Chrysler FTL....again!
05-21-11, 05:37 PM
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Chrysler FTL....again!
So I happened upon a couple cars across from me in my parkade that caught my eye. Not because they were special, they're just rentals, but because I thought they looked very, very similar. When I first glanced at them, I actually thought they were just different model years of the same car.
The front ends are virtually identical for the new Chrysler 200 and the Hyundai Sonata. Which one of these came out first and who is copying who? Sorry for the crappy phone pics, but I was stunned at how similar they were.
I then saw/heard an ad today from Chrysler spouting something along the lines of "you don't have to be ashamed to drive American anymore". Yes you do if you drive a Chrysler. "Imported from Detroit"....not a snowballs chance in hell.
Playing the "buy American" card when your company still sucks is lame. Ford and a few select GM products are much better than any Chysler. Why our governments chose to bail out this embarassment of a company is something I will never understand.
After that, I saw this ad online and just had to shake my head.
As usual, Chrysler FTL.
http://autos.sympatico.ca/Jeremy-Cat...e-for-survival
The front ends are virtually identical for the new Chrysler 200 and the Hyundai Sonata. Which one of these came out first and who is copying who? Sorry for the crappy phone pics, but I was stunned at how similar they were.
I then saw/heard an ad today from Chrysler spouting something along the lines of "you don't have to be ashamed to drive American anymore". Yes you do if you drive a Chrysler. "Imported from Detroit"....not a snowballs chance in hell.
Playing the "buy American" card when your company still sucks is lame. Ford and a few select GM products are much better than any Chysler. Why our governments chose to bail out this embarassment of a company is something I will never understand.
After that, I saw this ad online and just had to shake my head.
As usual, Chrysler FTL.
Chrysler's race for survival
Posted on May 20th 2011 by Jeremy Cato
The Chrysler Group has a huge, huge problem now that pump prices are topping $1.40 a litre for premium grade gas in Toronto, according to the latest price survey from The Kent Group – and regular gasoline is averaging about $3.40 a gallon in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of energy.
"In 2010, truck utility vehicle and minivan sales comprised roughly 74 per cent of our total vehicle sales in the U.S.," compared with 52 per cent for the whole U.S. market, noted a Chrysler filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 25.
This dependency on fuel-swilling big rigs is one reason why Chrysler’s sales in the U.S. were down nine per cent through the end of April. True, Chrysler Canada’s sales were up 9.3 per cent through April, but that’s only because light truck sales in Canada are being heavily subsidized with massive subsidies.
Once the sales giveaways end in Canada, fuel prices will have an impact. We are traditionally a small car market.
The impact of fuel prices is already hitting home in the U.S. Gas prices are firmly in the minds of many Americans.
The evidence: a recent study by the Consumer Federation of America showed that 84 per cent of families with incomes of $25,000 to $75,000 are greatly concerned about gas prices (figures in U.S. collars).
"Low- and middle-income Americans are now spending more money each month on gasoline than on their car payments," said Stephen Brobeck, the federation's executive director, in a Detroit News report.
Aside from the low-volume Fiat 500, Chrysler Group won’t have a significant new compact sedan until the first quarter of 2012. It will be a replacement for the Dodge Caliber.
The as-yet unnamed Dodge sedan and other small cars will be based on a Fiat platform. Look for not just that aforementioned sedan, but also a compact Jeep SUV and a Chrysler sedan.
Even when all of these go on sale, Chrysler will still trail all its rivals on fuel economy. The company is, however, moving as fast as possible to fix this glaring problem.
Chrysler will offer a nine-speed automatic transmission designed for front-drive vehicles with the next-generation compact and mid-sized vehicles. The ZF transmission will improve fuel economy by 11 per cent over current six-speed automatics, says Chrysler.
In its SEC document, Chrysler said the transmission will be available in 2013. Then there is the eight-speed automatic Chrysler will begin offering later this year on rear-drive vehicles.
Chrysler partnered with Fiat two years ago for many reasons, not least of which was to help round out its smaller car portfolio. The new models can’t get here fast enough.
"Nothing has changed from the five-year plan," said Ralph Gilles, Chrysler’s design chief and the CEO of the Dodge brand, adding the coming Chryslers, engineered by Fiat, "are coming strong and heavy. There is no need to speed up," he added speaking to the Detroit News.
For Chrysler, the race to become just average in fuel efficiency looks very much like a race for survival.
