Chrysler Road Map Leaves Most Dodges Behind

The future of Chrysler will likely end up looking very different from anything the automaker has done in the past.

The Auburn Hills, Mich.-based company is planning to unveil a product road map that relies heavily on vehicles from Italian partner Fiat while abandoning many of its own models, according to a report Tuesday in the Wall Street Journal.

The plan to be unveiled Nov. 4 includes the return of Fiat's Alfa Romeo brand to the U.S. in 2012 and the introduction of the Fiat 500, a tiny car that is already popular in Europe.

The two automakers are also tapping into Fiat technology for several new vehicles planned for release in the U.S., including a midsize Chrysler sedan set for a 2012 debut.

In the meantime, Chrysler is preparing to phase out many current Dodge models, including the Caliber compact, Nitro SUV and Avenger sedan.

The Jeep Commander is also slated to end next year. By 2012, the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Sebring midsize sedan and Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot SUVs all will exit the market. The auto maker also plans to phase out the Grand Caravan in the next five years, leaving the Chrysler Town and Country as the company's only minivan.

However, the automaker will keep the Dodge Challenger and the full-size Charger sedan, attempting to keep to one of its strengths in blue collar muscle cars.

Chrysler, which emerged from bankruptcy protection four months ago, has seen its cash position improve since then, thanks in part to a $9 billion loan from the U.S. government. Fiat has reportedly said it won't inject any money into the company despite receiving a 20 percent ownership stake, instead contributing technology and management expertise.