Chrysler takes long-term view on market share

Chrysler is willing to let market share slide in the short term to further its longer restructuring goals, the company's chief executive said in a presentation of his business plan to members of Congress on Tuesday.

Sergio Marchionne, who heads the Fiat-led Chrysler venture, also indicated at a meeting with lawmakers that Chrysler's Sterling Heights, Michigan, assembly plant would remain open into 2011, said Representative Candice Miller.

Chrysler had said the plant, where the Sebring and Dodge Avenger roll off the line, would close as part of its North American restructuring.

Miller, whose district includes Sterling Heights, said Marchionne indicated the Sebring would be a "big part" of Chrysler's business plan for the revamped mid-sized sedan segment even though it may wind up being produced somewhere other than Sterling Heights in the long run.

As part of the overhaul, Marchionne plans to streamline Chrysler's vehicle lineup and focus the Dodge brand on cars and minivans. Producing more fuel efficient engines is a cornerstone of the turnaround plan. Some vehicles would be re-engineered to work on a Fiat platform.

Near-term production would continue at Sterling Heights after which Chrysler would evaluate where to build future products. Marchionne indicated the Sebring still would be built in the United States and Miller said Sterling Heights was prepared to compete for the permanent work.