A powerful road to rejuvenation FCA’s new car inventory in the next five years
[car home News] Not long ago, Fiat Chrysler Group (FCA) officially released the vehicle model plan for the next five years. From the determination of Jeep brand to the return of Alfa Romeo GTV, from the replacement of Maserati to the launch of Hellcat performance version of Dodge Ram Trx, all indicate the determination of brand recovery. The new models pay more attention to the classification of grades and fill new market segments. With the constant changes in the market, large-space urban SUV has become a new trend in the automobile market. At the same time, the advent of the electrification era has also ushered in a new growth point. Today, we will have a detailed interpretation of this future plan of Fiat Chrysler Group. Are there any new cars you are looking forward to? Let’s look down together
★ Jeep
In Jeep’s planning, at least nine new or modified models will be launched before 2022, and two new cars will be launched every year on average. The new cars in the future will cover the entry-level SUV market, pickup truck market and large SUV market, so as to complete its layout in all market segments (except cars). In terms of electrification, by 2022, 10 plug-in hybrid models and 4 pure electric vehicles will be launched; In terms of intelligence, by 2022, all levels of vehicles will be equipped with car networking systems, and L3-level autopilot systems will be provided at other levels except entry-level vehicles.
Coming to China market, by 2022, Jeep will launch 8 new/modified models in China, including 2 unique models in China. Among the above-mentioned new energy vehicles, four plug-in hybrid models will meet with us, and the other four pure electric vehicles are all produced in China. By 2020, all its models sold in China will be equipped with car networking system, and L3 autopilot system will also be provided. According to the official definition, the future China market will play a leading role in the global market of FCA.
● New small SUV
Features of the new car: the body length is less than 4 meters, and it will become a family entry model.
Jeep has launched Freeman in the small SUV market. In order to further enhance its competitiveness in entry-level and emerging markets, Jeep will launch another brand-new small SUV before 2022, which will be positioned lower than Freeman and is expected to be an urban small SUV.
According to the news obtained so far, the body length of the new car will be controlled within 4 meters, and it is expected to be built with Fiat’s new generation Panda and the new Fiat 500 shared platform, and directly compete with Ford Wing Beat. Previously, foreign media had exposed the news that Jeep wanted to build a new entry-level small SUV, and said that the car was code-named Jeep 526.
"Entry-level small SUV confirmed to enter the Indian market"
Mike Manley, president of Jeep brand, mentioned in a dialogue, "We can see that small SUVs are a trend in the European market, and this model is also very popular in Latin America." In the official information released by Jeep, it is clearly mentioned that this new car will be launched in India. As a fast-growing emerging market, India’s demand for small cars has been very strong, and brands focusing on the small car market such as Suzuki have achieved good results here, which is also an important reason why Jeep decided to bring this new car into the Indian market.
As for the China market, this car may not come. Mike Manley thinks that consumers at this level/price will pay more attention to the products of local brands in China, because the latter has higher cost performance. Indeed, the small SUVs of overseas brands that can sell well in China market at present are all based on large space. For entry-level products like Ford Wing Beat, consumers’ acceptance is not very high. At the same price, they are more willing to choose a small SUV with higher brand configuration in China or a compact SUV with more space.
Editor’s comment:Entry-level small SUV will not be very inclusive in China market, especially a model with a length less than 4m. Just a little space will make many China consumers shake their heads. According to the current information, the main market of this car in the future may not be in China, but Indian and Latin America, which have a "special preference" for small cars, are expected to become the main battlefields of this new model. As for what kind of car it will be, let’s wait and see.
● New Guide
Features of the new car: Plug-in and pure electric version will be provided.
The second-generation guide was officially released in November 2016. For this model that has just been on the market for more than a year, it is too early to say what its mid-term redesigned model will be. The official has not announced more information about this car at present.
"cash guide"
Let’s talk about the models currently on sale. This compact SUV has achieved a global layout and is currently produced in China, Mexico, Brazil and India. In the domestic market, its price is 159,800-241,800 yuan, and 1.4T and 2.4L models are available. Throughout 2017, this car sold a total of 86,980 vehicles in China, and it has become the most successful domestic model of Jeep.
