IL Insider: Chrysler, Mercedes Products Begin Major Convergence Under Zetsche
Date posted: 06-06-2006

DETROIT — With former Chrysler boss Dieter Zetsche now firmly at the helm of DaimlerChrysler in Stuttgart, industry insiders in Europe and North America say the Chrysler and Mercedes brands are finally beginning to converge, at least under the skin, as planning for future vehicles and platforms progresses.

Over the next five years, according to component suppliers who've seen the plans, a much larger number of Chrysler, Dodge and Mercedes products will share underbody components, even major platforms, as the German parent seeks ways to cut costs and speed development.

One example is the new LY large-car platform that is being developed simultaneously in Auburn Hills and Stuttgart. The LY is the replacement for the current LX platform that underpins the full-size Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger and will be the foundation for the upcoming Dodge Challenger and Chrysler Imperial.

Variations of the platform also will be used as the base for the next-generation Chrysler Pacifica, due in model year 2009, as well as the next Mercedes E-Class (2010), R-Class (2012) and CLS-Class (2012).

Another common platform in the post-2010 timeframe will support the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander as well as the Mercedes ML-Class, suppliers say they've been told.

Curiously, Chrysler and Mercedes individually are expected to share more components and vehicles with Volkswagen on different continents, but so far the three brands have yet to concur on a common platform that could be used by all three.

What this means to you: The Germans and the Americans are learning to get over themselves and just try to make the best products they can. We'll see if they can pull it off because egos are tough to ignore.