WSJ: Chrysler And Nissan Discussing Mid-Size Car Collaboration

While we've previously reported on the Chrysler/Nissan small-car/pickup-truck mind meld, the Wall Street Journal now says the two companies are discussing collaboration on a mid-size vehicle platform. The report states that the agreement currently under consideration would have Nissan building mid-size sedans that Chrysler would then market under its own nameplate in the US. There's no specific mention of a platform or nameplate likely to be used, but it's not hard to speculate that the much-maligned Sebring could be replaced by the end result of such a collaboration.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Anyone complaining about Chrysler's lack of upcoming models isn't paying attention to the news. The company appears to be actively seeking tie-ups, particularly with Nissan, that will provide it with fresh new vehicles without having to actually engineer and build them. It's as if Chrysler is moving toward a future as a vehicle marketing company rather than an actual auto manufacturer. In the meantime, talk about six degrees of separation: This news means that through Nissan, via its French linkage, Chrysler will be once again be selling rebadged Renaults in the states. All you Dodge Monaco/Eagle Premier fan boys rejoice: Your ship has come in. In fact, we're now only one step away from reverse-engineering the entire US auto industry back to about 1986, so expect the new 2010 AMC lineup to be announced early next year.