Chrysler Updating 12 Models in February
Next week, Chrysler will launch a promotion called "New Day Celebration" in which 12 vehicles have been earmarked to get 56 new or upgraded features, ranging from optional equipment made standard to deeply discounted "value" option packages.
Chrysler wouldn't say which vehicles will get what changes. Those details will be announced next week, but vehicles with the new features and options will be displayed at the Chicago Auto Show, which opens Feb. 8.
As an example, however, Stow ’n Go seats that weren't even offered in the base Dodge Grand Caravan SE minivan will now be standard. Also, the base Dodge Charger SE Plus will newly offer a package including a 3.5-liter V-6 upgrade from the 2.7-liter V-6 engine, plus Sirius Satellite Radio and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels. The Charger will also get a new "cool vanilla" body color in response to customers who've asked for more subtle colors.
Chrysler also plans to upgrade the interior cabin materials in several of its vehicles over the next year. There have been reports that the Jeep Compass and Patriot, for example, will get softer armrests, but Chrysler wouldn't confirm that.
In a speech earlier this week, Deborah Meyer, vice president and chief marketing officer for Chrysler, said the automaker is "listening to customers on how we can better satisfy them. We’re moving fast to enhance our products. In the first 60 days after Chrysler became private, we approved 260 line-item improvements to our products. Most of these changes go into production this calendar year," she said, alluding to "New Day."
"New Day" is supposed to be an example of Chrysler's ability to react to customers more quickly now that decisions don't have to pass through as many layers of management. The company is now privately owned by Cerberus and not publicly owned by Daimler in Germany.
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It's good to see Chrysler listen to what the customers want. I can honestly say that I bypassed buying a Chrysler product because I thought the interior was cheap. I have to look at the interior everyday and expect it to be at least decent.
Now, Can we talk about the poor handling suspensions? My friend was looking at a Neon SRT-4 a short while back. It has plenty of go and whoa but, fell on it's face in the handling department. In effect, it was a 2/3 car. Paying attention to detail in the missing 1/3 of their cars will bring Chrysler back into the game IMO.
Well,,, this seems like a whole barrel of "let's find out"!
Too bad I just looked at "old Chrysler" at the Harrisburg PA Auto show yesterday.
But hey this could be the first (and by industry standards rather quick) sign of how Chrylser will do, "post-divorce"
So I'm rooting for you guys.