Chrysler expected to trim slow-sellers

DETROIT, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. carmaker Chrysler is expected to announce it is dropping some slow-selling models and looking for ways to cut back on dealerships.

The move is said to be part of a sharp evaluation of the entire Chrysler production line by Chief Executive Officer Bob Nardelli and Vice President Jim Press in their effort to make the company smaller but much more profitable, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

Among the models mentioned on a possible initial to-go list were the Chrysler Pacifica wagon, the Dodge Magnum wagon and the PT Cruiser convertible.

Further, Nardelli and Press want to trim their dealerships, the Journal said. After years of market-share declines, Chrysler, like GM and Ford, has been left with more dealers than it needs, a reported 3,700 in all, many of whom end up competing with each other on price.

The plans represent the first major strategic move since Chrysler was acquired by private-equity firm Cerberus Capital Management this summer.