When it comes to producing a full line of cars, automobile manufacturers know that the midsize line will be where many of its customers will look. Powered by four and six cylinder engines, five passenger sedans are generally economical, affordable and just the right car for many families.

Like its competitors, Chrysler has been fielding midsize models for years most recently selling the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, sedans that go up against the likes of the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata and many other models. Unfortunately for Chrysler, the Sebring and Avenger have been poor sellers mostly because quality levels don't match the industry leaders whose styling and technology is ahead of the Chrysler twins.

Chryslers's Quest For New Midsize Sedans

Now that the Chrysler Group LLC is under the watchful control of the federal government and Fiat SpA, Chrysler is seeking to replace its midsize sedans with more modern and fuel efficient models. The automaker has three options at its disposal, but perhaps only one is truly viable. Let's take a look at what Chrysler might be able to do to bring the replacements for the Sebring and Avenger to the market:

Go To Opel - Though still owned by GM and in the process of being sold to Magna International, Fiat had hopes of acquiring Opel for themselves. By exerting ownership over Opel, the next generation of midsize Chrysler and Dodge models was to come from the German automaker. That option apparently has evaporated along with Fiat's dreams of owning Opel.

Tap Fiat - Fiat has at least one model platform which may be right for the Chrysler twins, but there is a problem - it is too narrow for Chrysler. Midsize American cars must be of a certain width in order to successfully compete; the Fiat platform is long enough but not wide enough. Fiat would have to go through the expense of widening its midsize sedan platform, a prohibitively costly expense at that.

Look Within - Perhaps Chrysler's best choice will come from looking within the organization. Specifically, the LX platform underpinning the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger - full size sedans - could be shortened to power the midsize models. The only disadvantage is that the new models would be powered by the rear wheels which means that interior space will be reduced thanks to the powertrain hump in the cabin. Yet, being one of the few models offering rear wheel drive could give the new Chrysler models a significant marketing advantage if Chrysler exploits that niche properly.

Decisions, Decisions

A decision on what direction Chrysler will take regarding its midsize line will have to come soon. Product development takes time and if the new models are to be ready in time for the 2012 model year, work on their replacements will have to begin almost immediately.

Chrysler needs to make sure that it gets its midsize sedan strategy right. With the Korean manufacturers nipping at their heels and the global automotive market changing rapidly, there won't be any second chances for the Chrysler Group LLC.