Chrysler:Mexico achieves best market share in 18 months

Boosted by year-over-year sales increases of Dodge Journey, Dodge Ram, Jeep® Patriot and Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler Mexico achieved an 11.8 percent market share in September—its best share performance in the past 18 months, beating Ford for the first time this year.

“We are thrilled by our market share achievement in September and outstanding sales growth for the past three months as this reinforces the continued confidence the Mexican consumer has in our company, our products, and our outstanding dealer body,” said Joe ChamaSrour, President—Chrysler de Mexico.

The Dodge Journey continued as the No. 1-selling crossover-utility vehicle in the market with a sales increase of 33 percent compared with September 2008, selling more than double its nearest competitor. The Dodge Ram also reported year-over-year sales increases with the Laramie Crew Cab continuing as the best-selling luxury pickup truck in the market. The Jeep Patriot had its best sales performance of the year, and the Chrysler Town & Country 25th Anniversary Edition helped boost minivan sales to levels exceeding September 2008.

Chrysler to make Fiat in Mexico: report

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chrysler Group is planning to produce Fiat SpA's (FIA.MI) Fiat 500 subcompact at a Chrysler plant in Mexico, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
Chrysler is also considering what other Fiat models to introduce to the U.S. market, under directions from its Italian partner, the paper reported on its website on Sunday.

Plans also include making a small Fiat engine for the 500 at a Chrysler plant in Trenton, Michigan, and building a Fiat-derived compact car slightly larger than the 500 in the United States, a source told the paper.

The Toluca, Mexico plant, which currently makes the Dodge Journey crossover and PT Cruiser, is an attractive home for the 500 because cars could be exported to South and Central America where the Fiat brand is popular, the Journal reported.

Fiat acquired a 20 percent stake in Chrysler and entered into agreements to give it access to Fiat technology and platforms. Chrysler filed for bankruptcy in April.

Chrysler representatives were not immediately available for comment