global midsize vehicle center specifically for the design and construction of a new flexible platform that could be used to for an entire family of vehicles including sedans, hatchbacks, crossovers and small pickups. The new platform is a crucial design for Chrysler and the key to its success, and essentially the success of the Chrysler brand itself, will be whether the car can be designed to suit global tastes.

That’s why Chrysler has a whole team of staff concentrating on developing the new platform. Labeled ‘Project D’ (the new platform is for the D-segment), the platform will eventually replace Chrysler’s current architecture, which is used for cars like the Sebring, Avenger and Journey crossover. Project D is made up of engineers, product planners and program managers, as well as purchasing and international business managers, and is expected to make its first recommendations by the middle of the year.

Speaking with Automotive News, Chrysler’s head of product development Frank Klegon said the first vehicles will arrive in five to six years and may be produced at plants all around the world. Planners want the platform to be as flexible as possible, meaning it can spawn several types of vehicles including both FWD and RWD models, be able to meet worldwide demand, and be modern enough to be viable in years to come.