By Chrysler
I just sat through the first half of Chrysler’s webcast on their 2010-2014 plan. The following is summary of most of the interesting points that were discussed buy a few of Chrysler’s bigwigs.

If I can sum it up right away, if you were hoping for Fiat to inject much needed technology, design and powertrains into Chrysler’s otherwise all but dried-up well, you will be happy. It will happen.

The following is a series of snippets and sound bites from this morning’s presentation:

Robert Kidder, Chairman of Chrysler Group LLC, admits that Chrysler needs Fiat’s technology and product. He ads that Chrysler will work hard to improve their product, grow Mopar and the brand image, along with the help of Fiat.

Perhaps one of the most important statements he made was that business as usual does not apply in Chrysler’s new vision.

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler LLC, was instrumental in transforming Fiat into a World leader. He went on to say that his team is working has been working on “fixing” Chrysler for the last few months. He wants it to return to profitability, will reimburse governments and utilize the Fiat plan that obviously worked.

Ralph Gilles was the first leader of Chrysler (head of product design) to speak and he summed up his feelings as being excited and uplifted by Marchionne’s vision and energy. He is humbled by the opportunity to make Dodge a great brand once more by splitting Ram and Dodge as previously announced. Ram, although an asset to Dodge, was in fact creating a shadow over every other product, some that deserve more attention.

One of the most important challenges that Chrysler faces is repackaging each vehicle and each brand. One notable point was that new interiors will be created to coincide in harmony with what the customers want.

As for the near future, here’s what we can expect from the New Chrysler: All new C segment (new compact) by 2013, an all new B segment (hatchback) and an all new D segment (next Avenger) between now and 2014. All of these will be based on Fiat products.

As for the Viper stories, there will be 500 more and by next summer, no more. However, by the summer of 2012, an all-new Supercar will be introduced, based on a Fiat product.

Doug Betts is the Quality man. He also realizes that Chrysler has much work to do in the quality department, having not been in the running for many years. When he arrived in June of 2009, he realized that there was no strategy here and organization lacked seriously.

Problem-solving was a huge issue. It used to take on average 71 days before anyone would actually address a new issue. Today, 14 teams are assigned specific categories (HVAC, engines, etc) where when problems arise, they are immediately given to team and addressed. Beyond this, Chrysler will work with dealerships to improve initial quality and human interaction between dealer/manufacturer and actual customer.

Scott Kunselman, Product development, Engineering. His first goal is to align Fiat and Chrysler into one well-oiled machine. This includes platforms, technologies and powertrains.

Streamlining will be impressive. 21 future models will use only 3 Fiat structures; this is fewer platforms than are now being used. Both brands will eventually share HVAC, audio and other components. This will increase the speed-to-market of new vehicle programs by up to 25% which will in turn save money.

Paolo Ferrero, Chrysler Powertrain. His goals are as follows: performance, fuel economy, alternative fuels all with the direct help of existing Fiat powertrains. The Italian maker will bring small engines (Multi-air) and diesel technologies, no surprise here. And, as for Chrysler, they will supply hybrids and larger displacement powertrains, again, no surprise.

The internal combustion engine will remain the principal source of motivation. They will add multi-air, start/stop and direct injection. This will be followed by hybrids.

Expect 1.4L 4-cylinder in smaller cars by late 2010, a turbo will added in late 2011. A new Pentastar V6 will arrive in spring 2010 followed by single and double-turbo 3.0L V6 for many performance and luxury applications. The V8s will become more efficient. Say goodbye the 4-speed autobox and improvements will be made to the 6-speed and Fiat’s 6-speed dual-clutch, will find its way in new products in the next D-Segment car by the end of 2010. Eventually, on more products over the next 5 years.

Multi-air is like variable valve timing on steroids. + 10% hp and + 15% in torque and reduces emissions by 10%. Then, they throw in a turbocharger for more power and, get this, fewer emissions still.

More stuff: Start/stop technology in the Wrangler diesel (yes diesel) by end of 2010. Expect a Ram hybrid by end of 2010. The Pentastar V6 will be a 3.6L and will replace all other V6s. Power will hover near the 300 hp range. 1.4, 1.8, 2.0, 2.4L 4-cylinders, some new, some existing. By 2014, many diesel powertrains of similar displacement will be made available. The 5.7L HEMI stays and the 6.1L HEMI moves to 6.4L and should be good for over 550 hp. High performance 3.0L V6, with turbos, should generate upwards of 400hp by 2014.

Given the new powertrains, a major shift will occur in engine shares. The V6 now accounts for a large portion of all Chrysler products and 4-cylinders are almost scarce. By 2014, 38% (from 19%) will be 4-pots. V6s, 37% from 54% and diesels, now at 9%, will be 14% and climbing.

These are exciting times for Chrysler. It would appear, at least on paper and in the company’s mind, that if they play their cards right, the World could be their oyster. From our perspective, things could not be moving along at a quicker pace.