Clean Green Cars: IHS Global Insight report forecasts Dodge Hornet may come by way of Fiat

IHS Global Insight report forecasts Dodge Hornet may come by way of Fiat

Dodge Hornet concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

So far, the path of the Dodge Hornet from concept to production has been a long and winding road leading to nowhere. We first saw the Hornet way back in 2006, and since then, Chrysler has been searching high and low for a partner to actually assemble the vehicle. First, Chinese automaker Chery was tapped as the supplier of choice, and after that deal fell through Chrysler entered into an arrangement to have Nissan assemble the Hornet in exchange for the use of the Dodge Ram platform for a future fullsize pickup from the Japanese automaker.

Now, Chrysler’s recent bankruptcy and tie-up with Italian automaker Fiat may put the Nissan plans on hold as well. Automotive consulting firm IHS Global Insight has released a report with projections on Chrysler’s future product line. Included in the missive is a forecast that the Dodge Hornet will finally enter production in 2011 based on the Fiat 199 platform and built at the Belvidere plant in Illinois. Click here to read about the rest of Global Insight’s forecasts on the future of Chrysler and Fiat.

Gallery: Dodge Hornet