What's Wrong With This Picture: Spot The Chrysler Edition

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

The AFP reports that Chrysler is “currently reconsidering how it uses major auto shows for revealing new vehicles and concepts,” by way of explaining why Chrysler has “nothing new” for the Detroit Auto Show. Spokesman Rick Denau explains “we’d like to do things closer to the on-sale date of the vehicles and most of our new stuff isn’t coming until the second half of the year.” In reality, Chrysler is pushing the limits of the possible with its attempt to re-work the Chrysler and Dodge lineups in record time. Except for the new 300 and Grand Cherokee which made ill-fated debuts in Chrysler’s “viability plan” Chrysler’s refreshed products won’t be ready for public consumption until shortly before they go on sale, and it’s still likely that some of those release dates could be pushed back. In the meantime, Fiat will rebadge a Lancia as a Chrysler for the Detroit show. Because that’s almost as good as showing a new model, and it’s certainly as good as it gets for Chrysler right now.

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Mjz Mjz on Dec 21, 2009

    I actually admire the fact that they don't want to show their upcoming new products, (300, Charger, Grand Cherokee, Durango) until they are actually close to production. Unlike GM which shows them 12 years before they hit the market (i.e. Cruze), to the point you are sick of seeing them and the actual introduction is anti-climatic. However, that said, Fiat should bring some of their current Lancia/Alfa Romeo/Fiat models to the show, as sort of a teaser for things to come...Lancia Delta and Ypsilon, Alfa MiTo and Guilietta, Fiat 500, Punto Evo and Doblo would be my picks.

  • Superbadd75 Superbadd75 on Dec 21, 2009

    If I had to pick one, I'd say Delta. It's probably the only one that I could personally see selling fairly well here. What troubles me, however, is that I don't see anything there that would solve any of Chrysler's problems. Chrysler needs compelling volume sellers, and none of the cars pictured would be that. Think Camry/Accord or Corolla/Civic. I understand that Fiat is trying to rush products over to Chrysler showrooms quickly, but if they're not sending the right products, then what's the point? They aren't in the position to take on a few models to fill in the gaps, they need major players right now, and a few hatchbacks aren't going to work in a market that wants sedans and crossovers. Sergio's plan doesn't seem like it's going to work very well to me.

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    • Accs Accs on Dec 21, 2009

      Roundel, Its actually funny you say that.. with as big as VW is.. and all of the companies they own.. I wouldnt doubt it. However.. as long as they dont make the same mistakes as GM / Ford / Fiatsler. And my belief about Chrysler and their cars... The vehicles arent around / fresh enough to actually be competitive on the long term. As boring as Camry / Accord are.. theyve been in the market for coming on 30yrs. If there is a problem.. it will be / should be fixed by the next iteration. Yes, they are boring as hell.. especially the current versions. But they own the segment. Chrysler is a company.. (among the worst) to push the rebates as high as possible, and all kinds of gas rebate and crap on the hood. They promote the worst brand loyalty along with the worst brand value. NTM, just when you think the company might be doing well.. they are back in the crapper again. Im sorry, I cant buy a car from a company always in the can. Not even to mention they havent figured out the basics.. midsized and compact cars.. with a COMPETITIVE MINIVAN!!!

  • Nick Nick on Dec 21, 2009

    Ooooh, the one on the upper right is almost as pretty as the Kia Amanti.

  • Panzerfaust Panzerfaust on Dec 21, 2009

    The Phedra is looks most like a Chrysler product. But it appears to be a 2000-ish Dodge Caravan with a nose job. The Ypsilon and Delta look interesting but they're all Lancias. Which means they're all Chryslers.. now.

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