Fiat Chrysler puts off redesign or release of a dozen vehicles

Detroit

FIAT Chrysler Automobiles in the past year has delayed the redesign or release of at least a dozen vehicles in North America, according to suppliers familiar with the company's plans. The unusual number of delays could let the carmaker defer billions of dollars in investment while searching for a partner.

FCA chief executive Sergio Marchionne is shuffling product plans even as he seeks a partner for his company, the seventh largest global carmaker. Mr Marchionne says consolidation in the industry is inevitable because carmakers are burning capital investing in overlapping engines and vehicles.