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Chrysler selling Pacifica Design Studio to Mercedes-Benz
The Chrysler Pacifica Advance Design Center, first opened in 1983, is credited with penning the Plymouth Prowler concept (pictured above), Dodge Challenger concept, Jeep Compass, and Dodge Intrepid concepts. Unfortunately, the Design Center closed earlier this year as Chrysler streamlined operations. Now, Mercedes-Benz will bring it back to life as they move their design studio from its current 13,000 square foot location in Irvine, to the larger 35,000 square foot former Chrysler location in Carlsbad, California. While both parties have confirmed the pending sale, terms and move-in dates have not been released.
[Source: AutoWeek]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Tool 3:14PM (5/20/2008)
I'm still really surprised that the New New Chrysler is so short-sighted as to close their California design studio.
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Dude 3:24PM (5/20/2008)
Why is it short-sighted?
There is nothing special about California and design. Their computers and pencils will work just the same in Detroit, Dallas or any other city they locate them in.
Vik 3:42PM (5/20/2008)
Dude- you have obviously never been through a relocation. A sizable portion of employees (read: those with families and some of those without) decide to stay where they're settled vs. packing up and moving. There are also regional differences in terms of design philosophies in CA vs. other areas. Your ignorance of these things amazes me, but then I have to remind myself this is the Autoblog comment section and not the kickingtires one.
Tool 3:48PM (5/20/2008)
Dude--you should ask the folks at Nissan how that relo to Nashville is working out.
The fact is that Southern California--perhaps even more so than Detroit--drives the U.S. auto industry. To leave this area, which produces most of the trends is a big mistake. The designers and product planners will no longer have access to the zeitgeist that is So Cal.
ugg.tryptophan 3:56PM (5/20/2008)
we said tool
ugg.tryptophan 3:56PM (5/20/2008)
(oops) well said tool
ugg.tryptophan 3:15PM (5/20/2008)
just for that, PDS is going to design 300 killer
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Vintage 3:16PM (5/20/2008)
Way to go Chrylser. 25% cheaper crappier interiors than you already have + crap design like the latest avenger and sebring = the dumbest possible combination. What the hell?!
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psarhjinian 3:22PM (5/20/2008)
I wonder how many choice cuts of Chrysler's corpse Mercedes is going to be able to pick up? I'd suspect a few, since they're primarily responsible for doing most of the damage in the first place.
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The Luigiian 4:10PM (5/20/2008)
I'm hoping they don't take Jeep.
Rick 6:08PM (5/20/2008)
So the sale is for the studio, not the designers I hope?
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Mehul 5:25PM (5/20/2008)
Call me crazy but I like that plymouth prowler design.
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SayWhat? 5:41PM (5/20/2008)
You're not crazy, Mehul. I always like the Prowler too.
Pips 5:44PM (5/20/2008)
u both are crazy, prowler is nothing but a blow-up hot wheels with a cheap intrepid 3.5 engine......piece of crap!
Mehul 5:56PM (5/20/2008)
Its the fact that its a blow up hotwheels that makes it cool. Its unlike ANY other car out there.
I agree with you on the engine though.
MajorGeek 10:58PM (5/20/2008)
Had one back in the day maybe 2001 in red. GREAT design, all sorts of awesome oozing from it, except the small engine, front tires kicking stones into the paint and the V shape nose which made your foot hurt after a short ride from twisting it at an angle. I had put a supercharger on it with maybe 8-10 lbs of boost and it still didnt help it any.
All the same, as you guys said, the design was so damn cool that you could overlook minor flaws. Of course, I have never met a flawless car anyhow :)
James 5:51PM (5/20/2008)
Chrysler was the pinnacle of design at one point. I may not like their cars but their designs are inspiring.
Viper, Prowler, PT Cruiser. How about the Plymouth Pronto concept? These might not be great vehicles but their designs are awesome.
That being said, I've owned 1 WJ and that's 1 Jeep too many. Jeep would have been a great takeover if we went back into 2002 but the brand image has been diluted since.
I am not surprised that Chrysler is going down, I've made the jump to Honda/Acura vehicles and there is no going back to the hunk of painted scrap metal that Chrysler produces.
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anti-believer 5:57PM (5/20/2008)
James,
Chrysler the pinnacle of design?????
Please tell me when cause I never saw it.
Pinnacle of design... HA!
I'm dying with laughter.
LOL!
Someone call for help 'cause I'm suffering from "continues-laughter"!
Shyt!
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mroverlord 6:49PM (5/20/2008)
Here we go again...someone else who thinks SoCal is the center of the universe. You make it sound like being based in one location shuts them off from the rest of the planet.
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skicat 6:57PM (5/20/2008)
I'm a born and raised Californian (SF), 16-year resident of Los Angeles, 7 year ad guy on the Mazda account (including introducing the Miata), and now a 14-year resident of Southeast Michigan, now getting ready to launch the next F-150.
Sorry, "the zeigeist that is SoCal" is as much smoke and mirrors as anything.
Great vehicles happen when brilliant design, engineering and manufacturing converge. And the harmonics as as good in Japan, Germany, and (sometimes) Detroit, as anywhere in vaunted SoCal. It ain't the place, it's the people. I've worked with some real maroons, and some of the best, both in California and Michigan. I will admit that Art Center in Pasadena does give SoCal the advantage in the production of exceptional designers. But I'm well acquainted with Art Center, and its success has far more to do with faculty talent, a relentless curriculum and student selection than anything floating around in the SoCal "atmosphere."
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