Related: FCA to Produce Hybrid Trucks, SUVs
FCA Ending Chrysler 200, Dodge Dart to Focus on Trucks, SUVs
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will eventually discontinue the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart, increase Jeep SUV and Ram truck production, and roll out additional hybrids as part of its business plan leading toward 2018.

Photo of 2016 Jeep Wrangler courtesy of FCA US.

Photo of 2016 Jeep Wrangler courtesy of FCA US.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA US) will eventually discontinue the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart, increase Jeep SUV and Ram truck production, and roll out additional hybrids by 2018, the automaker announced as an update to its 5-year business plan.
FCA US is shifting its product strategy in the U.S. market as a response to persistently low gasoline prices and a shift in demand toward utility vehicles and trucks over passenger cars, CEO Sergio Marchionne said during a Jan. 27 conference call with investors. The company is also dealing with higher recall costs.
While discussing the FCA vehicles offered in the U.S., Marchionne said the company has incorporated a "permanent shift in demand" from cars to trucks and utility vehicles. Since 2009, FCA has seen its sales reflect this shift. That year, FCA sold 56% cars, 29% utility vehicles, and 15% trucks. In 2015, FCA sold 46% cars, 37% utility vehicles, and 17% trucks.
"There are two cars in particular, the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200, which will run their course," Marchionne said. "Without creating additional capacity, we need to reutilize those plant infrastructures to try and deal with the development of Jeep and the Ram brand."
Marchionne perhaps foreshadowed the announcement about the Chrysler 200 earlier this week, when he said the car was "not up to snuff" because of its cramped rear seating.
FCA US executives gave some initial details about their expansion plans for Jeep and Ram. The company hopes to sell 2 million Jeeps globally in 2018. In 2015, FCA US sold 1.2 million Jeep vehicles — the most in the brand's history and a more than 50% increase from 2013.
Marchionne said FCA US is working to open up production capacity for the Wagoneer and three-row Grand Wagoneer expected to arrive around 2018. FCA plans to introduce the next-generation Wrangler in 2017. A North Carolina defense contractor is now negotiating to return a military-spec Wrangler to the battlefield, the Detroit News reported.
The Chrysler 200 is built in Sterling Heights, Mich., and the Dodge Dart is built in Belvidere, Ill. FCA US is expected to move production of its Ram pickup to Sterling Heights and its Jeep Cherokee to Belvidere, reports the Detroit Free Press.
To meet increasingly stringent greenhouse gas emissions regulations, FCA US plans to produce gasoline-electric hybrid and diesel-powered versions of its Wrangler, upcoming Chrysler Pacifica minivan, and Ram 1500.
The business plan updated a 5-year plan announced in 2014.
More Operations

Top 50 Executive Fleets
It is that time of year again! Time for the 2026 list of the Top 50 Executive Fleets, presented by Automotive Fleet and Volvo as part of its annual Fleet 500. Download now to see this year's list of companies!
Read More →
Gary Van Orden Retires After Nearly Four Decades in Commercial Fleet
From answering customer calls at Ford Motor Company to leading fleet sales across multiple OEMs and a fleet management company, Gary Van Orden's career reflects nearly four decades of leadership in commercial fleet.
Read More →
How Stellantis Plans to Get Ahead of Fleet Downtime
Vehicle acquisition may grab the headlines, but fleet uptime increasingly determines operating success. Darren Bradshaw of Mopar North America gives the details.
Read More →
Hyundai Releases 2027 Commercial Program Incentives
The 2027 Model Year "Fleet Street Incentives" are available to commercial and government fleets.
Read More →
It's All Downhill from Here! Fleet Industry Raises $22,000 for Skilled Trades Scholarships
Work Truck’s Lauren Fletcher and Automotive Fleet’s Chris Brown turned a friendly racing rivalry into $22,000 for automotive technology and skilled trades scholarships.
Read More →The Top 300 Commercial Fleets
The Top 300 Commercial Fleets: See the List
Read More →
Your Local Dealer Knows More Than You Think
Your local dealer can provide an information advantage that extends well beyond courtesy deliveries.
Read More →
Fleet Meets: Austin Schutte
Here are some industry insights, personal touches, and words of advice from the CEO and Founder of Anew Solutions.
Read More →Soap Box Derby Challenge: What’s Powering Team Brown
The car is coming together, the students are solving real build problems, and the fleet industry is helping push Team Brown toward the starting line.
Read More →