Posted on May 20th 2011 by Jeremy Cato
The Chrysler Group has a huge, huge problem now that pump prices are topping $1.40 a litre for premium grade gas in Toronto, according to the latest price survey from The Kent Group – and regular gasoline is averaging about $3.40 a gallon in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of energy.
"In 2010, truck utility vehicle and minivan sales comprised roughly 74 per cent of our total vehicle sales in the U.S.," compared with 52 per cent for the whole U.S. market, noted a Chrysler filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 25.
This dependency on fuel-swilling big rigs is one reason why Chrysler’s sales in the U.S. were down nine per cent through the end of April. True, Chrysler Canada’s sales were up 9.3 per cent through April, but that’s only because light truck sales in Canada are being heavily subsidized with massive subsidies.
Once the sales giveaways end in Canada, fuel prices will have an impact. We are traditionally a small car market.
The impact of fuel prices is already hitting home in the U.S. Gas prices are firmly in the minds of many Americans.
The evidence: a recent study by the Consumer Federation of America showed that 84 per cent of families with incomes of $25,000 to $75,000 are greatly concerned about gas prices (figures in U.S. collars).
"Low- and middle-income Americans are now spending more money each month on gasoline than on their car payments," said Stephen Brobeck, the federation's executive director, in a Detroit News report.
Aside from the low-volume Fiat 500, Chrysler Group won’t have a significant new compact sedan until the first quarter of 2012. It will be a replacement for the Dodge Caliber.
The as-yet unnamed Dodge sedan and other small cars will be based on a Fiat platform. Look for not just that aforementioned sedan, but also a compact Jeep SUV and a Chrysler sedan.
Even when all of these go on sale, Chrysler will still trail all its rivals on fuel economy. The company is, however, moving as fast as possible to fix this glaring problem.
Chrysler will offer a nine-speed automatic transmission designed for front-drive vehicles with the next-generation compact and mid-sized vehicles. The ZF transmission will improve fuel economy by 11 per cent over current six-speed automatics, says Chrysler.
In its SEC document, Chrysler said the transmission will be available in 2013. Then there is the eight-speed automatic Chrysler will begin offering later this year on rear-drive vehicles.
Chrysler partnered with Fiat two years ago for many reasons, not least of which was to help round out its smaller car portfolio. The new models can’t get here fast enough.
"Nothing has changed from the five-year plan," said Ralph Gilles, Chrysler’s design chief and the CEO of the Dodge brand, adding the coming Chryslers, engineered by Fiat, "are coming strong and heavy. There is no need to speed up," he added speaking to the Detroit News.
For Chrysler, the race to become just average in fuel efficiency looks very much like a race for survival.
05-21-11, 05:55 PM
#2
Dysfunctional Veteran
Well...I am not going to say anything other than...
Sorry, Mike, I had to
.
Unfortunately, Lexus does not make a Full-Size or even a Compact Pickup, which my current situation dictates a need for. Unlike MOST people who drive a pickup, I actually NEED mine on a daily basis and use my 4wd at least once a week getting to training sites that would otherwise be inaccessible. I drove a 2010 Silverado, and it was OK, but it was simply that...just OK. It wasnt awesome, it wasnt special, it was plain-jane truckness. I drove the F150, and loved it, but could not afford it. Then the 09 Ram fell into my lap.
25k miles later, I could not be happier with my purchase. Not one single minute in a shop for a repair. The interior is Nicer than any truck in its class similarly equipped, save for the $50,000 Toyota Tundra...Right, cause I want to pay $50,000 for a truck when I am going to use it like a truck. Try finding a used tundra for the $21,000 I paid for my slightly used (but never registered) Ram. You wont, unless is 7-10 years old with close to/over 100k on the clock.
And it isnt just the ram, the 2011+Charger is nothing to shake a stick at either.
So to wrap this up, chrysler is quickly bringing up the rear of the American made automotive industry. If Ford and GM dont watch it, I would be willing to bet in 2-3 years, Chrysler Corporation could be well ahead of its competitors in Sales, Service, and Build Quality. Chrysler could very well be the next automotive "snake in the grass". Be careful, everyone...Snakes bite.
Originally Posted by 1sicklex
Dodge the father, Ram the daughter...
Sorry, Mike, I had to
.Unfortunately, Lexus does not make a Full-Size or even a Compact Pickup, which my current situation dictates a need for. Unlike MOST people who drive a pickup, I actually NEED mine on a daily basis and use my 4wd at least once a week getting to training sites that would otherwise be inaccessible. I drove a 2010 Silverado, and it was OK, but it was simply that...just OK. It wasnt awesome, it wasnt special, it was plain-jane truckness. I drove the F150, and loved it, but could not afford it. Then the 09 Ram fell into my lap.
