In a surprise move, the Chrysler Group's new Italian management on Monday announced that it is splitting the Dodge passenger car and truck division into two separate entities. The American automaker now has four brands - Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Dodge Ram. Heading the Dodge Ram brand is Fred Diaz Jr. who was appointed President and CEO of the marque while Ralph Gilles, Chrysler's Chief of Design becomes president and CEO of Dodge Car.
"The brand-focused strategy has been refined further with the unbundling of the Dodge Brand which now consists of the Dodge Ram Brand and the Dodge Car Brand organizations," said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of both Fiat S.p.A and Chrysler Group LLC. "This reorganization will allow us to protect and develop the unique nature of the product offerings within the Dodge Brand."
Other managerial changes include the appointment of Olivier Francois as the President and CEO of the Chrysler Brand. Francois, who continues to hold his position as head of the Italian automaker's Lancia brand, will also be the lead executive for the Marketing organization with responsibility to coordinate worldwide marketing strategies, brand development and advertising for the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Dodge Ram brands.
There are no changes at the Jeep brand that will continue to lead by Michael Manley.
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