Chrysler’s manufacturing chief says the company’s Chapter 11 filing may delay getting new models to market, according to an Automotive News report.

Speaking at a bankruptcy hearing in New York, Frank Ewasyshyn said that extended plant closings as the company tries to emerge from bankruptcy in the next 30 to 60 days could push back the introduction of the new 2010 Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickup. It could also delay getting other new models in showrooms for the traditional fall introduction season. The plant shutdowns come at a time factories are normally gearing up to produce new models.

Suppliers, who are owed $1.71 billion for tooling and parts already shipped, are hesitant to continue to support the struggling automaker. Ewasyshyn was urging the bankruptcy court to allow Chrysler to pay those suppliers to minimize further delays.

The delays could also jeopardize the introduction of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, scheduled for next spring as a 2011 model. For example, we’ve recently learned that the supplier for the new Grand Cherokee’s fuel tank is having trouble borrowing money to get these tanks into production. The JGC is widely regarded as Chrysler’s most important new model introduction before smaller Fiat models begin arriving in showrooms. Chrysler has said it aims to have Fiat models at dealers in about 18 months.

We will continue to monitor this fast-moving story, reporting here in the Cars blog and also updating advice and news on the Auto Crisis hub.

—Jim Travers