25k miles later, I could not be happier with my purchase. Not one single minute in a shop for a repair. The interior is Nicer than any truck in its class similarly equipped, save for the $50,000 Toyota Tundra...Right, cause I want to pay $50,000 for a truck when I am going to use it like a truck. Try finding a used tundra for the $21,000 I paid for my slightly used (but never registered) Ram. You wont, unless is 7-10 years old with close to/over 100k on the clock.
And it isnt just the ram, the 2011+Charger is nothing to shake a stick at either.
So to wrap this up, chrysler is quickly bringing up the rear of the American made automotive industry. If Ford and GM dont watch it, I would be willing to bet in 2-3 years, Chrysler Corporation could be well ahead of its competitors in Sales, Service, and Build Quality. Chrysler could very well be the next automotive "snake in the grass". Be careful, everyone...Snakes bite.
05-21-11, 06:46 PM
#3
Unfortunately, Lexus does not make a Full-Size or even a Compact Pickup, which my current situation dictates a need for. Unlike MOST people who drive a pickup, I actually NEED mine on a daily basis and use my 4wd at least once a week getting to training sites that would otherwise be inaccessible. I drove a 2010 Silverado, and it was OK, but it was simply that...just OK. It wasnt awesome, it wasnt special, it was plain-jane truckness. I drove the F150, and loved it, but could not afford it. Then the 09 Ram fell into my lap.
25k miles later, I could not be happier with my purchase. Not one single minute in a shop for a repair. The interior is Nicer than any truck in its class similarly equipped, save for the $50,000 Toyota Tundra...Right, cause I want to pay $50,000 for a truck when I am going to use it like a truck. Try finding a used tundra for the $21,000 I paid for my slightly used (but never registered) Ram. You wont, unless is 7-10 years old with close to/over 100k on the clock.
And it isnt just the ram, the 2011+Charger is nothing to shake a stick at either.
So to wrap this up, chrysler is quickly bringing up the rear of the American made automotive industry. If Ford and GM dont watch it, I would be willing to bet in 2-3 years, Chrysler Corporation could be well ahead of its competitors in Sales, Service, and Build Quality. Chrysler could very well be the next automotive "snake in the grass". Be careful, everyone...Snakes bite.
25k miles later, I could not be happier with my purchase. Not one single minute in a shop for a repair. The interior is Nicer than any truck in its class similarly equipped, save for the $50,000 Toyota Tundra...Right, cause I want to pay $50,000 for a truck when I am going to use it like a truck. Try finding a used tundra for the $21,000 I paid for my slightly used (but never registered) Ram. You wont, unless is 7-10 years old with close to/over 100k on the clock.
And it isnt just the ram, the 2011+Charger is nothing to shake a stick at either.
So to wrap this up, chrysler is quickly bringing up the rear of the American made automotive industry. If Ford and GM dont watch it, I would be willing to bet in 2-3 years, Chrysler Corporation could be well ahead of its competitors in Sales, Service, and Build Quality. Chrysler could very well be the next automotive "snake in the grass". Be careful, everyone...Snakes bite.
P.S. I got a chuckle out of this. Thinking about the next Viper aren't ya hah
Chrysler could very well be the next automotive "snake in the grass". Be careful, everyone...Snakes bite.
05-21-11, 08:35 PM
#5
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While I agree with you that Chrysler still lags behind, I just don't see them as copying the Sonata. If anything, I think they're trying to look more Audi like. Maybe the A6 or an older A4?
Big Mack
05-21-11, 08:39 PM
#6
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Sorry Josh, wasn't meaning to be disrespectful of your choice. I'm glad you're happy with your purchase. Their trucks are the only thing that is respectable, imo. That doesn't excuse the rest of their line-up or their shortcomings. 
I cannot disagree more strongly with this notion. Ford is huge steps in front of GM and they're so far out in front of Chryler that they almost can't see them. The Charger, while improved, is a joke when stacked up against the new Mustang 5.0/Boss/Shelby. They haven't shown any indication that they are somehow going to drastically close the gap. The longer this continues the more difficult it will be for them to survive in the long run.
