Chrysler throws in towel on 200 (and Dart)

[sendler]

Cheap gas is helping buyers make a big mistake as pick up trucks and big SUVs are chosen to buy over fuel efficient cars.
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Chrysler Throws In Towel On Sedans: 200, Dart To Die For SUVs, Trucks
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[MetroMPG]

"We can't compete. So let's completely give up!"

Way to go, Chrysler!

[sendler]

They need the manufacturing space to build more 18 mpg trucks for the soccer moms to drive the kids around in.

[MetroMPG]

At least Chrysler Mexico has the right attitude:



The Dodge Attitude

A re-branded 40 MPG 1.2L Mirage sedan.

Which is coming to the States (as a Mitsu) this year.

[Fat Charlie]

At least some of it isn't too wasteful- the Dart plant is going to be "converted" to build Cherokees. Jeep Darts. So, not too much converting to be done there, I guess.

By "full line" manufacturer, they mean fully vulnerable to every blip in the price of oil and fully ignoring both entry level and non-wasteful customers.

[Vman455]

"In setting the stage for the details that were released, Marchionne said FCA does not expect low fuel prices 'to fundamentally change, directionally,' and that it believes U.S. buyers' shift toward SUVs, crossover utility vehicles, and pickup trucks is permanent."

Hmmm...anyone else want to take that bet?

[Andrei_ierdnA]

I think there are three main factors that cause this, and it will take an entire generation to change things:

1) As the North American average waistline and body weight keep growing, so will the need for larger vehicles.

2) As the #1 consumerist society in the world, there's an ever increasing need for cargo space to carry all that stuff from the stores. I think more North Americans have garages full of stuff (crap) than garages with cars.

3) The public view of small cars and hatchbacks as being girly versus their love for my big manly 'Mmerican truck.

I think the fuel consumption and gas prices do not matter so much for the sheeple.


PS: as I walk my dog every evening through the neighbourhood I'm shocked to observe about 75% of houses have 2-3 cars parked in their driveways instead of their garage. In conclusion the word "garage" should be changed to "storage-space".

[jedi_sol]

aww that sucks, I rented the Chrysler 200 one time. It got me 43mpg at 70mph (dashboard indicated) on my commute to work. It was quite nice inside too.

[Fat Charlie]

I drive a couple somewhat infrequently. The one with the 4 cylinder FTL, says the guy who drives a Fit.

Pity, because it's a good platform and if they could have sorted that out properly it would have been awesome.

[Miller88]

If there is any company that consistently goes out of it's way to make bad decisions , it is Chrysler.

From being garbage mechanically (transmission problems, engines that sludge), to electronic failures (TIPM) to now, getting rid of small cars.

I think Jeep, Dodge, Dodge truck er "RAM", Chrysler just need to be laid to rest.

The only value was in Jeep - which has been destroyed and in the CUMMINGS TRUCK, BRO ... which has lost its edge since they get further and further away from the old 12v engine.