Article Comments - Chrysler Does Some Pruning

31 messages, Last post on Aug 28, 2008 at 5:38 PM

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Chrysler Does Some Pruning, But Where Are the New Seedlings? - Chrysler announced last week that it is dropping from its product portfolio four slow-selling models. Going away in 2008 will be the Dodge Magnum and the Chrysler Crossfire, Pacifica and PT Cruiser convertible. These are the obvious models to clear away from among the overlapping models in Chrysler's line. (more)

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#28 of 31 Rebadged Mitsubishis... by andre1969 Aug 25, 2008 (4:17 pm)
I don't think the rebadged Mitsubishis were so bad back in the day (relatively speaking), but the real problems came when Chrysler started using Mitsubishi components in Chrysler cars. Stuff like the 2.6 "Silent Shaft" 4-cyl, or the 3.0 oil burner V-6. But I think the more recent Mitsu products are okay, and I think their engines are pretty good nowadays. I'd really like to see Chrysler come up with something decent to replace the Avenger/Sebring. I think these cars are just a mess inside and out, style-wise, and I don't think there's anything spectacular about the way they perform. The 300C/Charger are getting a bit outdated, and with the way fuel prices are, they're a bit of a throwback. But I still like them. It would be cool if Chrysler would keep them around, as sort of a niche product for those who want them, but then come out with something to replace the Avenger/Sebring that would be a good contender for the Accord, Camry, Malibu, Altima, etc market.
#29 of 31 Re: That's news to me that the new [writer] by dtownfb Aug 26, 2008 (6:34 pm)
Replying to: writer (Aug 25, 2008 2:15 pm) Sales are up but I wouldn't consider their overall numbers all that great. They are selling about 9,000 - 10,000 a month (based on about two months I could find). That's only about 120,000 units a year. Chrysler is a very different company and so is Mitsubishi. What was done in the 80's and 90's cannot work with these two companies now. Plus Nissan has a wider reach and better technology to utilize. Either way, I still think Chrysler is destined to become a member of the Nissan/Renault family. Replies to this message: graphicguy (Aug 28, 2008 5:53 am) dtownfb (Aug 28, 2008 5:38 pm)
#30 of 31 Re: That's news to me that the new [dtownfb] by graphicguy Aug 28, 2008 (5:53 am)
Replying to: dtownfb (Aug 26, 2008 6:34 pm) I still think Chrysler is destined to become a member of the Nissan/Renault family I think that's the only way for Chryco to survive. Unless there's some super secret development going on from a depleted engineering dept, that's the best thing that can happen to them. It's a shame really. They were in good shape before Daimler stepped in with their so called "merger of equals. Daimler drained their, at the time, sizable cash on hand. They stuck Chrysler with old Mercedes parts. Then they blamed Chrysler for their own malaise. Unceremoniously, they dumped them. Jeep brand is one that's out of favor right now via their fuel economy. Dodge is putting out uninspired products, with the possible exception of the Challenger. Chrysler has aging designs, for the most part....300, PT. Sebring is relatively new, but who wants them. Without resources like what Nissan/Renault has, how do they possibly get out of this mess? A merger is their only way to survive. Replies to this message: dtownfb (Aug 28, 2008 5:38 pm)
#31 of 31 Re: That's news to me that the new [graphicguy] by dtownfb Aug 28, 2008 (5:38 pm)
Replying to: graphicguy (Aug 28, 2008 5:53 am) You have to wonder why Daimler was willing to dump Chrysler for so little. They knew there was very little in the works as far as product development. The current car market has accelerated their decline. I bet Cerebus figured they had a few years to get things straightened out before selling. Now the only division worth anything is Jeep. I don't hear much about the "Hemi" engine anymore. It's sad but American businesses (big business) tend to set their model based on the best years and not prepare for the lean years. And the Big 3 has no vision what so ever. they bet the farm on SUVs and pickups and allowed the imports to control the car market. Sad but I don't think Chrysler will be the only US automaker to go down. Every time I think GM is in the clear, their quarterly reports bring me back to reality. The next two quarters should be interesting......