Chrysler to launch four Special Editions in first quarter of 2010
Much has been made of Chrysler's apparent lack of new products for the 2010 model year. Suffice it to say, while there are big things in store for Chrysler, they will take at least another year to get into production. For instance, while removing the unsightly strakes from the hood of the unloved Sebring sedan and convertible is a nice gesture, it's not nearly far enough to make the car suddenly competitive with its chief rivals in the ultra competitive mid-size sedan arena.
Not entirely surprisingly then, Chrysler is trying its best to add a few reasons to purchase its current models before the major changes happen in the next few years. Each of Chrysler's current nameplates – 300, Town and Country, Sebring and PT Cruiser – get Special Editions that will hit the market in the first quarter of 2010.
First, the 300 is slated to get a complete redesign later on in 2010, probably as a 2011 model vehicle. Regardless, the current 300 will get a Sport Edition that's targeted at the youth market before the reboot button is officially pressed. The Town and Country gets a Fashion Edition and the Sebring gets an Ocean Edition (we have no idea what that means).
Lastly, the long-in-the-tooth PT Cruiser gets a Final Edition (finally final? Promise?) and the nameplate is not scheduled to live on past the 2010 model year. So, if you want one... better hit your local dealer post haste. As a parting note, Chrysler never actually mentioned it, but take a good look at the new Chrysler 300 brochure at the top right of the image above – that doesn't look like the current 300 grille, does it? Hint, hint.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Aznauto 6:06PM (11/04/2009)
Grab them while you can chances are Chrysler won't survive till 2011.
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The Other Bob 6:07PM (11/04/2009)
Is that a Lancia in the lower right corner?
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The Other Bob 6:07PM (11/04/2009)
oops. Lower left.
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Stu L Tissimus 6:21PM (11/04/2009)
Yep. Although that's a Lancia showroom seling Lancia-badged Chryslers.
Stu L Tissimus 6:23PM (11/04/2009)
Wait, nope, still wrong. I said it was a Lancia dealer due to the giant Lancia banner behind the 200c, but didn't even notice the (now outdated) Chrysler logo behind the Lancia.
Also, just want to put this out there: the Chrysler-Fiat guys are pretty terrible at making Powerpoint presentations; I've seen more professional stuff in high school chem classes.
BigWill 11:55PM (11/04/2009)
Chryslers with Lancia badges. Yeah, that'll work - the same way rebadged Subarus and Trailblazers worked for Saab.
dukeisduke 6:08PM (11/04/2009)
They've got a steep hill to climb, keeping car buyers interested until the Fiat products arrive. I haven't heard much good out of that six-hour death march of a presentation today, something that could have been done in two hours..
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John H. 6:30PM (11/04/2009)
The more you have problems, the more you need to talk to media.
Otherwise, you let the product and sales do the talking to the Customer.
Andy 7:16PM (11/04/2009)
@ JohnH: Your philosophy is presumably why our current government is popular and working so well? Sadly, I don't thing Chrysler are going to make it.
Vik 6:42PM (11/04/2009)
Forecasts say that in 2011 Chrysler will be profitable again.
21 new models and 2,8 million vehicles sold before 2014...
I hope those analysts are deserving the money they earn
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Joey Mazz 8:00PM (11/04/2009)
Probably the same analysts who thought that the housing market bubble would never burst, or that citi group stock was a good buy, or that subprime loans were profitable... you get the idea. I have high hopes for Chrysler but I honestly don't know what will happen to them.
leftlaneabuse 6:24PM (11/04/2009)
The Mercedes name couldn't save them so does anyone really think Fiat can? This ain't Europe and those little Fiats are ugly. Too much competition and too many Americans still remember the jokes and problems of the past. You can kiss that bailout money goodbye. I just hope the gov doesn't give them anymore. As a mopar fan and current cuda owner it's sad to watch.
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geo.stewart 6:28PM (11/04/2009)
mercedes was NOT trying to save them, but to milk them.
Fiat has reason to use Chryco but make no mistake, what is left of the original will be about 1/2 of what went into the deal. the rest will be fiat, not that its a terrible thing
Soccer Mom 6:31PM (11/04/2009)
Please check your history books. Mercedes is the reason behind the Chrysler being where it is today.
leftlaneabuse 6:58PM (11/04/2009)
The partnership (Daimler takeover) had it's problems and most consumers have no idea about it, but the NAME associated with the brand is what I refer to. Seriously, are people going to buy a Fiat with everything they know or perceive about Fiat and Chrysler's current situation, over one of the many other choices?
Bryan 6:31PM (11/04/2009)
So much fail from one company is hard to top....
the only SORT of good product is the 300... the sebring is by far the worst vehicle out there, and was designed for the rental car market.....
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Soccer Mom 6:31PM (11/04/2009)
I didn't know that youth actually consider purchasing 300. That is a shocking surprise.
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some1 6:36PM (11/04/2009)
They don't... thats the reason they are going to try the marketing towards them.
Basic logic must not be your strong suit...
Jared 6:48PM (11/04/2009)
Youth don't consider buying the 300. Too big. Too expensive. Too much of a gas guzzler. Chrysler is smoking dope if they think this will work.
Soccer Mom 6:52PM (11/04/2009)
I see. It's all in targeting proper demographics. Thanks for sharing.
Next time I am approached by a company making hygiene products for women, I'll let them know that to expand, they just need try the marketing towards men. 'cause you know, the key is not in a product fit, but in targeted marketing.