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."
Reader Comments
Sat Apr 19 2008 8:21 PM
Ink Master says
Twins? try quadruplets in some cases...
Sun Apr 20 2008 2:32 AM
mbach says
Crap American cars. Perfect example the Dodge Avenger/Chrysler Sebring.
When will the yank car companies learn their lesson. If you build cars of these
standards, you won't be successful.
Sun Apr 20 2008 2:03 PM
chris says
mbach, clearly you've never driven one. the avenger and sebring are getting hammered by the press because the interior is crap for a mid sized car. people expect really good interiors on midsized cars now. thats the bulk of the industry. these cars dont compete with the materials being used. the vehicles are mechanically sound though. and at least the designs are most INSPIRING than most other cars (camry, altima, even the accord isnt really... put together. design wise.) as far as exterior, I think the avenger is probably the best looking midsized car right now.
gets the blood pumping even at a stand still. and to drive it is even better.
Fri Sep 5 2008 1:16 PM
NoNameDenton says
Ditch the Dodge Nitro and keep the Liberty and fpr the love of everything, give us a new diesel version.
Fri Sep 5 2008 2:13 PM
Laz says
I used to love Chrysler products until I bought a new 2004 Jeep Liberty which was a POS. Bring back the Cherokee with the 4.0L which was bulit proof...
Fri Sep 5 2008 4:20 PM
Andrew says
Why not get rid of both of them? They suck that bad.
Fri Sep 5 2008 4:42 PM
NoNameDenton says
Andrew, the Liberty is not bad, and can be tuned for off-roading nicely, just needs a better engine and a 6 speed automatic.
Sat Sep 6 2008 3:52 PM
Guber says
NND, nephew has a Liberty 3.7 Limited, yes they suck bad, resale even worse @ only 2 yrs old 15,XXX.
Sat Sep 6 2008 3:54 PM
Guber says
oops, meant 15,XXX miles not $$$
Sat Sep 6 2008 4:28 PM
NoNameDenton says
Guber, I have a relative who has one and loves it, so your own families issues with it have no impact on me, since my relative has over 100,000 miles.
Sat Sep 6 2008 8:47 PM
NaBUru38 says
The Aspen (body-on-frame full-size off-roader) obviously doen't correspond with Chrysler's image. The stock Avenger doesn't rhyme with Charger's muscle looks, it should've been sportier. Jeep should have only square off-roaders (Patriot, Cherokkee, Commander, Wrangler), and Dodge rounder ones (Journey, Durango).
Leave a Comment
Login or register to leave comments.
Please keep your comments on topic. Your involvement is governed by our Privacy Policy and Terms.