With Jeep’s increasing investment in electrification and intelligence, by 2022, Jeep will launch 10 plug-in hybrid vehicles and 4 pure electric vehicles, including the new guide after the mid-term change, which will bring good news to consumers in areas such as China and the European Union, which have stricter emission requirements and many incentive policies for new energy vehicles. In addition, the addition of car networking and autonomous driving technology will also bring more competitiveness to the new guide.
Editor’s comment:Although the guide is a "shoulder handle" in terms of sales volume, the sales volume of the guide is not particularly prominent in the face of some competitors at the same level. After all, the compact SUV is the core position of many overseas brands. According to the data released by FCA, from 2018 to 2022, the number of Jeep’s competitive models in the compact SUV market will increase by 36%, which also means that the guide will face greater challenges, and it will also make itself more competitive through mid-term changes.
● New Freeman/New Freelight
It is expected to adopt a new design/fully provide new energy version.
Cash Freeman
"cash free light"
The replacement of Freelight and Freeman is also worth looking forward to. These two cars have also been made in China at present, so the attention is relatively high. At present, the official has not released detailed information, but it is mentioned that they will also provide plug-in hybrid and electric versions like the new guide, and the car networking system and L3-level autopilot system will be gradually installed.
"『Jeep will provide four models that can be upgraded."
"Free Light Deserthawk version will be launched in the first quarter of 2020"
It is worth mentioning that Jeep will further strengthen the subdivision of the performance characteristics of the models in the future, and will enhance the characteristics of the models by launching four different versions. For example, the Trailhawk version will have the most powerful off-road capability; Deserthawk version will provide powerful desert off-road performance, and we can see that the Deserthawk version of the new free light will be released in the first quarter of 2020; The Trackhawk version will provide strong road performance; In addition, Jeep will launch a version focusing on urban driving in the future, which is expected to have a unique performance in terms of technology configuration.
Editor’s comment:Freeman and Freelight are two distinctive models. Jeep brand attributes and certain off-road attributes make these two cars very unique in the same class. In terms of sales volume, the uniqueness determines the relative niche of these two cars, which naturally cannot be compared with the same level of big red and purple models. Fortunately, in the future, the government will launch a variety of special versions of the car, further strengthening the characteristics of all aspects of the new car. On the basis of continuing to retain and enrich its powerful off-road options, it will also provide urban versions that are more in line with the needs of the city for consumers to choose from, taking care of the needs of those consumers who are "home is more than off-road", which will be helpful to these models that need to travel.
● entry-level medium-sized SUV with three rows of seats (low d 3-row)
Positioning or lower than the new free light/main market segment
『Jeep free light
"『Jeep Commander"
At present, in the medium-sized SUV market, Jeep has laid out free light and big commander models, which have adopted 5-seat and 7-seat designs respectively. In order to continue to enhance its competitiveness in the medium-sized SUV category, Jeep plans to launch a brand-new medium-sized SUV before 2022. As can be seen from the plan, the official name of this new car is Low D 3-Row, so its positioning will be an entry-level medium-sized SUV with three rows of seats.
"These may be competitors of the new SUV."
Judging from the current market situation, the future competitors of this new car will be Nissan Qijun and Mitsubishi Outlander. In addition, in the new energy market, we can see that Jeep plans to launch plug-in hybrid vehicles and pure electric vehicles at this level, and L3-level autopilot function will also be added in 2021. This plays a very important role in the overall electrification layout of the brand.
Editor’s comment:In the SUV market, the medium-sized SUV is definitely the hottest market. Jeep also launched seven SUV commander models for this market in a timely manner this year, forming a combination of five seats and seven seats. However, if you want to gain more market share, in addition to improving the product itself, you need to develop more market segments, such as this entry-level three-row seat medium-sized SUV, which is relatively low in budget, but it is undoubtedly a very suitable choice for consumers with rigid demand for seven-seat models.
● The new herdsman Truck.
Have stronger functionality.
"herdsman pickup version spy photos"
In this officially announced future new car plan, we saw a model marked Truck in the D-class (medium-sized SUV). Although its real identity was not announced, combined with previous news, this model should be the pickup version of a new generation of herdsman models. At the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, Jeep showed us a new generation of herdsman cars. At the auto show, we also saw that the new car continued to maintain the design style of herdsman cars, and its derivative models were getting closer and closer to us.
