The Chrysler Group LLC executive who was to oversee development of a family of small cars engineered by Fiat SpA surprised colleagues with the news he is leaving for another, undisclosed company, said spokesman Rick Deneau.

Andreas Schell leaves Chrysler’s engineering management team weeks after his appointment as head of innovation and concept vehicles as part of a restructuring of the automaker.

As part of his oversight of advanced vehicles, Schell was also in charge of Chrysler’s important electric vehicle program. Chrysler has not yet had a chance to make contingency plans.

The German Schell worked for Mercedes-Benz and moved to Auburn Hills when the two companies merged to become DaimlerChrysler AG. Schell remained with Chrysler when Daimler sold the U.S. carmaker.



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