Chrysler set to ax models

Chrysler LLC could cut as many as five nameplates within the month as part of its quick and dramatic makeover as a newly private company.

It's "highly likely" Chrysler's top brass will approve plans to kill vehicles this month, a person familiar with the situation told the Free Press. About five vehicles are being considered for elimination, but the source would not reveal which ones. The boardroom drama could help explain why the UAW was unable to win the same sort of future-product guarantees in its tentative labor deal with the Auburn Hills automaker as it did in its deal with General Motors Corp.

The product review comes as the automaker is seeking to get its tentative agreement with the UAW ratified by rank-and-file union members.

The likeliest models to go

Chrysler could — or should — scrutinize these 10 vehicles for improvement or possible elimination, analysts say.

• Aspen: Chrysler version of the Durango SUV is only about 1 year old, but lacks buzz.
• Commander: Jeep's first three-row SUV never caught on. Likely to disappear.
• Compass: Jeep crossover seen as weakening the brand because it lacks off-road capability.
• Liberty: Sales down by one-third compared with last year as market for truck-based SUVs shrinks.
• Magnum: Sales of sports wagon down 32% this year amid fuel-economy concerns.
• Nitro: Dodge version of the Liberty has eye-catching looks, but does Chrysler need two of the same size?
• Dakota: Sales of Warren-made truck down 33% from last year in tough midsize pickup segment.
• Durango: With sales off 30% this year, truck-based SUV will be replaced with crossover.
• Pacifica: Leapfrogged by newer crossovers, sales of the minivan-based model are down 30% this year.
• Sebring: Sales up from previous generation, but midsize sedan struggles against rivals. Detroit Free press