Fiat to release Dodge-based sedans in China and Russia

The announcement was made by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne at Fiat's annual shareholders meeting last week, and further underlines the strengthening relationship between Fiat and Chrysler, following the Italian manufacturer's acquisition of the Detroit carmaker.

The first sedan to be offered in the two emerging markets will be a compact sedan that will replace the current Dodge Caliber crossover. According to Autonews, the new compact sedan will be produced in China in the second half of this year, and go on sale by January 2012.

The other sedan will be the mid-sized replacement for the Dodge Avenger, which is set to be launched in 2013, and go on sale in the U.S., China and Russia in the same year. The new sedans will make use of Fiat's new Compact Wide platform that currently underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, but is expected to be widened by about 40mm.

Fiat is also contemplating whether to introduce the new sedans to the European market, with the probability of marketing them under the Lancia brand. The Italian-American collaboration has already made plans to sell the new Chrysler 300 in Europe, badged as the Lancia Flavia.