So to wrap this up, chrysler is quickly bringing up the rear of the American made automotive industry. If Ford and GM dont watch it, I would be willing to bet in 2-3 years, Chrysler Corporation could be well ahead of its competitors in Sales, Service, and Build Quality. Chrysler could very well be the next automotive "snake in the grass". Be careful, everyone...Snakes bite.
05-21-11, 08:45 PM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
I always was a fan of the Dodge Ram when it gained the new styling back in the mid 1990s or so. That said the Chrysler 200 isn't really competitive b/c its basically a facelift on the worst car in class. I would imagine the full cycle re-do is better, especially if it looks like the concept. Will Fiat invest heavily to truly save Chrysler remains to be seen.
This is sad
This is sad
"Low- and middle-income Americans are now spending more money each month on gasoline than on their car payments," said Stephen Brobeck, the federation's executive director, in a Detroit News report.
Trending Topics
05-21-11, 09:46 PM
#8
Dysfunctional Veteran
Sorry Josh, wasn't meaning to be disrespectful of your choice. I'm glad you're happy with your purchase. Their trucks are the only thing that is respectable, imo. That doesn't excuse the rest of their line-up or their shortcomings.
I cannot disagree more strongly with this notion. Ford is huge steps in front of GM and they're so far out in front of Chryler that they almost can't see them. The Charger, while improved, is a joke when stacked up against the new Mustang 5.0/Boss/Shelby. They haven't shown any indication that they are somehow going to drastically close the gap. The longer this continues the more difficult it will be for them to survive in the long run.
I cannot disagree more strongly with this notion. Ford is huge steps in front of GM and they're so far out in front of Chryler that they almost can't see them. The Charger, while improved, is a joke when stacked up against the new Mustang 5.0/Boss/Shelby. They haven't shown any indication that they are somehow going to drastically close the gap. The longer this continues the more difficult it will be for them to survive in the long run.
Oh man, you werent disrespectful. We just have different opinions, thats all. I just had to defend my investment...with due civility of course.
That said, the charger isnt supposed to compete with the new mustang, thats the challenger. The Charger R/T competes more with the likes of the taurus SHO. On that, have you actually driven a 2011 Charger? Coming from a lexus its probably a downgrade, but coming from any other american sedan, holy crap!
05-22-11, 07:06 AM
#10
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Said it before, say it again... I WANT to like Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler... but aside from the Ram, EACH product finishes well back (only second- Challenger over Camaro IMO) or worse across the board in terms of tech, mileage, reliability... the main criteria the buyers of this class of vehicle base their purchases on... and the "new" DJC is NOT making the strides that Ford has made, or even Barry Motors... scrambling to mediocrity is NOT moving a company forward... I LOVE the new Durango... except they CATCH FIRE... http://jalopnik.com/5790753/new-dodg...g-parade-float
FYI- Viper will be back in 2013/2014... already in the works...
FYI- Viper will be back in 2013/2014... already in the works...
Last edited by rdgdawg; 05-22-11 at 07:09 AM.
05-22-11, 07:22 AM
#11
I LOVE the new Durango... except they CATCH FIRE... http://jalopnik.com/5790753/new-dodg...g-parade-float
05-22-11, 10:47 PM
#12
Said it before, say it again... I WANT to like Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler... but aside from the Ram, EACH product finishes well back (only second- Challenger over Camaro IMO) or worse across the board in terms of tech, mileage, reliability... the main criteria the buyers of this class of vehicle base their purchases on... and the "new" DJC is NOT making the strides that Ford has made, or even Barry Motors... scrambling to mediocrity is NOT moving a company forward... I LOVE the new Durango... except they CATCH FIRE... http://jalopnik.com/5790753/new-dodg...g-parade-float
FYI- Viper will be back in 2013/2014... already in the works...
FYI- Viper will be back in 2013/2014... already in the works...
Hopefully they don't screw it up.
05-22-11, 11:30 PM
#13
Lexus Test Driver
The recently released 200 has been Chrysler's biggest mistake. They teased us with the above 200 concept, but instead gave us a facelifted Sebring. The Sebring was one of the worst and most outdated cars on the market in the last ten years. Keeping it going and not replacing it with something all new (like the concept) is just nuts.
07-20-11, 12:28 AM
#14
The recently released 200 has been Chrysler's biggest mistake. They teased us with the above 200 concept, but instead gave us a facelifted Sebring. The Sebring was one of the worst and most outdated cars on the market in the last ten years. Keeping it going and not replacing it with something all new (like the concept) is just nuts.
