Comments on: Chrysler Sends Unripe Cherys To Mexico

By: threeer

threeer — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:22:14 +0000

Um, does anybody see any issue with continueing to bolster China’s economy? Maybe the West Coast would adopt a car like this from China, but I have to imagine it would be a tough sell in the Heartland. Of course, we all spend billions at China, er, Wal-mart so what do I know?

By: menno

menno — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:24:44 +0000

I think you have a very good point, windwords, that Daimler also ended up treating Chrysler very poorly.

May kizmet (karma?) bite them where it hurts in Stuttgart for the ruination of a storied and once-great auto company.

By: windswords

windswords — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:20:54 +0000

Menno,

Bricklin is a fool and a con artist. Chery was right and smart to dump him like a hot potato.

It was the Daimler part of DaimlerChrysler (the only part that really mattered to Stutgart) that mistreated Hyundai and Mitsubishi (and REALLY mistreated Chrysler).

While I share your worries about the Chinese penchant to beg, borrow, and steal the ideas of others, in the case of a small B class car, what are they going to steal? Does Chrysler or any other automaker have a super secret proprietary way of bending steel or making catylitic converters? Chery will learn to make a good car by copying what others are doing. Assimilating and applying the knowledge will take time.

By: Juniper

Juniper — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:53:47 +0000

Menno
the Japanese did exactly the same thing to get started. Copy Copy Copy. and ignore the infringements. The first car Toyoda built was a copy of the Chrysler airstream with a copy of a chevy 6 drivetrain. the Toyota museum will tell you all about it.

By: menno

menno — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:29:49 +0000

Well I pity the Mexicans for being the guinea pigs in this little scheme of stupidity by Chrysler. Their new partner, Chery, which ran into Chrysler’s arms and dumped Malcolm Bricklin’s Visionary Vehicles (after Bricklin had put so much into the joint venture) proves the Chinese can’t adhere to a binding contract, and this is not the first time I’ve heard of this kind of thing – I was reading about how the Chinese have no moral scruples in a web story out of Egypt, where companies have been having lots of issues with this very thing (with the communist Chinese).

The fact that the Chinese are so lax in their concerns for other peoples intellectual property (read: they are outright thieves and copiers) also gives me pause for concern with regards to doing biz with them (as a customer or in any other way).

But then looking at how Chrysler treated AMC’s Kenosha Wisconsin work force (lies, lies, lies followed by closure and lay-offs) during and after buying AMC, and looking at how DaimlerChrysler treated Hyundai (going behind Hyundai’s back to partner with Hyundai’s Chinese partner) and Mitsubishi (in trouble? we’re yanking the rug) – then Chery and Chrysler DESERVE EACH OTHER.

As for me, I won’t even consider a mopar product, whether it’s Chinese, Mexican (as my LAST Neon was), American or Canadian.

May as well just set fire to my money instead, or better yet, buy a Toyota, Honda, Subaru or Hyundai. Or even Nissan, Mitsubishi or Kia!

By: NickR

NickR — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:44:38 +0000

Chrysler? In 2010? Yes, well, we’ll see.

Just wondering, if this cars is selling in Mexico and it turns out it sucks Americans and Canadians will find out about it. That’s the good thing about the Internet (or bad thing, depending on who you are).

I think the Hyundai comparison might prove to be apt BUT in 1984 there was on Internet (to speak off) to spread tales of automotive woe. Chery won’t have that luxury.

By: OldandSlow

OldandSlow — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:20:17 +0000

Is Cerberus Chrysler importing a Chery to Mexico to go against the Corsa and the Fiesta or could this be a trial run for the US market?

http://www.ford.com.mx/vehicles/homevehicle.asp?idModel=FIT

By: shaker

shaker — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:51:57 +0000

At least it’s the right color…
The doors look to be about 1″ thick, and that model might find the shoulder room to be a bit snug.
That’s the “New Chrysler”?
Such imagination.

By: iNeon

iNeon — Tue, 13 May 2008 06:52:37 +0000

Makes the neon coupe look like an Eldorado.

By: jthorner

jthorner — Tue, 13 May 2008 05:28:44 +0000

This is enough to make a guy want to restore a vintage Yugo.

By: nayrb5

nayrb5 — Tue, 13 May 2008 03:52:55 +0000

I’d say it’s a bad sign if the auto show model looks disinterested. Sheesh.

These would be great for Top Gear auto soccer, though…

By: PhotoJim

PhotoJim — Tue, 13 May 2008 03:42:25 +0000

1984 – Hyundai Pony. Total dreck, but cheap. Insanely popular here in Canada.

2008 – Hyundai anything. Great vehicle at a good price. Well made, terrific warranty, excellent fit and finish.

I don’t think I’d buy a 2010 Chery… but the 2030 or 2035 might be far better than most of us are thinking right now. The Chinese are smart and know what they’re doing.

By: Rix

Rix — Tue, 13 May 2008 03:07:38 +0000

Auric, dont worry, since they are put together out of tinfoil they really arent much of a threat.

By: kansei

kansei — Tue, 13 May 2008 02:50:30 +0000

is it just me or does the car have like 5 degrees of positive camber in the front? *sigh*

By: AuricTech

AuricTech — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:26:39 +0000

While “lucky” Mexicans enjoy Chinese-market standards in reliability, build quality and emissions, Yanks will just have to wait before experiencing the joys of Chrysler-branded Chinese personal transportation. Or not. Meanwhile, what?

Meanwhile, here in Arizona, I’ll have the joy of sharing the road with these things.