"herdsman pickup version imaginary map"
Previously, foreign media drew an imaginary map with a high degree of reduction based on the spy photos taken. From the picture, the new car continues to use the iconic seven-hole front air intake grille and the square box shape that we are all familiar with. In fact, as early as 2005, Jeep launched a pickup truck-style Gladiator concept car. Until 2015, Jeep announced that the car would become a derivative of a new generation of herdsman, and it is expected to be officially unveiled in 2019.
"Ohio factory"
In addition, the new car will be produced by the factory in Ohio, USA in the future. In April this year, the factory completed the production of the previous generation herdsman (code JK). In the future, the new car will share the powertrain with the new herdsman, using a 2.0T turbocharged engine and a 3.6L naturally aspirated engine. In the transmission part, the new car will adopt an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Editor’s comment:In fact, when it comes to pickup truck models, most domestic consumers’ understanding of this model is still in the scope of tool cars, but in overseas markets, pickup truck models actually have a very large consumer group, and the future competitors of this car should target Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Kurod. For consumers, a pickup truck with good passability and loading capacity is very attractive, not to mention a Jeep.
● Brand-new Grand Cherokee/brand-new three-row seat medium and large SUV
Make up for the deficiency of existing products/increase the technological configuration such as automatic driving.
『Jeep Grand Cherokee
So far, the Jeep brand has only laid out one Grand Cherokee model in the medium and large SUV market, and this model only provides five-seat versions. This product configuration is really a bit thin today. According to the released future plan, Jeep will launch a new generation of Grand Cherokee models and a brand-new three-row medium and large SUV model in 2020, which is undoubtedly a supplement to the market.
"Giulia and Stelvio』 based on Giorgio platform"
According to previous news, a new generation of Grand Cherokee models will be built with a new platform, which will be upgraded from the Giorgio platform that currently builds Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio models. In addition, the plug-in hybrid version of the Grand Cherokee will also be launched at the same time, and it will be equipped with more powerful high-tech configurations in the future, such as autonomous driving and mobile network connection.
Editor’s comment:
The chassis used by the current Grand Cherokee is relatively old, so this new Grand Cherokee upgrade will mainly aim at this point, and the new platform can not only bring new driving experience to the new car, but also make the space of the new car more flexible, so the medium and large SUV with three rows of seats came into being. Indeed, the Grand Cherokee currently on sale can no longer compete with many 7-seat models by virtue of its 5-seat design, and it is also very helpful to increase the competitiveness of the new car in time.
● Jeep New Generation Wagner/Grand Wagner
New car features: Jeep brand flagship SUV, mainly for the American market.
"Previously exposed preview of suspected big Wagner"
As Jeep hopes to continue to expand its product line in the next five years, its SUV products will not only continue to explore, but also challenge the brand in the next few years. One of the flagship products is the new generation Wagner/Big Wagner, which aims at positioning large SUVs.
Jeep has clearly identified that the positioning of the new generation Wagner and Grand Wagner will be higher than that of the current Grand Cherokee and a three-row medium and large SUV in the future. Since the old Wagner stopped production in 1991, Jeep has not been involved in the large SUV market for nearly 30 years, and the previous Jeep commander was only able to reach the size of medium and large SUVs.
"The new car will compete with these big guys in the American market."
In these 30 years, Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, Ford Conqueror/Conqueror MAX and GMC YUKON/YUKON XL have gradually become the main targets for Americans to consume large SUVs. We expect Jeep to plan a new generation of Wagner/Grand Wagner just to regain its position in the American market. In addition, Jeep has planned a plug-in hybrid version for these two cars, which will not only reduce emissions, but also exclude that they will also be imported into Europe and even China.
Editor’s comment:I believe many netizens have a deep memory of Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Conqueror used by agents in American movies, but Jeep, which was also born in World War II, rarely appears, which also reflects from the side that Jeep has been absent for many years in the large SUV market in North America.
A new generation of Wagner and Grand Wagner is exactly one of the forces that Jeep arranged to recapture the large SUV market. Wagner will mainly compete for standard wheelbase products such as Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Conqueror and GMC YUKON, while Grand Wagner will challenge Chevrolet Suburban, Conqueror MAX, YUKON XL and even long wheelbase products such as Escalade and Navigator as a long wheelbase version.
