When it comes to the sports car market, judging by the numbers, Chrysler has been shooting blanks with its Crossfire. Reports Monday say that DaimlerChrysler is negotiating compensation with German subcontractor Karmann (which builds the Crossfire for Chrysler) because of lower-than-expected production requirements for the slow-selling coupe.
Karmann's production of the Crossfire has fallen from a peak of 35,700 in 2004 to just 12,500 last year. Introduced in 2003, the Crossfire managed about 28,000 sales in 2004, but less than 10,000 in 2005. Chrysler was so desperate to move Crossfires in late 2005 that it even engaged in a marketing stunt when it attempted to sell units on Overstock.com.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
phil @ Mar 14th 2006 10:07AM
I worked at a Chrysler dealership for several years and let me tell you that these things flat out don't sell. The two we did manage to get rid of were sold for almost no profit at all.
Jay Tee @ Mar 14th 2006 10:15AM
It's an attempt to grab more money out of the old SLK platform. DC should realize that consumers are not stupid enough to pay $30K+ for a decade old chasis passing off as a new car with the wrong badge and questionable styling.
Dustin Tarditi @ Mar 14th 2006 10:21AM
In some cases I'm sure they would sell them at a loss to free up floorplan. There's a 300+ day turn-over cycle on those things.
Is it overpriced, over-hyped? Wrong car for the time? Bad styling? Poor performance? Not sure.
Steve C. @ Mar 14th 2006 10:24AM
The Crossfire has a dud from the beginning. While Chrysler has produced some of Detroit's biggest winners, this has to be the biggest loser. I'm shocked that it is still in production.
First, they produce an underpowered "sports" car with, ahem, "interesting" styling that was by no means underpriced.
Then they produce an overpowered, overpriced "upgrade."
Finally, GM (with the Solstice and Sky) shows them what they should have done at the beginning -- nicely styled, well-balanced car that is affordable.
They need to cut their losses.
Ed Kapuscinski @ Mar 14th 2006 10:40AM
It's a real shame, I think they're a really cool looking car, and I'd like to see more similar vehicles out there, but I think it's the combination of being underpowered and overpriced that is killing them.
Too bad, because they COULD add some real cache to Chrysler's lineup.
Optimus Prime @ Mar 14th 2006 10:40AM
The Crossfire was release at the time when they wanted to move Chrysler upscale (remember the moreso disasterous Pacifica launch) ... that is, they purposely overpriced the (mediocre) vehicle thinking that comsumers would equate Premium Price = Premium Prestige Car (or something like that) .. and somehow ignore that the Crossfire was a pos. Consumers didn't buy it (literally).
haha .. Chrysler is NOT and will never be a luxury brand ..so just give it up DC.
Ken @ Mar 14th 2006 10:42AM
Who fits in these cars? I'm 5'11" (180cm) and my knees hit the dash with the seat all the way back.
zed @ Mar 14th 2006 10:45AM
I believe this car is evidence of why Chrysler is currently the only 'Big 3' automaker not currently sucking wind. This car was a risk, like most of their successful vehicles. Everyone in business knows that risks are just that: risky. Some you win, some you lose. They took a shot on this car and it didn't pan out, but it represents the kind of risks they've been willing to take. If the whims of automative fashion had blown differently, its provocative styling could have been a hit. I don't see Ford or GM taking calculated risks like this.
Philip Dunlop @ Mar 14th 2006 10:47AM
Was it a failure in America because it was another attempt for Chrysler to break the European market? I've seen one or two of these and I must say I love the styling. It's probably worth mentioning that it's the first car from Chrysler to employ the new, oh-so-talked about design language as seen on the much-raved about 300 (I don't include the PT Cruiser because... well... it doesn't count).
DJ @ Mar 14th 2006 10:49AM
The Crossfire never made sense at the price DC was asking. Similar roadsters, the Z4, Boxster and others, were not that much more expensive, yet offered better handling and performance. Not only that, but after 2 years, the BMW and Porsche were worth a lot more in resale value.
dgs @ Mar 14th 2006 10:55AM
I have owned a 2005 Crossfire Roadster Limited for the last 7 months, and drive it every day. I am very pleased with this car. I have had 7 Corvettes in the passed. The last Vette was a '03 Convertible. For the money, (half the price of a new '06 Vette Convertible) the Crossfire is an excellent value. If you can fit comforably in the driver's seat, which is the only major problem with this car for tall drivers, you will find the handling and performance are first class. I average 22mpg in city driving, which is good for a sports car. I would recommend this car to someone who is looking for a small, fuel reasonable, sports type car to drive for every day use.
Giggles of Doom @ Mar 14th 2006 10:55AM
I would have at least considered it had I been able to fit comfortably in the damn thing. So few sports cars for us 6'2" peeps.
ENH @ Mar 14th 2006 11:26AM
I agree with Ken (#7). If they had made these so anyone over 5 feet fit comfortably they may have sold some.
Steve S @ Mar 14th 2006 11:30AM
I always liked the styling of the crossfire. It’s bold and unlike anything else on the road. Too expense for the performance it provides and the interior quality is lacking. Well at least you should be able to pick up a used one for super cheap soon.
Nat @ Mar 14th 2006 11:52AM
I'm 6'3 and fit behind the wheel of a Miata (and can drive in relative comfort). I can't say the same for the Crossfire, my shins hit the ridiculously tall dash board making it impossible to work the throttle.
I thought German cars were supposed to be better for taller drivers? Was the SLK like this?
Philip Dunlop @ Mar 14th 2006 11:55AM
Yeah, cheap soon, unless it becomes a niche collectable.
I know one of the big criticisms of Chrysler on the European market is the quality of the interior finish. But I agree with zed's take on things. The car was a risk, and Chrysler's current language is quite polarising. More risks make for a more interesting time, and out of the American Big 3, the Chrysler group are the only ones that hold my interest at all aside from a few glimmers from other parties. I'm especially looking forward to the possibility of the Hornet being produced.
TIM @ Mar 14th 2006 12:01PM
WE STILL HAVE A 04 ON THE LOT. I HAD THE CHANCE TO DRIVE A SRT6 CROSSFIRE WHAT A POWERHOUSE OF A CAR
BUT THE CAR IS MADE FOR SMALL PEOPLE. POOR LINE OF SITE
AT THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD AND WHEN THE COOLING SPOLIER POPS UP FORGET ABOUT USEING THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. DIAMLER NEEDS TO RETHINK AND TRY ANOTHR DIRECTION WITH THIS ONE
Aki @ Mar 14th 2006 12:56PM
If it was just a failed risk, I'd applaud DC for it.
But the car was overpriced, underpowered and underhwelming. The front seems more fitting on a truck, and it seems like a badgineered SLK. Good riddance. BMW can afford to charge a premium because of the rep it has established. DC has not yet come that far.
leather bear @ Mar 14th 2006 12:56PM
Chrysler TC by Maserati redux, anyone?
ANR @ Mar 14th 2006 1:36PM
I actually like the Crossfire, and would like to get one myself. Unfortunate to know that it's slow to sell. Though if I had some more cash to my name, I could probably haggle the hell out of the dealer for one!