RE: spare tire available
Wallstreet, it's not just Chrysler doing this. It seems that they, the big three at least, are doing everything to cut costs now. We lost the passenger door outside lock a long while back, don't know when that disappeared, the new thing is getting rid of the lock, that you can use your key on, in the trunk, new Mustang GT doesn't have it, not sure what other cars are missing it it other then the Avenger which should be plesant if the battery is in the trunk and dies.
Now the spare tire deal, they throw in an air pump and a can of sealant. This is on the Cobalt, though their spare is a little cheaper, it's still an option. I'm sure if it wasn't law, seatbelts would still be an option.
Update: it looks like something GM and Chrysler are doing, maybe with all their cars, when it comes to the tires. Here's what I found for the new Camaro
Tire sealant and inflator kit - In place of spare tire
Same thing as the Challenger and Cobalt. I'm sure if I went through a build of a few cars I would find the same thing. It's a shame when a rubber costs more then a pump and sealant.