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.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Operations

Shades of Fleet Call for Voices: Next Up in Fleet
Apprentices, interns, young professionals, and rising leaders: share your voice in our "Next Up in Fleet" episode of our Shades of Fleet video series!
Read More →
Fleet Leadership, Skilled Trades, and Better Data Take Center Stage | Weekly Cheat Sheet
Skilled trades, fleet leadership, DataQs, and driver input take center stage in this week's Truck Chat Weekly Cheat Sheet. Watch the latest fleet headlines.
Read More →
NAFA Names 2026 Class of Fellows, Honoring Leaders in Fleet Management
NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) has recognized five fleet professionals by naming them to the 2026 Class of NAFA Fellows. Find out who they are and learn more about their impact on the fleet management profession.
Read More →
Verisk CargoNet Assists in Manhattan Cargo Theft Indictment Targeting Multi-State Impersonation Ring
Verisk CargoNet assisted law enforcement efforts tied to an indictment related to an organized, multi-state cargo theft operation that allegedly took nearly $5 million in stolen goods through impersonation tactics.
Read More →
What Does a Potato Have to Do with Leadership?
From simple process improvements and creative problem-solving to the little moments that strengthen team culture, this conversation dives into the power of unexpected ideas and why innovation doesn't always arrive wrapped in new technology or a major initiative.
Read More →
Looking for a New Podcast for the Road? Start Here!
Looking for a new podcast? Truck Chat delivers fleet leadership insights, industry deep dives, AI discussions, innovations, and real-world stories.
Read More →
WTX Fleet Manager Applications Close Soon (and Yes, You Want In)
WTX Fleet Manager Applications close soon for the hosted Work Truck Exchange, Sept. 23-25, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Limited spots available, apply today!
Read More →Did You Know What You Don't See May Be Costing You Big?
As more employees choose personal vehicles (including hybrids and EVs) for business use, companies face new challenges around visibility, insurance, liability, and cost control.
Read More →
Veteran Voices in Fleet | How Military Service Shapes Fleet Leaders
Across every perspective, one message is clear: the experiences gained through military service continue to influence how veterans contribute to the fleet industry every day.
Read More →
The Fleet Lessons That Don’t Show Up on a Spreadsheet
From index cards to predictive maintenance, Robert Martinez shares the hard-earned leadership lessons that shaped nearly 40 years in fleet.
Read More →

