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Chrysler Group gambling on SUVs
Well, either the Chrysler planners know something we don't, or this is the worst example of bad timing we've ever
seen. The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that
the Chrysler Group is betting a big part of its new product development on five all-new SUVs, to be launched over the
next few years.
Currently, Chrysler Group's SUV segment sales are led by the Jeep brand, which posted sales of 40,659 units last
month.
Apparently the new SUVs are "mostly" small and mid-size models, presumably based in part on the Dodge Caliber and
Nitro (pictured) concepts, so they may not be affected by the fuel price issues that have depressed sales of big SUVs.
Even so, this is a crowded market segment and five new models might be overkill.
Chrysler is also said to be planning to bring back the Challenger sports coupe to compete with Ford's Mustang. Better
late than never?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joel A 10:49PM (12/18/2005)
Kewl. This'll mean lower prices for those who want an SUV and don't a fig about gas prices. (They do exist.)
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Jay 10:49PM (12/18/2005)
Well, one or two of those are probably going to be Jeeps, and that's a bit of a no-brainer. It's Jeep's raison d'etre.
As far as the other SUVs, probably one is the Chrysler Aspen (trying to get some money back on the sluggish sales of the Durango and its platform, which even in the near $3/gallon era, may still make some sense in terms of recouping Durango losses). The Nitro (which IMHO is the answer to the question no one is asking of Dodge) might be a better bet, as it's smaller and should be more fuel efficient, and since it's based on the Liberty, they might be able to drop a diesel into the Nitro as well...
People still want utility, comfort, and the brawny image one gets from SUV's (even front wheel drive SUVs with 4 inches of ground clearance). If they make them smaller and package them better, then it shouldn't hurt them too much. Now if they were announcing 5 new Excursion-fighters...then....
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DT 10:49PM (12/18/2005)
also does this include the Commander? Because then you have the Patriot/compass, caliber count?, commander, Nitro, Aspen?, Gladiator?, these aren't huge vehicles we've been seeing.
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md 10:49PM (12/18/2005)
Many other automakers are doing the same thing: GM, Nissan, Toyota, and even Honda.
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Doogs 10:49PM (12/18/2005)
Don't forget the four-door Wrangler. Or the Rescue, as it may yet be called.
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Steve 10:49PM (12/18/2005)
Jay seems to be the closest to what might be coming down the pipe-line. I also agree that the diesel should be used in the smaller packages. It's just a matter of time for the DCX/MB lines to look more like one family and not 2 different economic classes.
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V?or Rubiera 10:49PM (12/18/2005)
I agree with all of you that other manufactures are in the same path, about the Challenger I prefer a Dodge Charger 2 door coupe.
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