STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (AP) — Chrysler says it will start selling a completely new midsize car early next year.

The replacement for the aging Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger is badly needed if Chrysler wants to complete in the most popular part of the U.S. auto market.

The company says the new car will be built at a factory in Sterling Heights, Mich., north of Detroit. Executives wouldn't give further details. But they confirmed the timing of the car Tuesday on a tour of the factory's new paint shop.

Chrysler's current midsize cars were unveiled in 2006 and updated three years ago. Their designs are the oldest in the midsize car market. The cars generally are noisier, get lower gas mileage and ride worse than their competitors.