Chrysler Thinking About Selling Viper
Rumors have been flying for quite a while that Cerberus would sell off parts of Chrysler. Most of the conjecture centered around Jeep being the first to go. However, Automotive News [sub] reports the Dodge Viper could lead the exodus through the gates guarded by the three-headed dog. This morning Chrysler said they're "exploring strategic options for the Dodge Viper business… as the Company focuses on enhancing its core business and leveraging its assets." CEO Bob Nardelli doesn't deny they're considering the sale. "We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper." Then, proving he's unable to speak in any tongue but ManagementSpeak, he added, "As the Company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties." But fans of the hotrod Dodge needn't feel betrayed. "Viper is an integral part of this Company's heritage. While this is a strategic review, our intent would be to offer strong operational and financial support during any potential transaction, in order to ensure a future for the Viper business and perpetuate the legacy of this great vehicle." In other words, "we're going to sell the IP rights to it lock, stock and sidepipes then market the remaining dealer stock as 'last of a legend' to get every cent we can out of them."
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If selling it off is the only way we see another iteration of it, then so be it. I could see it coming back as ultra performance with new tech added like stability control / active handling / whatever other nanny aids you could put on a 500+ HP 500+ torque vehicle. Problem is, the Viper's niche would be gone, and it would be just another competitor for the title in a sea of high HP, high techmobiles.. I say keep it pure. It now has ABS, so leave it at that. Are there any other production cars that run those numbers with no other aids to the driver? Probably explains why many, many of these end up wrecked. Darwin's theory in effect...
Hmmm Chrysler doesnt sell the VIPER... Its Dodge..
psarhjinian, "going forward" is the one business-speak term I hate most. Someone should let the MBAs know that time travel is not possible. -ted
Accord: Chrysler DOES sell the Viper.. Thats like saying GM doesn't sell the Corvette, Chevy does.. It's just semantics really..