Will Chrysler be the first to go?

[Chop]

Re: Will Chrysler be the first to go?

I think the biggest disappointment was the merger of Mercedes and Chrysler. In my estimation, Mercedes was a much better car before Chrysler got involved.

Yeah. I have a MB C class from 2000 (IIRC it was designed before the merger) and in my personal taste I did not like any C model that came up during the merged times. It looks like the new ones are appealing to me again.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Will Chrysler be the first to go?

Unless another manufacturer buys the names and preserves those lines, I'm afraid they will sink since they are Chrysler brands (that is, if Chrysler doesn't make it).

I think the biggest disappointment was the merger of Mercedes and Chrysler. In my estimation, Mercedes was a much better car before Chrysler got involved.

Funny thing is, Chryslers were much better cars before Mercedes got a hold of them. Chrysler had a ton of cash on hand, was building cars in less time per vehicle and for a higher profit margin than either Ford or GM before the supposed "merger of equals", and had some of the best designs of the domestics. M-B changed all that for the worse, then dumped them.

Interestingly, Fiat is now not only in negotiations to ally with Chrysler, but also potentially with the Euro brands GM is seeking to offload - namely Vauxhall, Opel and potentially even Saab (although Saab is denying this).

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Will Chrysler be the first to go?

I think the Viper will be dead soon.

The only plant that produces it was already closed. I think it is dead now

[Mister B]

Re: Will Chrysler be the first to go?

The only plant that produces it was already closed. I think it is dead now

It looks like the plant is not closed quite yet.

May 6, 2009

DETROIT -- Chrysler LLC today provided further details on its plans to close plants that will not be part of a new Fiat-Chrysler alliance

Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, Detroit. The plant, which builds the low-volume Dodge Viper sports car, will close in December unless Chrysler sells the plant and Viper line to another company. So far, no acceptable offers have been submitted.

[Tuck91]

Re: Will Chrysler be the first to go?

I Didnt know they even closed the plant.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Will Chrysler be the first to go?

It looks like the plant is not closed quite yet.

May 6, 2009

DETROIT -- Chrysler LLC today provided further details on its plans to close plants that will not be part of a new Fiat-Chrysler alliance

Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, Detroit. The plant, which builds the low-volume Dodge Viper sports car, will close in December unless Chrysler sells the plant and Viper line to another company. So far, no acceptable offers have been submitted.

Good eye. I read an auto blog that said it was already closed. Guess they/I jumped the gun!

[MyFirstES300]

Re: Will Chrysler be the first to go?

OK, now I'm confused. I didn't realize MB had anything to do with changing designs for Chrysler. I thought it to be the other way around.

Where's Lee Iaccoca when they need him?

EDIT: For a *very* short period of time I owned an 85' Fifth Avenue, and although it was a heap, I loved the cars looks!

[Barry N]

Re: Will Chrysler be the first to go?

And where am I supposed to go now for fine Corinthian Leather

[brianshaeffer]

Re: Will Chrysler be the first to go?

Originally posted by Michael Stoops:

Funny thing is, Chryslers were much better cars before Mercedes got a hold of them. Chrysler had a ton of cash on hand, was building cars in less time per vehicle and for a higher profit margin than either Ford or GM before the supposed "merger of equals", and had some of the best designs of the domestics. M-B changed all that for the worse, then dumped them.

This is actually true. I remember reading that Chrysler combined with Mercedes had lower quality ratings because Mercedes was pulling the overall quality rate down due to problem with their cars at the time. There are a few good accomplishments under Mercedes, however:

1. Engineering the new Hemi engine family. Great performance, low price, reasonable fuel economy.

2. LX cars - Even though Chrysler was in the early stages of engineering the rear wheel drive LX cars (300, Charger, Magnum), the merger with Mercedes facilitated the use of previously designed suspension components from the E-class cars for the LX.

3. 5 Speed Automatic Transmission - re-engineering and adopting the Mercedes 5 speed automatic for the LX cars saved the cost of developing a new transmission.

4. "World" Engine - Chrysler developed and engineered the "World" engine family of 4 cylinder engines being used currently by Chrysler, Hyundai, Kia, and Mitsubishi.

But... That being said, the merger also caused a lot of talent to leave the company, people that contributed greatly to the success of the company in the 1990s. Subsequent development of the current Sebring, Avenger, Caliber, Patriot, and Compass on a platform shared with Mitsubishi has led to some substandard designs.