Chrysler’s Future Has To Wait a Few More Years

The Chrysler brand is marking 100 years in 2025 and though its stable of vehicles is weak, consisting of two similar minivans, one of which is for fleets only, it won’t go down without a fight. The brand has shown several concept vehicles in the past few years while the venerable Pacifica continued to lead its segment in sales.

But time is getting short, and opposed to other American Stellantis brands, global CEO Carlos Tavares’ departure doesn’t automatically improve its outlook. Stellantis executives continue to hold a sweet spot for the brand.

“Years of underinvestment in product and strategy have left Chrysler clinging to its legacy with minimal innovation and a stagnant lineup. Its survival now hinges on Stellantis’ commitment to delivering bold new products and restoring relevance in a rapidly evolving market,” Paul Waatti, director of industry analysis at AutoPacific told Newsweek.

“However, its lack of identity presents a unique opportunity for reinvention. By leveraging Stellantis’ resources and embracing evolution, Chrysler can redefine itself as a forward-thinking, relevant brand while capitalizing on its heritage of American ingenuity,” he said.

“Carlos was always a big supporter of Chrysler and that doesn’t change with his departure. Working with Antonio [Filosa] and John Elkann on the future product strategies and road maps, there continues to be very good investment in Chrysler brands,” Chrysler and now Alfa Romeo brand CEO Chris Feuell told Newsweek at the Detroit auto show.

Chris Feuell was appointed brand Chief Executive Officer for Chrysler in September 2021. She assumed control of the Alfa Romeo brand in North America in December 2024. Prior to joining Stellantis, Feuell was chief commercial officer at Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions.

“We’ve got three new products that we’re launching between now and the end of the decade, maintaining the Pacifica, the new crossover, and a product to be named later that will be inspired by the Halcyon concept,” said Feuell.

The Halcyon concept was the company’s most recent design study featuring a low body just 4 inches off the ground featuring aerodynamic blades to control the wind around the vehicle. It has rear-hinged rear doors and a butterfly-hinged canopy, opening up the cabin for easy entry and exit along with folding rear seats with a nod to the company’s Stow n’ Go versions in its minivans.

The upcoming vehicle, based on that concept, which will arrive before 2030 along with a midsize crossover and a reborn minivan. They will ride on the new SLTA Large platform from parent company Stellantis. The new platform can underpin several sizes of vehicle and use various powertrains.

“We’ve got technology that’s very flexible and versatile. We’ve got shared battery systems, as well as other components within the vehicle that allow us to scale and reduce costs when they’re shared across multiple nameplates and platforms on a global basis. So that’s a benefit,” said Feuell.

Feuell explained that because the platform is multi-energy it gives the brand the option to change with consumer and market needs. Chrysler’s original plan was to go full battery electric.

“Obviously, consumer sentiment in the U.S. is not there yet and so we can flex, even to more plug-in hybrids (PHEV) if that is what’s warranted. And so, it gives us options to better meet the needs of the local markets.”

The vehicle based on the electric Halcyon concept will feature a new form of battery chemistry using lithium, iron, and phosphate, which has pros and cons. They’re less harmful to the environment during mining than batteries with cobalt. They also have a longer life and are more resistant to aging from fast charging. However, they’re about 30 percent less efficient meaning a 30 percent bigger size.

“The importance of LFP chemistry is that it’s extremely durable, so it performs better in colder weather temperatures like we have here, especially the last week. It is less expensive, and so you’ll see us, and I think a lot of OEMs start to introduce and integrate LFP battery technology for the practical and durability,” said Feuell.