Grand ambitions

The Jeep Patriot. Photo / Supplied

Rumours of dramatic cuts to Chrysler's line-up have been scotched with confirmation of Fiat's plan for the American company.

That's good news for Chrysler NZ, with its updated and rather good Patriot SUV, pictured, just launched.

Chrysler's five-year plan will see big investment in renewing every model between now and 2013, with Jeep as the hero brand. Dodge will hone its performance persona with Chrysler-badged cars pitched a tad up-market.

The ambitious programme uses Fiat platforms for a new range of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge cars and Fiat tech for small capacity engines.

Kiwis might look on Fiat as a niche seller of small cars, but the Italian brand is huge globally and has the clout to make Chrysler succeed. It aims to double Jeep sales worldwide to over 800,000 per year, and more than double overall sales to 2.8 million in the next three years, with break-even achieved in 2010.

Chrysler divisional manager Todd Groves says with the axe lifted, he's already making plans to increase sales here.