chrysler/dodge/jeep the future ?

[elpirata]

I was speaking to my dealer the other day about what Chryslers future plans are with ref to the 300C and other models now they are owned by cerberus capital management, and he was telling me that things are really going to change over next year.

the group has 21 products and he reckoned in a year there would only be 11 or so.

300C - touring probably going
300C - retain in longer term to evolve
Crossfire - going soon
sebring - going, apparently 1200 in uk, no more coming
sebring cabrio - continue in v.small numbers
pt cruiser - going soon
dodge avenger - going
dodge caliber - 2008 upgrade deferred to 2009
dodge nitro - going

he was also talking about bluetec diesel engine technology which will have a very positive effect on diesel engine fuel economy when it comes.

sounds like we deff made the right decision imagine if you had bought a piece of crap like the avenger, you would really be kicking yourself !

elpirata

[devilmaycare]

Originally Posted by elpirata

sebring cabrio - continue in v.small numbers

elpirata

I wonder what the business justification is for this?

[300C-CRD]

It is in the May issue of the "Top Gear" magazine, Chrysler is looking to build their car in China!!!

[watsonofearnock]

Isn't everyone? Saves them being bought out by the Indians!!
Cheers John

[AWD300CYA]

Originally Posted by 300C-CRD

It is in the May issue of the "Top Gear" magazine, Chrysler is looking to build their car in China!!!

Great, another opportunity for China to poison Americans with Lead paint.

[propus]

Originally Posted by AWD300CYA

Great, another opportunity for China to poison Americans with Lead paint.

You planning on licking your paint like?

[AWD300CYA]

Originally Posted by propus

You planning on licking your paint like?

Um, no. Just bringing up the fact that there are hundreds of product recalls from China for their lead paint content which was made illegal in the states in 1978. Check this link, shocking. What's even more shocking is that China knows it's illegal and they know why it is illegal, but here we are. Hmmm.

Family Watchdog

[GoofyTimL]

Originally Posted by elpirata

.... the group has 21 products and he reckoned in a year there would only be 11 or so.

300C - touring probably going
300C - retain in longer term to evolve
Crossfire - going soon
sebring - going, apparently 1200 in uk, no more coming
sebring cabrio - continue in v.small numbers
pt cruiser - going soon
dodge avenger - going
dodge caliber - 2008 upgrade deferred to 2009
dodge nitro - going

he was also talking about bluetec diesel engine technology which will have a very positive effect on diesel engine fuel economy when it comes....

elpirata

Based on the recent poll questions to the Customer Advisory Board it seems they are trying to justify the demise of the Hemi and focus on small, uninspiring power plants.

My input was the 2.7L engine should never been offered in the LX models... it takes some minimum amount of power to move a 4100+ Lb vehicle efficiently.

The Crossfire was a great little car, but it should have had a back seat. A two-seat platform is always going to be a niche vehicle. In that regard the Mazda RX8 had the right idea IMO.

The Sebring was good while it lasted, but now they seem to be trying to make it the redesigned Crossfire, but it doesn't have the punch or suspension.

PT Cruiser has run it's course IMO.

The Avenger... why even make a mini-Charger except to appease the higher MPG screamers?

Same Question for the Cabiler in reference to the Magnum. Bring the Magnum back, give it a minimal third seat if you have to and market the thing as the ultimate cross-over!

Nitro... what was the apeal in the first place. Something trying to look like a Honda Element (what an ugly thing that is).

[300C-CRD]

I think there are probably only two viable vehicles in Chrysler range, the 300C and the Voyager. But the long term outlook for these aren't so rosy, the replacement models need to be better than the current models and don't know if Chrysler has the money and know how to improve. The new Voyager will be on the market here soon, looks all right but needs more oomph for such large vehicle.

Lead in paint?? Sounded very scary but I were brought up with the leaded petrol, leaded house paint and God knows what other chemicals which were "safe" to use in those days. No wonder I can't think straight.

[propus]

Originally Posted by AWD300CYA

Um, no. Just bringing up the fact that there are hundreds of product recalls from China for their lead paint content which was made illegal in the states in 1978. Check this link, shocking. What's even more shocking is that China knows it's illegal and they know why it is illegal, but here we are. Hmmm.

Family Watchdog

I know, I was just pulling your chain.