Can Chrysler Compete Until New Models Arrive?
Yesterday, stories swarmed the internet that Chrysler would introduce anywhere from seven to 10 new models by 2010. Since we have the automaker’s entire 2009 lineup already announced, we know there will only be one or two that could be considered new for this year: the Challenger and the Ram pickup. The other five to seven models, however, aren’t known to most industry insiders.
With sales dropping for the Chrysler Group more significantly than any other automaker in today’s troubled economy — they’re down 24% for the year, while GM and Ford are down 18% and 15%, respectively — we wonder if the company can survive the rest of 2008 and all of 2009 without anything new to offer.
We can assume one of the new 2010 products will be a small car like the Dodge Hornet concept shown above. Also predicted are new versions of the once-popular Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, along with new versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and possibly a new Dodge SUV based on the same platform. That’s four, and two of them are SUVs, which aren’t exactly the hottest vehicles these days. Chrysler executive Jim Press says the company is working on a new D segment car, which we’d assume will replace the horribly received Chrysler Sebring and somewhat more popular Dodge Avenger from 2007.
With the Jeep Patriot, Dodge Journey and Chrysler Town & Country minivan the three lone “successes” for the company to point to this year, we’re wondering how the now-private company can speak so glowingly about its future when its Detroit rivals are starkly pessimistic about 2009, even though they’re showing the media and public exactly what their new products will be for the next two years. We won’t even get into Chrysler’s virtual lack of hybrid vehicles; it just recently rolled out its first hybrids — versions of the full-size Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs.
As the new auto show season approaches, all eyes will be on how every car company addresses the needs of newly efficiency-obsessed consumers. Chrysler will be no exception. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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I recall Chrysler promising overhauls of its existing products with new interiors. In addition to the 2009 Patriot and Compass, I'd expect those to make up the set of "new" models: interior upgrades for the Avenger, Sebring, Caliber, and maybe even the minivans.
Isn't the Extended jeep Wrangler a success or has sales already fallen for that vehicle. I also hope they get a samll car lineup addition here fast. A revised Neon would sell on short notice at this time
I just saw pictures of the "new" 2009 Charger. All that is different is the tail lights, which now have a pretty huge reverse light on each side. I personally like the previous rear light design better, but that is the only cosmetic design change. I love Dodge/Chrysler vehicles and wish they offered smaller cars with interiors which actually look and feel more upscale or sporty.
I have invented a way to make small cars safer in collisions. Please ask the car companies to consider my ideas.
www.safersmallcars.com
They've been breaking a lot of promises lately and mostly ho hum warm overs of exsisting models. The Ram truck looks too brand "F" for my tastes. The paint colors for 2009 are either dark and drab or glow in the dark. The interiors are as dark as a plastic coated cave.
I agree a revised neon or omni with its 51 mpg would sell like crazy. But they would need a decent 4 cyl first and where they would get one from would be a bad idea. The best bet would be a work over to bullet proof the 2.0 from the Neon. I just don't see them making a V4 or even a slant 4 from their V8s and V6s.
The problem isn't so much the cars it is the power trains.
I agree. Upgraded interiors and driveline improvements will need to be made in upcoming models if they want to remain competitive. When I step into a Chrysler product today, I feel as if I've stepped into an 80's time warp.
I really wish they would bring back the Dodge Neon. I own an '05 SXT and I love it. It's one of the best compact cars I have owned.
If dodge made one with all wheel drive and with the popular 2.4 turbo I feel they would sell like hotcakes.
Where I live I see Neons everyday! I also notice that everyone from 16 to 80 years of age driving these cars, both men and women. On any given weekend I see at least 10 neons running around town.