★ Alfa Romeo
By 2022, Alfa Romeo brand will release seven new models. In addition to the two new sports cars listed separately, other mainstream models include the mid-term modified models of Giulia, Giulietta and Stelvio, as well as two brand-new SUV products belonging to compact and medium-sized grades. The four levels of the above seven models will be 100% electrified, that is, pure electric or hybrid models will be derived, and automatic driving functions of Level 2+ and Level 3 will also be provided, as well as car networking functions.
● Mid-term change Giulietta
Features of the new car: It may become the "oldest" luxury brand compact car by then.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a compact hatchback car, which is mainly sold in Europe. The current generation Giulietta model was first released in 2010, and has been in the market for 8 years, during which it has only experienced two minor changes. However, according to Alfa Romeo’s plan, the Giulietta model is obviously not their focus, because this car will only welcome its mid-term redesigned model before 2022.
Editor’s comment:At present, Giulietta is mainly sold in the European market. If such a compact hatchback car with strong European style is imported into China, it will not be too competitive. After all, the products of the same level of "BBA" have been localized, and Giulietta has not undergone a replacement since it came out in 2010. The significant backwardness of its product strength is also a key reason that cannot be ignored. The editor predicts that Giulietta will not be introduced into domestic sales in the future. For its redesigned models, we can just treat it with a "look at it" mentality.
● New compact SUV and new medium and large SUV.
New car features: enter the other two mainstream SUV market segments.
According to the plan, before 2022, Alfa Romeo will also launch a brand-new compact SUV (belonging to C-segment) and a brand-new medium and large SUV (belonging to E-segment), which will also become the brand’s entry SUV and flagship SUV products respectively. Among them, the new compact SUV will compete for market share with the new generation of luxury brands such as Audi Q3, Cadillac XT4 and Lexus UX. As for the new medium and large SUV, its main competitors in 2022 may include the mid-term modified versions of the new BMW X5 and the new Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Editor’s comment:It is not until 2022 at the latest that these two new SUVs will be laid out. It is hard to say that Alfa Romeo’s action is "not too late". After all, mainstream luxury brands have been laid out in these two market segments for many years. It is really a headache to imagine the competing products and market environment in four years from now. At that time, Audi Q3/ BMW X1, BMW X5/ Mercedes-Benz GLE/ Lexus RX and other models should have been replaced, and may even usher in a mid-term change. BBA and Lexus, the old manufacturers’ accumulation in new technologies such as new energy and autonomous driving for many years, must have been gradually applied to these products. For Alfa Romeo and even FCA, the gap in market, brand and technology may not be easily caught up in just four years. In the future, these two new products entering the mainstream SUV market segment may still rank among the minority groups.
● Mid-term change of Giulia/Stelvio (adding long wheelbase version)
New car features: or draw design elements from the new GTV sports car, and the wheelbase is lengthened.
Giulia and Stelvio are the first two heavy products launched by Alfa Romeo after he returned to China market, and they are also the two models that are most familiar to consumers in China at present. According to the official plan, these two models will be redesigned in the mid-term before 2022, and a long-wheelbase version will be launched to better meet the demand of domestic consumers for rear space and enhance their competitiveness. The planned new GTV sports car can be regarded as a coupe version derived from the new Giulia four-leaf clover version in the future, and the design of the car is also expected to "feed back" the new Giulia/Stelvio, including the new triple LED headlight group shown in the GTV preview.
Editor’s comment:Looking at the luxury mid-size car market, BBA needless to say, such as British finidi Q50L, Cadillac ATS-L, Jaguar XEL, Volvo S60L, etc. are also key products with longer wheelbase; Although the extension of luxury medium-sized SUV is not so common, heavy models such as Audi Q5L and Mercedes-Benz GLC will be launched in the form of extended versions soon, so the extension is still the trend.
For Alfa Romeo, whose brand positioning is relatively small, and the consumer groups are more concerned about feelings and sports, the lengthening of the main products may make a small number of "true love powder" feel disgusted, but Alfa Romeo who made this decision may really want to become a mainstream and seek a larger consumer group. Based on this position, it is necessary for Giulia and Stelvio to lengthen the wheelbase. After all, in terms of actual product performance, the rear space of these two cars does not have any advantage compared with mainstream models of the same level.
● A new generation of Alfa Romeo GTV
New car features: Coupe shape, power over 600 horsepower.
