Update: Chrysler confirms it will cut SUV from its lineup

With Project Genesis already underway at Chrysler the fat is truly being trimmed in order to turn things around for the ailing car maker. The latest step is an elimination of all 'twin' models - cars that look essentially the same, based on the same platform, that target the same buyers, but sold under different brands. Now a company spokesman has confirmed that either the Dodge Nitro or Jeep Liberty will be cut as part of the program.

Once one of the two twin SUVs is cut, the other will carry on as-is, however. The cut will happen by 2012, and is in fact part of a larger plan to reduce the duplication in the Chrysler range. "As we move toward 2012, we won't have this dual badging of products and duplicating products," said North American sales Chief Steve Landry, according to the Detroit Free Press. Previous announcements of the intent to reduce 'twin' models had been second-hand and lacked specific time frames. With the Nitro/Liberty pairing now having a definite end date, it raises the question of when the remainder of the cuts will be made.

Other prime examples of the failed 'twin' scheme include the Dodge Avenger/Chrysler Sebring pair and the Chrysler Aspen/Dodge Durango. It's not likely that Chrysler will step into the current product line to make cuts mid-cycle, but will instead change its development plans to eliminate such overlap.

According to Landry, "What we'll do in our business model is not build similar vehicles on the same platform that kind of look and act like they have the same DNA." Which half of each twin pairing will get the eventual axe isn't yet known, but Frank Klegon, executive vice president for product development, hinted that the Durango would live on, saying, "The Durango is a great name."

Company spokesman Stuart Schorr confirmed the future product slimming, saying in an email, "I would say the entire product lineup for the future is being reviewed to ensure we have a lineup that meets distinct customer needs and fits under one tri-branded roof."