More[w/POLL]

 

I like Chrysler, and I once held stock in them (made quite a return over the 90s). I really like the Challenger, the Charger, and even the 300 still looks as classy as it did when it came out 5 seasons ago (yes, it's been that long already!). The Dodge Ram, while isn't running the world like the Ford F-series or even selling the volume of Chevrolet trucks is still doing extremely well, and Chrysler still all but owns the minivan market. There's always going to be a market for Jeep Wranglers and Grand Cherokees.

But outside of those vehicles, what does Chrysler really have?

Chrysler also has been raped and run into the ground for years. Earliest example was when Daimler took all of Chrysler's reserve cash and used it to redo Mercedes, start Smart, and expand their business. The last screwup was when they refused to meet demand with the new Dodge Challengers and instead used them to force dealers to add more Avengers, Sebrings, and other vehicles that simply weren't selling to their already bloated inventory.

To Chrysler's benefit, they have gone through the interiors of every car for the upcoming year and either redesigned or upgraded the materials they use (initated by the old Chrysler, not Fiat yet), so it's a small start.


Things look bad for Chrysler now. I can see why the public has little confidence in Chrysler, and I think it will drop more as Ford and GM continue their new product onslaught over the next year while Chrysler is devoid of any new products as Fiat gears up. But Chrysler has the most enthusiastic and energetic CEO since Iacocca retired. Chrysler is tied up with a foreign car company that seems eager to use Chrysler's platforms (the LX platform is scheduled to scheduled to be used under a BMW-competing Alfa Romeo!) and isn't stingy about letting Chrysler use theirs. And these guys actually seem to understand running a car company, reversing the old Chrysler's decision to kill off cars without any replacements, even the still strong selling PT Cruiser.

Ford will likely start making money any month now, not to mention their new 2 year model redesign cycle that will keep all their cars fresh from now on.

Chaotic GM will replace every car they make over the next 2-3 years, and will start paying back the government (by selling stocks again) next year.

Chrysler, if Fiat can keep intrest going in the brand for another year and a half, will have a late start, but will have plenty of new models in their showrooms.

Chrysler's enemy now is time.

 

I've always thought of my camaro as an American car even though is was assembled in the great white north.

 

your Camaro is an American car..it was made in North America by an American car company..

 

So, let me understand how accurate these polls end up being.

Supposedly 80% of poeple are considering an American car... yet, using the Cash 4 Clunkers thing as a barometer.... it ended up being roughly 38% who actually bought one.

 

Here's the problem.

It's just like when you get people to commit to ...let's say...your charity golf tournament. They may tell you 'Yes' but come crunch time, they don't show up because they wanted to do something else. But they didn't want to hurt your feelings.

Just a thought...

Jeff

 

"80% of the time, it works every time."

 

That's a fine point... so what's the deal then?



Is it:



Scenario A: Customer checks out domestic and foreign vehicles, and the foreign vehicle is deems better THAT OFTEN?



or



Scenario B: Customer never really has the intention of shopping the domestic car, but is actually embarrased to say so?

 

Everyone knows "imports" are more fuel efficient...

 

B is the way I'm leaning.