GTV was once a Coupe model built by Alfa Romeo, and it was also a symbol of the brand’s high-performance car. In this new five-year plan, Alfa Romeo plans to resurrect this classic model and only produce a high-performance version, thus launching an impact on Mercedes -AMG C 63 Coupe, BMW M4 Coupe and Audi RS 5 Coupe.
"They will all be the objects of GTV competition, and of course there will be more than the above three."
GTV, as its name implies, stands for two-door four-seater sports car and V stands for Veloce (Italian speed), and the new generation GTV is probably the Coupe version of the Giulia four-leaf clover version in the medium term. Perhaps the new name is used to better highlight the positioning of the new car, just like the relationship between BMW M3 and M4.
From the details of the exposure, the new generation Alfa Romeo GTV will be equipped with a power system with a comprehensive maximum power of more than 600 HP. In addition to the engine, a hybrid system will be added to achieve this power level, but at present, we don’t know whether it will be plug-in hybrid or 48V micro-hybrid system. In addition, the car will also be equipped with a four-wheel drive system.
Editor’s comment:Alfa Romeo GTV can be regarded as a masterpiece that the brand continues to impact the traditional high-performance coupe market after Giulia four-leaf clover edition. Although it is likely to be in a compact size, the maximum power of more than 600 horsepower can already impact higher-level products such as BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E 63.
This may be because Alfa Romeo didn’t have a medium-sized car in his planning, so as the largest coupe, the new generation Alfa Romeo GTV will ignore the level division and challenge stronger opponents with leapfrog power. As a brand that once galloped the track, this revival of GTV may be aimed at killing all levels of high-performance coupes/cars.
● A new generation of Alfa Romeo 8C
New car features: use the classic car name to build a hybrid supercar.
The real meaning of 8C is Italian 8 Cilindro (that is, 8-cylinder engine), and its history can be traced back to an in-line 8-cylinder racing car built by Alfa Romeo in 1931, which made Alfa Romeo famous in one fell swoop. In 2003, 8C Competizione was launched in the world. Based on Maserati GT platform, it once again awakened the feelings of Alfa fans, and now Alfa Romeo 8C is about to return again.
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione』
From the details of exposure, the new generation Alfa Romeo 8C is different from the positioning of the previous generation GT sports car, and it will be positioned as a super sports car with a mid-engine and a carbon fiber monocoque body. In addition, the new car will be equipped with a hybrid system combining a twin-turbocharged engine and an electric motor, in which the electric motor drives the front axle and the engine is expected to drive the rear axle, thus forming a four-wheel drive layout. In terms of power, the comprehensive maximum power of the car will exceed 700 horsepower, and the 0-100km/h will be less than 3 seconds.
Editor’s comment:The revival of Alfa Romeo 8C marks that the brand that once galloped the track has finally returned to its original attributes, with a standard super-running figure, a hybrid powertrain and a maximum power of more than 700 horsepower. We can conclude that Alfa Romeo is building a track monster. Among competing products of the same brand, it is difficult for us to find a direct opponent for him, but in the future, the car will definitely compete with many super sports cars after mass production.
★ Maserati
By 2022, Maserati brand will release six new models. In addition to upgrading the existing models, it will also launch a brand-new SUV model, which will become an entry-level SUV model in the future. The four levels of the above six models will be 100% electrified, that is, the pure electric or hybrid models will be derived, and the automatic driving function of Level 2+ and Level 3 will also be provided, as well as the car networking function.
● Maserati D-UV
Features of the new car: A plug-in version will be introduced and/or built based on Levante platform.
According to Maserati’s official plan, it will launch an SUV that is smaller than Levante by 2022, which will become Maserati’s entry-level SUV model to meet the needs of more young consumers. It is worth noting that because Levante’s existing platform can only develop plug-in hybrid models, but can’t develop pure electric models, it chose to directly build a new platform for replacement in 2022. The new SUV model D-UV, which will be officially launched this time, will only launch plug-in hybrid models in the future, so the new car is expected to be built on the current Levante platform.
Editor’s comment:With the gradual rejuvenation of the market, Maserati, a top luxury brand, will reposition itself, take Porsche as a competitor, and occupy more space in the luxury market by launching fast-paced electrified products. And its brand-new SUV model will be launched before 2022, or the competing product will be selected as Porsche’s Macan.
