Chrysler production rising quickly

[LeadFoot]

Chrysler production has risen dramatically in January 2012, compared with January 2011, despite buildout of the Dodge Caliber, Dodge Dakota, and Dodge Nitro in 2011. Nearly every model saw a hike in production, with the notable exceptions of Chrysler Town & Country (balanced by more Caravans), Volkswagen Routan, and, now that the pipeline has been filled, Dodge Durango.

The greatest gainers were Avenger (from 3,520 to 6,380), 300 (from 57 to 6,734), Charger (6,795 to 8,139), Fiat 500 (908 to 5,478), Ram Heavy Duty (8,134 to 11,896), Journey (7,812 to 10,727), and Ram 1500 (16,411 to 19,946 in the US, and 1,622 to 2,122 in Mexico).

Of the new models, by far the biggest one is Fiat Freemont, with 6,276 produced in January 2012. That compares with 10,727 Dodge Journeys — both are essentially the same design and both are made in Mexico, at the former Neon-then-PT Cruiser plant. Lancia Thema (748) and Fiat 500 convertible (698) are barely on the charts; speaking of rebranded Chryslers, Volkswagen Routan dropped from 1,473 in January 2011 to just 796 in January 2012.