What's Wrong With This Picture: Spot The Chrysler Edition
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.
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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.
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.
Ooooh, the one on the upper right is almost as pretty as the Kia Amanti.
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.