Replying to Restructuring Chrysler

So what was it exactly that mercedees got/wanted??

M - O - N - E- Y

So what was it exactly that mercedees got/wanted??

Mercedes didn't bother to save Chrysler. At the time of the purchase Chrysler didn't need saving. At the time Chrysler was doing very well. They got what they wanted, handed Chrysler a few leftovers from the parts bin, cost cut the hell out of development, then sold the hulk off.

The Fiat 500 is the new Saturn Astra, except smaller with less room. $15,500 base and hardly any equipment. It may sell off novelty in year one, but then people will realize you are getting Aveo/Versa like equipment in an even smaller car at the price of an Elantra or Corolla. The Fiat 500 is not their savior.

Mercedes couldn't save Chrysler, Fiat surely can't either. Chrysler is going down, all the 2nd bailout did was delay judgement day, it didn't prevent it. And when Chrysler does go out of business once and for all, GM and Ford will be better off because of it. I look forward to America having 2 strong car companies, rather than 3 weak to mediocre companies that we had over the past 5-10 years.

Don't say Mercedes couldn't save Chrysler. Mercedes chose NOT to save Chrysler. They were in it for a quick buck and made a TON of mistakes.... the likes of which we could devote an entire thread to enumerating.

Don't underestimate the appeal of small, cute and nimble.

The Fiat 500 is the new Saturn Astra, except smaller with less room. $15,500 base and hardly any equipment. It may sell off novelty in year one, but then people will realize you are getting Aveo/Versa like equipment in an even smaller car at the price of an Elantra or Corolla. The Fiat 500 is not their savior.

Mercedes couldn't save Chrysler, Fiat surely can't either. Chrysler is going down, all the 2nd bailout did was delay judgement day, it didn't prevent it. And when Chrysler does go out of business once and for all, GM and Ford will be better off because of it. I look forward to America having 2 strong car companies, rather than 3 weak to mediocre companies that we had over the past 5-10 years.

We might be seeing the Caliber replacement in April

I wonder if it will be a rebadge or a new design based on a current compact Fiat like the Grande Punto or Bravo...

We might be seeing the Caliber replacement in April

Never said the 50o wouldn't sell.

I didn't insinuate that you did. The bottom line on the 500 is that it shouldn't take 20 months to bring that to Chrysler's dealers. 6 maybe... 10 maybe. I'll even give them a year. Its late and at a time when Chrysler/FIAT need to move forward, not stumble.

I don't disagree that the Caliber needs to be replaced, quite badly. Personally, I'd love it if it looked like my render. However, cars don't get designed and engineered in 20 months either. Ask GM how long it took them to do the Cruze, for example. That's just how it is.

Replaced, reskinned or reconstituted.

Caliber sells at roughly one third of the old Neon... and 20% of the planned Cruze volume. The people have voted with their wallets. A reskin can be done in 20 months if they have the will. 200's reskin took less than 20 months, it seems.

Never said the 50o wouldn't sell.

I don't disagree that the Caliber needs to be replaced, quite badly. Personally, I'd love it if it looked like my render. However, cars don't get designed and engineered in 20 months either. Ask GM how long it took them to do the Cruze, for example. That's just how it is.

As far as secretive goes, well its possible. Until 7 or so months ago we didn't really hear or see any spy shots, and now everything besides the Nitro and Liberty have been refreshed or redesigned.