Chrysler To Trim Product Line… Soon
Even as some UAW members are balking at the new Chrysler contract because it doesn't contain guarantees of jobs in the future, Walter P.'s namesake is looking at cutting out five models in the here and now. "A person familiar with the situation" told the Detroit Free Press as many as five models could be on the chopping block. The unnamed "company insider" indicated the Pacifica, Dakota, Durango, Commander, Compass and/or Sebring could be voted off the island by the end of the month. The Durango looks like a shoe-in, as the plant which builds it is slated for closure in 2009, and the Sebring may be given a complete makeover instead of facing the executioner's ax. At least Chrysler is facing a problem plaguing the auto industry– product overlap– head on. We can only hope Ford and GM are watching.
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I agree that the dakota needs to go in favor of the Jeep Wrangler Truck (JT). Give us a diesel and a manual trans and I will be among the rest in line at my local Jeep Dealer.
Dodge needs a small truck. Don't axe the Dakota. Just redesign it an make it a little smaller. I like my Dakota and I don't need a Ram. I agree with dmk1976 about one item. Give me a small diesel with a manual transmition and I will be happy.
Damn that JT is fugly. Can't see many needing that. Fringe product at best.
I predict two camps within Chrysler breaking down roughly along the lines of: Save the TWATS vs. Shave the TWATS esthetically, I will go with shaved.