According to Porsche’s official sales performance in 2017, it delivered a total of 246,375 new cars in 2017, with sales increasing by 4% year-on-year. At the same time, the turnover increased by 5% year-on-year to 23.5 billion euros, and the profit reached 4.1 billion euros. Macan is Porsche’s best-selling model, delivering more than 97,000 new cars, up 2% year-on-year. Perhaps Maserati officials also saw that Porsche Macan was so popular in this market segment, and quickly refined its products to seize the market share and increase its brand sales.
● Maserati Alfieri
New car features: Coupe and convertible versions, pure aluminum structure.
"Maserati Alfieri Concept Car"
"Maserati Alfieri preview"
Maserati Alfieri concept car made its debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. In the past few years, the official mentioned the mass production plan of this car many times, but it has not been put into practice. This time, this new generation GT sports car finally confirmed to land on the market before 2022, becoming the successor of GranTurismo and GranCabrio, and its future competitors will mainly aim at classic sports cars such as Porsche 911.
The name Alfieri has a profound meaning for Maserati. It is taken from Alfieri Maserati, the founder of Maserati, and Alfieri will become the pioneer of Maserati electric sports car in the future. According to the latest information released by Maserati, Alfieri will be built with the new pure aluminum structure of Modular Aluminum Space Frame, with a more compact body size and a lower vehicle weight (the electric version is 175kg heavier than the fuel version), and two versions of Coupe two-door and Cabriolet convertible are still available.
The Alfieri concept car is equipped with a 4.7L V8 engine with a maximum power of 463 HP. However, in order to meet the stringent emission standards of various countries, Alfieri after mass production will adopt a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which will be officially unveiled in 2019 at the earliest, and then plug-in hybrid version and pure electric version with 3 motors will be launched around 2020. It is reported that the pure electric version has E-AWD all-wheel drive and torque vector distribution system, and the acceleration of 0-100km/h is only 2 seconds, and the top speed exceeds 300 km/h.
Editor’s comment:After FCA has re-integrated and comprehensively laid out its brands, Maserati will further clarify its brand positioning and become Porsche’s most direct competitor in the future. Alfieri also took over the banner of GranTurismo/GranCabrio and challenged Porsche 911 as a pure electric flagship sports car.
He who wins the China market wins the world. In 2017, the largest single market of Maserati and Porsche in the world is China, so it is imperative for Maserati to wrestle with Porsche, expand sales channels in China market and strengthen brand recognition. Otherwise, whether it’s a brand-new SUV against Macan or a one-on-one fight against Alfieri of 911, in the face of the gold-lettered signboard of "Porsche", you may feel more willing than able.
● Maserati’s new president /Levante
New car features: brand-new platforms, all of which are plug-in hybrid/pure electric vehicles.
"『MaseratiBlue brand planning"
In addition to the above-mentioned brand-new sports car Alfieri, Maserati will build MaseratiBlue brand, which provides new energy products, including 8 plug-in hybrid models and 4 pure electric vehicles, covering Alfieri, Alfieri Cabrio, President and Levante before 2022. The power system of these pure electric vehicles will be composed of three motors and 800 volt lightweight batteries with faster charging speed, which can bring stronger power output, longer cruising range and shorter charging time.
As the current sales person, the President and Levante will adopt a brand-new State-of-the-art modular plate form after iteration, with the highlight of lightweight design and 50:50 front-to-rear weight ratio, equipped with Dynamic Q4 AWD four-wheel drive system, and some models will also be equipped with Level 3 autopilot technology.
Editor’s comment:After the replacement, the president /Levante has more power choices, and it is expected that the handling and comfort will be further improved. After all, they set themselves up against Panamera and Cayenne. Although the official has not disclosed the information about the design of these two models, it is expected that they will follow Italy’s excellent aesthetic genes and bring consumers a refreshing visual experience.
"Maserati product planning for the next five years"
Of course, there is another model that has to be mentioned, and that is Ghibli. Ghibli plays an important role in Maserati’s brand history and has a resounding name of "Little President". However, in the latest product planning, Maserati has not tailored a new development path for this car. In the next five years, only Ghibli modified models and new energy versions will be launched. It is still unknown whether the new Ghibli will update with the new generation of presidents in styling design, but we have reason to believe that with its strength, it will still provide Maserati with a lot of sales support in the short term.
