Chrysler exec says the Aspen isn't too late
With interest in big SUVs taking what looks to be a permanent nose dive, you have to wonder if Chrysler's new Aspen SUV is too much, too late. (See our article on the Aspen debut here.)
Well, Automotive News reports Chrysler group's executive VP for product development, Frank Klegon, is someone who thinks there's plenty of life left in the SUV party - more than enough to justify the Dodge Durango-based Aspen.
Klegon feels that the Aspen will offer a superior value proposition to its competitors in the full-size SUV market, which suggests that the Chrysler offering will take market share from existing vehicles in the segment, given that the segment itself will likely be stagnant or shrinking.
Interestingly, when queried about the potential for diesel vehicles in the U.S. Chrysler lineup, Klegon was not very encouraging, despite Mercedes-Benz's upbeat Bluetec diesel presentation Sunday at the NAIAS. (See our NAIAS Bluetec coverage here.)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
roadside observer 10:43AM (1/10/2006)
Well, duh! What else is he going to say - "yeah, we missed the boat; we're late to the market, so we're going to fight for what few crumbs are left"? Badge engineering at its best.
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123 12:39PM (1/10/2006)
The Dodge Durango won both C&D and Motor Trend full size SUV comparisons. Moreover, C&D wrote a glowing review of their long term Durango even adding that the Durango was as good as it gets in its class. Considering that the Aspen is essentially the same vehicle, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Chrysler using badge engineering for a vehicle that is highly esteemed.
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Nick 2:21PM (1/10/2006)
Yes, it is indeed badge engineering, but the Chrysler brand needed as SUV anyway. Even with high gas prices and a softening market for SUV, Chrysler needs to have at least one SUV offering. Everyone does.
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2Suave 2:36PM (1/10/2006)
The Aspen name puzzles me because the Dodge Aspen and its sibling, the Plymouth Volare, from the mid 1970s were dreadful pieces of crap.
I had hopes that the Neon replacement would be called the Dodge Dart which was a great car in its day.
Another problem is the issue of badge-engineering which is a bad idea as demonstrated by what it's done to GM and Ford. Phooey on this Aspen thing!
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Brian 3:59PM (1/10/2006)
Jumpin' Jesus on a pogo stick, WTF???
This would have been a good idea if DamChry's announcement was, "Look! We redesigned that ugly pig-truck Durango into something that doesn't completely turn your stomach ... aren't we great?" Instead, they chose to follow Caddie and Lincoln into the truck market. Brilliant! Too bad they're 10 years too late to have a prayer for success and absolutely NOBODY cares.
Attention Detroit: Enough with the SUVs, already. Spend your shrinking R&D dollars creating vehicles that are fast, efficient and innovative or you are TOAST. The Greatest Generation is dying, as you will notice by your ever-shrinking sales numbers. The rest of us won't waste our money on inferior/inefficient products just because it's draped with Old Glory - we go where the value is, period.
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Mark R 5:02PM (1/10/2006)
Why does Chrysler need a truck based SUV? Most Chrysler dealers are paired with Jeep or Dodge (or both). Isn't this part of the reason why GM is in trouble - selling the same car at the same dealer under different names.
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iQuack 7:13PM (1/10/2006)
Qualifies for "Yawner of the Year" award IMO.
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