FCA Axes Chrysler Brand In UK, Sheds Light On New Jeeps

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

By 2017, the Chrysler brand will no longer be offered in the UK, following a move by parent company FCA to pull Lancia products (largely rebadged Chrysler vehicles) from other European markets.

While the Chrysler 300 and Ypsilon supermini never saw much fanfare in Europe, the Chrysler minivans did enjoy a following in Europe throughout the 1990’s and 2000’s, though sales have tanked, down 21 percent from 2013 levels.

But FCA isn’t giving up on Europe for its American brands. The auto maker will be investing money into Jeep as it pushes for the brand to become a global player akin to an American Land Rover. According to Auto Express a Nissan Qashqai rival (presumably the replacement for the Jeep Compass/Patriot) and a full-size Grand Wagoneer are in the cards for introduction within the next three years.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Wmba Wmba on Mar 17, 2015

    Marchionne said last week that Fiat would never be a major player in Europe again, but instead sell umpteen variations of the 500 in the niche market. Of course, his loyalty (read fear of industrial action and political action) to Italy has Renegades being made in Melfi to fill up the sparse production lines, or there'd be trouble with a whole bunch of people waving their arms around. It's such a nightmare, though. They have a full out production plant making Multiair turbos in the US, and the Tigershark 2.4 is also made in Michigan and Mexico. These engines have to crated and sent to Italy to be installed in North American-bound Renegades. Very efficient. So now it's time for FCA to cash in on the Jeep brand worldwide to keep the ship afloat outside North America where Chrysler?Dodge/Ram and of course real Jeeps sell very well. And while they're at it, cut out the silly one-off Lancias/Chryslers etc. they are selling in Europe, as the article mentions.

  • Lorenzo Lorenzo on Mar 17, 2015

    Sergio is doing what Ford already did, pulling back in mainland Europe. Ford, though, is staying invested in the UK. Anybody who reads the financial pages knows that, while Europe is a large market, it has the Sword of Damocles hanging over it in the form of the Euro crisis with Greece, and Italy is getting closer to a massive default that would blow everything up. FCA can survive as a Western Hemisphere company by limiting its exposure to Europe and the Euro. That's why their financials are based in London.

  • RobertRyan RobertRyan on Mar 17, 2015

    "So now it’s time for FCA to cash in on the Jeep brand worldwide to keep the ship afloat outside North America where Chrysler?Dodge/Ram and of course real Jeeps sell very well. And while they’re at it, cut out the silly one-off Lancias/Chryslers etc. they are selling in Europe, as the article mentions." No sales of Dodge or Ram outside NA . Jeep is FCA as a Automobile manufacturer for everyone outside NA and has reasonable sales

  • Bd2 Bd2 on Mar 18, 2015

    While Fiat stepped in and saved Chrysler (getting a great deal in the process), it's Chrysler (largely due to Jeep and Ram) that will save Fiat in the long run.

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