What's Wrong With This Picture: The Price of Optimism Edition

by Edward Niedermeyer

Published: November 10th, 2009

what s wrong with this picture the price of optimism edition

While reading through some of our analysis of Chrysler’s five-year plan, you may have found yourself wondering “what did the Pentastar boyz do to convince you of their company’s viability plan besides flash PowerPoint slides at you for seven hours?” To fully comply with TTAC’s stringent disclosure standards, we present Chrysler’s material compensation for the seven hours that auto journalists most wish they had back.

The only two items of real value are a wireless mouse in the shape of a Fiat 500 and a Chrysler-branded USB storage drive. The USB drive uses real aluminum, giving it a heft that is clearly intended to signify the Chrysler brand’s new, up-market positioning. But when was the last time you saw real aluminum trim inside a Chrysler? Continuing the push to portray Chrysler as a luxury brand are the new Chrysler 300 and Town and Country brochures, which are printed on a heavy stock and covered in a faux-leather paper product. Again, why not just spend this money on the cars themselves? Though it’s difficult to tell from the picture, the blue-covered documents are a three-inch-high stack of presentation slides, a handy reminder of my seven hours in PowerPoint Hell. Oh yes, and the New New Chrysler had one more journo-softening outlay, courtesy of the Fiat caterers: a delicious Northern Italian luncheon that one veteran described as “the best junket lunch ever.” Orzo, cannelloni alla funghi, imported salamis, Piedmont-style asparagus and more. Did these perks and treats affect our coverage? Decide for yourself:

Chrysler Financial Plans: Leveraged Assumptions

Chrysler Ups Ad Spend

Chrysler Brand: Refresh and Market Like Hell

Dodge Brand: Refresh and Market Like Hell

Hi, My Name Is: Ram

Dodge Marketing Explained: Sort Of

Dodge Versus Ram Case Study: Nitro

Chrysler: The Powertrain Plans

Fiat 500: The Littlest Bailout Baby

What’s Wrong With This Picture: Planning Sales Edition

Sergio’s Plea for Optimism

#Chrysler #FiveYearPlan #Media #Optimism #Perks #SergioMarchionne #Swag

Edward Niedermeyer

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2 of 12 comments

Accs on Nov 10, 2009

I could use the keydrive.. over 8g please. At least it would outlast a Chrysler vehicle...

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Stingray on Nov 11, 2009

Since at this time the 500 mouse has already been requested (and having not updated since 7:30 local time) Dibs on the flash drive.

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Recent Comments

ToolGuy I do like the fuel economy of a 6-cylinder engine. 😉
Carson D I'd go with the RAV4. It will last forever, and someone will pay you for it if you ever lose your survival instincts.
THX1136 A less expensive EV would make it more attractive. For the record, I've never purchased a brand new vehicle as I have never been able to afford anything but used. I think the same would apply to an EV. I also tend to keep a vehicle way longer than most folks do - 10+ years. If there was a more affordable one right now then other things come to bear. There are currently no chargers in my immediate area (town of 16K). I don't know if I can afford to install the necessary electrical service to put one in my car port right now either. Other than all that, I would want to buy what I like from a cosmetic standpoint. That would be a Charger EV which, right now, doesn't exist and I couldn't afford anyway. I would not buy an EV just to be buying an EV. Nothing against them either. Most of my constraints are purely financial being 71 with a disabled wife and on a fixed income.
ToolGuy Two more thoughts, ok three:a) Will this affordable EV have expressive C/D pillars, detailing on the rocker panels and many many things happening around the headlamps? Asking for a friend.b) Will this affordable EV have interior soft touch plastics and materials lifted directly from a European luxury sedan? Because if it does not, the automotive journalists are going to mention it and that will definitely spoil my purchase decision.c) Whatever the nominal range is, I need it to be 2 miles more, otherwise no deal. (+2 rule is iterative)
Zerofoo No.My wife has worked from home for a decade and I have worked from home post-covid. My commute is a drive back and forth to the airport a few times a year. My every-day predictable commute has gone away and so has my need for a charge at home commuter car.During my most recent trip I rented a PHEV. Avis didn't bother to charge it, and my newly renovated hotel does not have chargers on the property. I'm not sure why rental fleet buyers buy plug-in vehicles.Charging infrastructure is a chicken and egg problem that will not be solved any time soon.