Chrysler has been desperate for a small car in North America as high fuel prices send consumers away from its trucks and sport utility vehicles to more fuel-efficient models. U.S. subcompact sales were up about 30 percent in the first three months of this year, and LaSorda said the global demand for subcompacts tops 10 million cars per year.
"I think the timing is good. I wish I had them now but I'll wait for great cars," LaSorda said. He said Chrysler has already finished designing its subcompact.
LaSorda said this deal won't affect ongoing talks with Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Co. to make small cars for Chrysler to export to the U.S. and Western Europe.
"We believe we need more than one small car for NAFTA, so we will be counting on Chery to help us with that," he said, referring to sales in the U.S., Canada and Mexico
Well Tommy, you had the Neon and you had it in a performance version. Imagine the possibilities now two years removed.
Keep watching those sales go elsewhere from the cheap seats.
