Chrysler splits Dodge into two

DETROIT (AP) - Chrysler's new Italian management has decided to split the Dodge brand into two groups, one focusing on Dodge Ram trucks and the other on cars and minivans, the company announced
Monday.

The move came with yet another management shake-up, with two executives leaving the company only three months after their appointment to lead two of its three brands, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep.

Chrysler Group LLC, now controlled by Italian automaker Fiat SpA CEO Sergio Marchionne, said Monday that it would create a separate Ram brand led by Fred Diaz Jr., who previously ran the company's Denver business center. The Ram brand now consists of the company's new Ram pickup trucks.

Vice President of Design Ralph Gilles will take over leadership of the Dodge car brand which includes minivans, in addition to his current design responsibilities, the company said in a statement.

The two men replace Michael Accavitti, who the company said resigned to pursue other interests. Accavitti was appointed to head Dodge by Marchionne in June when Chrysler emerged from Chapter 11
bankruptcy protection.

"This reorganization will allow us to protect and develop the unique nature of the product offerings within the Dodge brand," Marchionne said in a statement.

In another management shakeup, the company announced that Chrysler brand head Peter Fong has resigned for what it said were personal reasons. He has been replaced by Olivier Francois as Chrysler brand president and CEO. Francois comes from Fiat, where he served as head of the Lancia brand, Chrysler said in a statement.

Diaz also will take over as lead sales executive in the U.S. for the Chrysler Group organization, the statement said.

Michael Manley remains as president and CEO of the Jeep division.