Chrysler Keeping It Quiet For Detroit Auto Show

Cammy Corrigan
by Cammy Corrigan

Chrysler have seen the Detroit Auto Show as a venue for excessively extroverted stunts. Previous years saw a Jeep dropping from the ceiling, leaping minivans and cowboys herding cattle outside the exhibit hall. Top Chrysler executives even traditionally poured drinks for visitors at its Firehouse bar. But with the economy coming of recession and Chrysler coming out a Chapter 11 reorganisation, CEO Sergio Marchionne feels that the extravagance needs to be severely curtailed, and according to Asiaone.com, he has put an embargo on press events. “We wanted to be respectful of everyone’s time. Mr. Marchionne is a very practical guy,” Chrysler spokesman Rick Deneau told AFP. “We didn’t have anything to show.” Well, besides a Lancia rebadged as a Chrysler, but who wants to draw a lot of attention to that?

Cammy Corrigan
Cammy Corrigan

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  • Wheeljack Wheeljack on Dec 21, 2009

    In before the obligatory "dan" post about how we should all boycott Chrylser. I for one am glad they are saving money on these shenanigans and perhaps using it for something more important.

  • SherbornSean SherbornSean on Dec 21, 2009

    I'm sure there would be plenty of shenanigans if they had a single thing to show off. But the cupboard is bare. The only things they can show are the upcoming GC and 300C, but then they'll have to admin how much those are both delayed. As if anyone cared. Lets be honest with ourselves: Nobody is sitting around thinking "Gee, I really need an AWD vehicle that can seat 4-5 comfortably and also go off-road. But I want to wait until the new Grand Cherokee comes out."

  • CyCarConsulting CyCarConsulting on Dec 21, 2009

    How about cardboard cut outs of the models with fired Chrysler executives serving Fiat's family pizza to the crowd.

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