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Changes at Chrysler will happen fast

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2,544 views Mar 15, 2008

Changes at Chrysler will happen fast

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One of the plagues of the auto industry is the high level of bureaucracy, deliberation and red tape that surround nearly every decision made in regards to developing new products. In an effort to reduce costs and bring products to market faster Chrysler is devising a new plan that will ensure future changes within the carmaker will happen fast.

Chrysler is planning to roll out a host of new technologies this year, but instead of waiting until the traditional mid-cycle refresh developers will install whatever new features it has on hand right away.

Thinking and acting like a small company is one of the key features of the turnaround strategy developed by new owners Cerberus. "Having the ability to make decisions quickly can help, as they're making the right decision," auto analyst Stephanie Brinley explained to The Detroit News. "They're going to make some mistakes along the way, but they're still better off going forward, if they keep that speed up, and they're always evaluating what they're doing."

Some of the new technologies include an AWD system for the 2009 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 that gets the same fuel-efficiency as the RWD models. The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country, meanwhile, will get a new backseat entertainment system with adjustable screens as well as a blind spot monitoring and reverse camera system. By year's end, Chrysler hopes to introduce an Internet connection through its Mopar division that will make any vehicle a mobile WiFi Hotspot.