Industry Report: Chrysler's Short Term Future Part I - The Launch of Five New Models in 2005

This rule was once again made extremely clear with the 300 sedan and Magnum sport tourer, the latter also expected to sell

The Jeep Grand Cherokee only seats five adults, while the upcoming Commander (concept shown) is touted to seat seven in comfort. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

well by bridging a gap between sport wagons, crossovers and SUVs, but the Charger should be the biggest money maker of them all.

The second Chrysler Group vehicle on the 2005 agenda won't replace any outgoing product at all, but rather is targeting competitors Jeep is currently losing sales to when its Grand Cherokee buyers drop the model in quest for greater seating capacity. The Grand Cherokee only seats five adults, while the upcoming Commander is touted to seat seven in comfort. The Commander should only have a nominal parasitic effect on the Grand Cherokee, appealing to some buyers of the smaller SUV who either find the new model more attractive or simply want to move up to what is biggest and best in the Jeep lineup. Parasitical movement upward is not a problem for an automaker, however, as the more expensive new model will allow Chrysler Group to achieve greater profits on a vehicle by vehicle basis.

The third vehicle to hit the streets in 2005 will be the Dodge Ram Mega Cab, an even larger version of the full-size Ram pickup.

The Dodge Ram Mega Cab, an even larger version of the full-size Ram pickup shown in disguise, will be hitting the streets in 2005. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

The announcement was made by Chrysler marketing boss Joe Eberhardt two weeks ago. Not much is known about the Mega Cab, other than its Quad Cab configuration will sit six adults with room behind the rear seats for storage. A 2,500 Mega Cab is expected for model year 2006, with a 1,500 version slated for the 2007 model year.

The Ram will also feature a face lift for 2006, with front fascia design cues that mirror the division's Ram SRT-10 sport truck, including headlamps mounted above amber turn signals, and a larger, flatter bumper.

Note: Come back tomorrow to find out what additional Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models may be added this year and next. (bold)