http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...179151131/1065


The Dodge Hornet concept car, which caused a buzz at the 2006 Geneva auto show, is likely to go into production next year and will be built for Chrysler LLC by Nissan Motor Co., sources say.

"We are working intensely on the Hornet study," Thomas Hausch, Chrysler vice president of international sales, said in a story last week in the Financial Times Deutschland. "I think we will announce something on this in the future."

Industry sources familiar with Chrysler's plans say the Hornet will be the first fruit from the cooperation between Chrysler and Nissan.

In January, the two companies jointly announced that Nissan will begin building a car for Chrysler at its Oppama, Japan, factory in 2009 for the 2010 model year. The car will be based on the Nissan Versa subcompact.

The Hornet concept was a three-door hatchback with more than a passing resemblance to the Mini Cooper. Industry sources familiar with Chrysler's plans say the Hornet will likely be an upscale small car designed to compete against the Mini.

Chrysler also plans other small cars, to be built in China with Chery Automobile Co. and aimed at budget buyers. Chrysler has set no production date for those cars and is continuing development work with Chery.

 

This is a good thing, because Chrysler can't build a small car to save their life. The Stratus/Sebring combo are just horrible looking vehicles. The Caliber is okay, and that Journey thing looks too much like a minivan. If it isn't on a truck frame, or a large car (LX series), Chrysler just can't do it.

 

So this is the "small car" tradeoff from Nissan for Chrysler to build a rebadged Ram for as the Titan in return.
I like the idea as it blends the best in what each company can do and helps round out two model lineups. Chrysler needs a well built and cheap small car yesterday in this economy. Nissan gets a Titan that can fill its needs for far less cost than to design and built it alone.
What I don't like is Mr. Ghosn eyeing Chrysler as a way to fill his legacy to find a suitable American car brand to join the Nissan/Renault empire. But who can blame him as I think we all know Cerberus isn't likely to keep Chrysler around forever.

 

It kinda looks like a Nitro that shrunk in the wash.

 

Ok while the Avenger/Sebring aren't game changers they aren't terrible cars either. They are middle of the pack on power and have unique looks. While the Avenger (aka Mini-Charger) is silly looking the Sebring's front looks quite attractive, please don't ask about the rear I do get tired of people bashing the cars who have likely spent little/no time in one.

 

Looks are what get people into cars (with a few exceptions....I mean, look at the Prius). They may be wonderful cars on the inside. I wouldn't know, as the looks of the vehicle turn me off to the point where I wouldn't even test drive one. I could get a G6, Altima, Malibu, or Accord (all models listed are 4 cyl) for the same/similiar $$$, and have a much better looking vehicle. The cars just look like no one cared from the beginning.

 

Is anybody concerned that ALL of Chrysler's new products (not redesigned products) are being produced in countries other than ours?
The Journey is in Mexico, the Hornet is in Japan, and more small cars from China.
Chrysler, in my mind, quickly wants to get out of the U.S.A.

 

As oil prices keep climbing and the dollar keeps falling it is eventually going to be cheaper to make these cars in the USA.

 

I disagree, I think the Avenger looks fine, and would be considered quite attractive if we hadn't seen the Charger first.

The Sebring, on the other hand, is a catastrophe start to finish. The old ones looked way better.

 

I can see reskinned Versa all over this..

 

Nissan isn't making the Hornet. Regardless as to what Autoweek says.

Take this for whatever it's worth.

 

But will they be making something else.