Chrysler may still build Nissan’s redesigned Titan pickup
December 31st, 1969
Before Chrysler was ever involved in alliance dealings with Fiat, the Auburn Hills-based carmaker was already tied with Nissan over several platform swapping and production sharing deals. In February of this year, however, plans for Nissan to build a Chrysler compact car based on its Versa in exchange for Chrysler building a redesigned Titan pickup truck alongside the Dodge Ram were halted.
With no word on the progress of the deal for some time now, Nissan's U.S. sales chief has finally spoken out about the state of negotiations since Chrysler formed its new alliance with Fiat. Speaking with Automotive News, Brian Carolin explained that the deal for Chrysler to build the Nissan Titan pickup vehicle was still progressing and that the carmaker had already "signed off on the final styling of the vehicle".
It remains uncertain whether or not Nissan will still be building a small car based on its Versa model for Chrysler, but with Chrysler's new tie-up with Fiat this may no longer be necessary. Despite this, Carolin is confident that the deal will go through to build the Titan since the project will be "profitable for both parties" involved.
Currently, the Nissan Titan is performing poorly in the pickup market, especially compared to major competitors such as Chrysler, GM and Toyota. Nevertheless, contracting Chrysler to build the pickup should save the Japanese company money in the long-term and perhaps allow it to pick up sales in 2011 when the new model is expected to hit dealerships. The benefit to Chrysler is the economies of scale brought by the increased production volumes.
Before Chrysler was ever involved in alliance dealings with Fiat, the Auburn Hills-based carmaker was already tied with Nissan over several platform swapping and production sharing deals. In February of this year, however, plans for Nissan to build a Chrysler compact car based on its Versa in exchange for Chrysler building a redesigned Titan pickup truck alongside the Dodge Ram were halted.
With no word on the progress of the deal for some time now, Nissan's U.S. sales chief has finally spoken out about the state of negotiations since Chrysler formed its new alliance with Fiat. Speaking with Automotive News, Brian Carolin explained that the deal for Chrysler to build the Nissan Titan pickup vehicle was still progressing and that the carmaker had already "signed off on the final styling of the vehicle".
It remains uncertain whether or not Nissan will still be building a small car based on its Versa model for Chrysler, but with Chrysler's new tie-up with Fiat this may no longer be necessary. Despite this, Carolin is confident that the deal will go through to build the Titan since the project will be "profitable for both parties" involved.
Currently, the Nissan Titan is performing poorly in the pickup market, especially compared to major competitors such as Chrysler, GM and Toyota. Nevertheless, contracting Chrysler to build the pickup should save the Japanese company money in the long-term and perhaps allow it to pick up sales in 2011 when the new model is expected to hit dealerships. The benefit to Chrysler is the economies of scale brought by the increased production volumes.
Chrysler may still build Nissan’s redesigned Titan pickup
May 11th, 2009
Author
May 11th, 2009
Author
May 11th, 2009
- Articles Contributed: 893
- Comments Posted: 100
- Leaderboard Rank: #17
- 1495 Views
- 4 Comments
If the project goes ahead the redesigned Titan will share its platform with the Dodge Ram and arrive in showrooms by 2011
Enlarge PhotoWith no word on the progress of the deal for some time now, Nissan's U.S. sales chief has finally spoken out about the state of negotiations since Chrysler formed its new alliance with Fiat. Speaking with Automotive News, Brian Carolin explained that the deal for Chrysler to build the Nissan Titan pickup vehicle was still progressing and that the carmaker had already "signed off on the final styling of the vehicle".
It remains uncertain whether or not Nissan will still be building a small car based on its Versa model for Chrysler, but with Chrysler's new tie-up with Fiat this may no longer be necessary. Despite this, Carolin is confident that the deal will go through to build the Titan since the project will be "profitable for both parties" involved.
Currently, the Nissan Titan is performing poorly in the pickup market, especially compared to major competitors such as Chrysler, GM and Toyota. Nevertheless, contracting Chrysler to build the pickup should save the Japanese company money in the long-term and perhaps allow it to pick up sales in 2011 when the new model is expected to hit dealerships. The benefit to Chrysler is the economies of scale brought by the increased production volumes.
More from MotorAuthority
-
11/09/2009
Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5-Series Touring
With the 2009 Audi A6 facelift and the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class ...
-
11/09/2009
Driven: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6
Unlike the mainstream market where hybrid technology is used to maximize ...
-
11/09/2009
Autonomous Audi TTS To Tackle Pikes Peak Rally
We have a preview of one of the challengers that will tackle the very ...
More from High Gear Media
-
AllAboutPrius.com | 11/09/2009
Toyota Creates New Flower Species To Cut CO2 From Prius Production
You may already associate the 2010 Toyota Prius with flowers, courtesy of ...
-
AllCarsElectric.com | 11/09/2009
Tesla's Musk Takes a Shot at Fisker
Speaking at the University of Delaware Thursday, Elon Musk took a public ...
-
AllCarsElectric.com | 11/09/2009
Chrysler's ENVI Electric Vehicle Program Cancelled
Over the past year we have brought you countless stories regarding ...
%7Cutmcsr%3D(direct)%7Cutmcmd%3D(none)%3B%2B__utmv%3D41864381.%3B)
Comments (4 total)
Meet the top commenters on the LeaderboardWith car sales, especially with trucks down the tubes, is this truck really necessary
Nissan needs to offer the Titan with the Cummins small diesel as a way to differentiate itself in the market.
Nissan needs to offer the Titan with the Cummins small diesel as a way to differentiate itself in the market.
While that would sound good, they would probably shy away from the idea the way the Detroit automakers have from diesels.
My experience with truck owners is that they tend to be fairly familiar with the trucks they buy and are more brand/model loyal than the typical car buyer. The vast majority of potential customers are going to know that this is a re-skinned Dodge and will likely stay away from it in droves.
Post a Comment
Sign In |