Chrysler Vows Next New Model Will Arrive on Schedule

Chrysler Group LLC, which has been plagued by slow or delayed new-model launches this year, promises an on-time arrival for the next generation of the Chrysler 200 midsize car due in the first quarter of 2014.

Manufacturing chief Mauro Pino tells the Associated Press that in some cases Chrysler erred by underestimating the time it would take its suppliers to ramp up parts production, thus resulting in parts shortages.

The most serious case is the Jeep Cherokee midsize SUV, which is due in dealer showrooms next month. The start of production was postponed twice for fit-and-finish issues and recalibration of the SUV's nine-speed automatic transmission.

Pino also blames the difficulties of simultaneously launching a new product with a new transmission being built by new hires.