Chrysler and Mitsubishi Go With Only 1 Small and Midsize Platform
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| There aren't even any artist's renderings of the next generation Mitsubishi Lancer, but both the Japanese company and Chrysler Group will base its next small and midsize car redesigns on its platform. A 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer is shown. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
In an effort to streamline operations, allowing single assembly lines to produce a variety of vehicles, both Chrysler and Mitsubishi small and midsize cars will be developed from just one platform architecture.
Earlier this year Chrysler and Mitsubishi executives suggested that two vehicle platforms would be needed, but what seems to be an about face has some industry analysts pointing to a need to curb costs and add flexibility in a time of great global unrest. By increasing the diversity of product built at each line of assembly both Chrysler and Mitsubishi will enhance their capability of producing models in numbers relative to customer demand.
The course of action is also a solid sign that the two automakers are working closer to combine technologies to reduce costs - DaimlerChrysler owns 37% of Mitsubishi Motors.
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| When this 2004 Sebring sedan is completely redesigned, expected in MY 2006, it will share platform architecture with all Mitushishi and Chrysler Group small and midsize cars. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Ford is working similarly with its Mazda division in the development of the next generation Focus/Protegé respectively, as is General Motors with its new Daewoo production facilities acquisition - Suzuki will also benefit with new models derived from the GM/Daewoo deal.
Back to Chrysler and Mitsubishi, the latter automaker's next generation Lancer platform will spawn the upcoming Chrysler PT Cruiser and Dodge SX 2.0 (Neon in the U.S.) as well as the Chrysler Sebring, and Dodge Stratus in the United States. There is no doubt Chrysler will develop other models off of this platform as well.
There is no definitive word yet if DaimlerChrysler Canada will sell a version of all Dodge car models, like the Stratus, in Canada. Currently the Dodge SX 2.0 and Viper SRT-10 are the only cars available north of the 49th, along with a variety of trucks and SUVs.