Chrysler To Show EVs… to Dealers

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

No, Chrysler doesn’t have any plans to show its three reported EV prototypes to the public. After all, that might imply that these mythical vehicles have some chance of making it into production. Instead, the Auburn Hills mob will be displaying the unnamed, unhinted-at prototypes to dealers only. Because what dealers doesn’t love cars that they can’t sell? Anyway, mission accomplished for Chrysler co-president Jim Press, who leveraged the announcement to make the dubious claim that “we are making substantial progress on electrification of our vehicles.” No, seriously; Chrysler is focusing on developing hybrid electric plug-in vehicles with a range of 300 miles. Not only that, but Press claims ChryCo can “move forward with advanced products for electrification with or without partners.” With the current crop of Chrysler products making a compelling case for suicide, it seems that they’ve learned [from GM] that It doesn’t matter how bad your products are right now. If you swear you have a world-beater just around the corner, the government will bail you out. Press is right on message: “The biggest issue for the auto market today is getting adequate credit, not $4.00 a gallon gas.” Just so.

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

More by Edward Niedermeyer

Comments
Join the conversation
 3 comments
  • AG AG on Sep 03, 2008

    Once again, I can see why they discontinued the EV1 project, but did they have to destroy all the R&D?

  • LXbuilder LXbuilder on Sep 03, 2008

    I think that the dealers are smart enough to judge what ever product they are presented with, and know if it is real or just smoke and mirrors.

  • Usta Bee Usta Bee on Sep 03, 2008

    I love that Playskool car in the photo. They should load it up with GM's board of directors and drive them through the lion preserve at Lion Country Safari.

Next