★ Dodge RAM
● production version of dodge RAM 1500 TRX /RAM heavy pickup truck (HEAVY DUTY pickup truck)
New car features: a pure electric version will be launched.
According to the product planning of RAM brand issued by FCA Group, we found that RAM brand will launch the production version of RAM 1500 TRX model before 2022, and the new car can be regarded as a high-performance version of the new generation RAM 1500, which not only improves the off-road capability, but also improves the dynamic performance of road driving.
"brand new RAM 1500』"
It is understood that the brand-new RAM 1500 has been officially unveiled at the 2018 north american auto show, and the new car has adopted a brand-new rough design, which makes it look more muscular like an American pickup truck. At the same time, it also adds a 12-inch large-size LCD central control screen in configuration, which not only improves the use of waking up, but also adds a sense of technology, which is more in line with the current consumer aesthetics and car demand.
『RAM Rebel TRX Concept』
In addition, the RAM brand will launch a new generation of HEAVY DUTY pickup trucks in north american auto show in January 2019. It is worth mentioning that the RAM 1500 is the first to welcome the pure electric version, and it will be equipped with L2-level autopilot technology in 2021, while the new generation of HEAVY DUTY-level pickup trucks will welcome L2-level autopilot technology in 2022.
Editor’s comment:Due to the American consumers’ love for pickup trucks, we checked the sales volume in the US market and found that in 2017, the RAM series pickup trucks ranked in the forefront of the US sales list with a sales volume of about 500,000, but they did not surpass the competing Fran? osorod and Ford F-150 models. Turning to the domestic market, RAM series pickups are not officially imported, which leads consumers to purchase only from parallel import channels. However, due to the high price and niche product positioning, they can only become a "toy" for a few people.
However, with the launch of the brand-new RAM 1500 model and the production version of RAM 1500 TRX and the launch of a new generation of heavy-duty pickup trucks in the future, it has undoubtedly brought a fierce impact to the pickup truck market. At the same time, electrification and L2-level autonomous driving technology have also enabled RAM brand pickup trucks to take the lead in this market segment.
● a new generation of PROMASTER
Features of the new car: It will be equipped with L2-level automatic driving.
"current RAM PROMASTER model"
If you talk about the PROMASTER model under the RAM brand, I believe many netizens are somewhat unfamiliar with this car, so let’s briefly introduce it here. In terms of the size of the new car, its length, width and height are 5999/2090/2585mm, and its wheelbase is 4021 mm. It is positioned as a large MPV. According to the official introduction, the new generation of PROMASTER models will usher in L2 autonomous driving technology by 2021.
It is understood that RAM PROMASTER adopts a closed carriage design, and its internal space supports a variety of layout schemes, which can fully meet consumers’ demand for freedom of space, and further emphasize the functionality of new car loading and transportation. At the same time, this model has always been a best-selling commercial model in the North American market. It is worth mentioning that in overseas markets, because the price of the car is relatively close to the people and the body size is large enough, it is also favored by local RV modification enthusiasts.
Editor’s comment:In fact, the launch of the new PROMASTER model of RAM is far away from us. After all, even if this niche model is imported into China in parallel, I believe few consumers will buy it. After all, no matter the brand strength, price and product positioning, it is not in line with the needs of current consumers.
However, we can see that the car will be equipped with L2-level autonomous driving technology before 2021, which is surprising to us. After all, as a vehicle mainly used for transportation, it is still rare to be equipped with such technology in China. I have to say that RAM brand has a knowledge of the popularity of automated driving technology and safe driving, which still needs some domestic brands to learn.
● Summary
With the substantial update of Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Dodge Ram brand product lines, all brands will have fresh blood in the market segments such as SUV, compact car, medium-sized car, sports car and new energy vehicle, so that the overall product strength will be improved again. Among them, the new entry-level three-row medium-sized SUV under the Jeep brand is expected to become a new growth point; Alfa Romeo’s continued expansion of SUV models will provide consumers with more choices; In addition to a big change in SUV product line, the new energy product line will make full efforts to gain more fighting power. I believe that the sales performance of FCA Group in the world will reach a new height in five years, so we will wait and see. (Text/car home Wang Yibing)