Chrysler Tapping Customers for Feedback
While domestic automakers are reducing their employee ranks, Chrysler is looking for a few good men and women to join its company — 2,000 of them, to be exact, to serve on the industry's first Online Customer Advisory Board.
Chrysler spokeswoman Carrie McElwee said that while automakers spend lots of time and money on consumer focus groups to gather information about future products, "focus groups usually are used one time for one product.”
“The advisory board is for ongoing dialogue between the company and consumers, with members serving for several months at a time," she said.
The advisory group will focus on such things as new designs, products and technology, serving as a sounding board for the company and interacting with company officials as well as among themselves.
"It's always a good idea to listen to the voice of the customer, and automakers always like getting feedback from consumers," said Erich Merkle, director of forecasting for IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids. "But while that information is valuable, it can only take you so far. You can't use it as a crutch. You still need someone with an intuitive feel to make the decisions, not only for what customers want but for what customers don't even know yet that they want. You need someone like a Bob Lutz who says, ‘This is it.’"
The work will all be handled online, though McElwee didn't rule out group meetings or possible vehicle test drives.
"Through our online Customer Advisory Board, we have a new platform to engage our customers in two-way dialogue so we can harness their insights and vehicle dreams as we move quickly to develop and refine technologies and products," said Deborah Meyer, vice president and chief marketing officer.
Before you dust off your resume, be advised that to be considered for the board you have to be a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license. You also have to have a computer and be willing to work gratis.
To participate in the Customer Advisory Board, submit an application at www.ChryslerListens.com.
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That link is broken.
https://www.chryslerllc.com/en/chrysler_listens/?hrf=www.chryslerlistens.com
Do they really need a focus group to tell them they need to improve reliability and gas mileage to get their sales out of the toilet? I thought that was intuitively obvious.
Thanks LT. Fixed now.
Well let's not be nasty, LT.
On a brighter note, this can be a very, very good thing for Chrysler Group.
So they finally decided to listen after all?
Maybe they'll finally get rid of the tupperware they call a dash...
Maybe they'll finally get rid of the tupperware they call a dash...
I'll gladly give feedback to Chrysler - free of charge! STICK TO MAKING RENTAL CARS. That's what you are best at. I look forward to watching Nardelli drive the company further into the ground as it's just a matter of time that Tata buys them at auction on eBay.
I'm actually shocked that it took this long for an automaker to take this step.
Of course, consumer comments are only worthwhile if a company is willing to spend the money and energy it takes to implement them.
Time will tell if this is for real, or just an idea that sounded good.
I don't know if this is actually a good idea; I think it's bad, and here's why: who in the right mind will apply when
(1) No mentioning of paid;
(2) No mentinoing of benefit; &
(3) This really isn't a job?
Answer: probably diehard Dodge fans like Al Bundy! (OK,diehard Chrylser fans.)
The problem with this approach is that it will only reflect what these "fans" want, not what the public really wants! U think a Nissan or Honda owner will apply? Fat chance...
There's a reason why public interest groups exist - and going cheap isn't the right way to do it :)
ive been saying this approach for sometime i guess someone thought i was right. the other factor is are they truly going to listen. if so maybe we will see imperial with suicide door. but lets take it a step further during some not all of the autoshows set up a few computers for diagram displays only. and what i mean is you take a concept or an existing car to possibly come up a different driving machine. all the ethics could be worked out later if considered. i for one am not worried about payment or benefits im truly a diehard chryler individual only thing wrong i dont own a computer im sending this from my work place. ps: i also, think when you begin to bring out new products such as the imperial set up zones and send certain areas the car only 1 and put it on the showroom floor with the suicide doors just to test the waters then really move them in the fall this especially good for california. and later begin to take orders depending on customer reponse. oh and one other thing come out with some real colors. meaning and actual burgundy a dark blue or true brown. interior: for burgundy a form of yellow or grey. for dark blue same holds or maybe lightblue. something to that nature. now lets us imagine 2010 imperial chrysler in black for the exterior and the inside the yellowish tint with a sunroof. i can go on and on but ill hold here. did not know url meant please respond thank you and thank you for giving me this chance.............im so excited........
what they really should do is ditch thyat horrible 3.7L engine in their SUV's. an angine of that size should be making at least 280 hp, just ask VW. it should also have nothing less than 6 speeds. Even a CVT is better than the nasty 4 speed auto.
they also need to improve the quality of their interiors. They've got the exterior styling down, its just the quality of the inside that lets so many people down. for example- the Avenger's styling is great, but the inside is just of such low quality that buying one would be a mistake.
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