With its new model cupboard bare Chrysler will spice up its stand at next month's North American International Auto Show in Detroit by showing Ferrari's latest two sports cars (California, middle, and 458 Italia, bottom) as well as a Lancia Delta (top) that has been given a new nose to offer a Chrysler brand family feel..

With its new model cupboard bare Chrysler will spice up its stand at next month's North American International Auto Show in Detroit by showing Ferrari's latest two sports cars as well as a Lancia Delta that has been given a new nose to offer a Chrysler brand family feel.

This will be the first of the annual motor shows in Detroit to take place since Fiat took control of Chrysler's fortunes and the American carmaker has endured a real roller-coaster year since its last appearance at the show which takes place on its doorstep, including a trip in and out of bankruptcy, Fiat Group taking an initial 20 percent stake, shedding a significant proportion of its dealers, and the exit of the two owners of a year ago, Cerberus Capital Management (80.1 percent) and Daimler AG (19.9 percent).

Last year in the Cobo Center, Chrysler rolled out the 200 EV concept sedan and the Lotus-based Dodge circuit concept sports car, both were electric vehicles from its now-disbanded ENVI [electric vehicle] division. Chrysler has also since given a preview to the forthcoming next-generation Grand Cherokee (2011). The facelifted models that will be rolled out according to the five-year business plan are scheduled to start arriving by mid-to-late next year at the earliest, so Chrysler is turning to Fiat's niche Ferrari brand to give its stand a more racy feel.

On show in Detroit next month will be the latest models from Maranello, the sensational mid-engined 458 Italia which replaces the F430 Coupé and has caught the imagination of the media and public like no other Prancing Horse model in the last few years. It will be shown alongside the California, a front-engined folding-hardtop convertible that debuted a year ago and is targeted at a new type of customer.

Meanwhile the two Maranello products are likely to be joined by a recent product from Turin with Bloomberg reporting this week that "a new car derived from the Italian company’s Lancia brand" will be shown, the newswire citing "three people familiar with the situation" as saying. Bloomberg added that: "The vehicle would be the first demonstration of how Fiat’s designs will be incorporated into Auburn Hills, Michigan-based Chrysler’s lineup, said the people, who declined to be identified because the details aren’t public." The model is most likely to be a Delta with a new nose as there isn't anything else in the Lancia line-up that Chrysler can hurriedly tweak in time for the show. It will give Chrysler the opportunity to create some public thoughts in C-segment where it is traditionally weak and kick-off the much-vaunted Lancia-Chrysler co-branding arrangement.

Meanwhile this week Chrysler has also announced new appointments as, after 33 years, Frank J. Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President – Manufacturing / World Class Manufacturing, has stated his plans to retire at the end of the year. Ewasyshyn left on temporary medical leave a few months ago and has since made a full recovery. However, he has made a personal decision to retire. "The Company is grateful for Frank's extraordinary contributions in leading Chrysler’s manufacturing organization over the years," said Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler Group LLC CEO. "We wish him well." With Ewasyshyn’s retirement Scott Garberding who has been keeping his seat warm is appointed Head of Manufacturing / World Class Manufacturing. Garberding joined Chrysler in 1993 and has held a series of leadership positions in both Manufacturing and Purchasing. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Texas and a Master of Business Administration degree in management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.