Chrysler chief Sergio Marchionne wants five redesigns by mid-2011, and seeks to rehire former employees and request overtime to do so, the Detroit Free Press reports.
In his five-year plan to be presented to the company's board of directors on Friday, Marchionne calls for updates for the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan and Dodge Caliber, and Jeep Compass and Patriot. Pending board approval, the plan will reach President Obama's auto task force next week, according to the Free Press.
The redesigns would normally take two to three years, per the Free Press, but Marchionne wants them done in 18 months. If his plan is approved, Chrysler will rehire some salaried workers, and will ask design, engineering, and product development employees for overtime.
Chrysler will also update the PT Cruiser, but offered no details on when.
As we have reported, the Fiat 500 minicar will appear in the U.S. by mid-2011 in four versions. Assembly is expected to take place at Chrysler's plant in Toluca, Mexico.
Source: The Detroit Free Press