Pacifica, PT Cruiser, Magnum to get the axe?
From the article:”The board of Chrysler LLC is expected to decide today to kill at least three slow-selling models as part of a sweeping strategic realignment of the newly private automaker.
People close to Chrysler said the board, in its initial meeting under new Chairman and CEO Bob Nardelli, likely will approve plans to discontinue the Chrysler Pacifica crossover, the Dodge Magnum wagon and the PT Cruiser hatchback. ”
Chrysler to dump three slow-sellers - detnews.com
October 30th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Ok, so Is my magnum worthless, or a collectors now?
I know parts via the LX platform will be available, so not too much to worry about there, but what can us owners expect?
October 30th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Mistake on the Magnum, there is a market for wagons Volvo knows that. If they made the Magnum a little more efficient and maybe styled it so that is wasn’t so low slung, they may have a go at it.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
What do you mean efficient?
I believe low advertising, and not putting any on dealer lots.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
With the current level and quality of marketing they may have to cancel everything soon.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
the thing about volvo wagons is that they are world renowned for safety, luxury, versatility, efficiency, and even sportiness with the latest generation…the magnum does not have that, it can appeal to some people but not enough to justify further production so while its regrettable that the chance to resurrect fullsize wagons didnt materialize it had to be done…as i’ve said in other posts i am against getting rid of the pacifica especially as the crossover market is exploding…they can base it off the new minivan platform and compete against the mdx, arcadia and enclave, rx350 etc…the dodge journey can go against the ford edge and taures x, highlander, etc…for anyone whos gonna say its gonna steal sales from the minivans then respond to this, if people are gonna buy crossovers instead of the chrysler minis then at the very least make sure its chrysler crossovers that benefit…the pt crusier, oh well it had a good run but now chrysler can invest and make sure the next caliber is a homerun…one regret is that the commander isn’t getting canned, they must be just waiting til the next gen grand cherokee with a long wheelbase version.
October 30th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=6056
What do you make of this? See also the linked Detroit News article on which it is based. My take on it is that while everyone wants to see the Hornet done right, the dealers could sure use a B class car with high mileage right now. They will not look with favor on any delay in bringing it to market. Going strictly by the monthly sales data, neither the dealers nor the buying public are gonna miss Magnum and Pacifica very much,if at all. The decline in sales of the PT Cruiser appears to me to still yield volume sufficient to continue its production if all other things were equal. But they are probably not equal and the top brass may have decided that they can use the freed-up space at Toluca to either increase production of the Dodge Journey or accelerate the start of production for the Chrysler brand version of that crossover. Or maybe even laying off the portion of the Toluca workforce that builds PT Cruisers has been calculated to compensate for the small profit made off of each PT Cruiser, all of which have incentives attached. Also, you’ve got to keep in mind that Toluca isn’t covered by a UAW contract and the company doesn’t have to pay them when they are laid off.
October 31st, 2007 at 3:21 pm
I’m a bit surprised at the demise of the PTC, too, especially without a replacement. With design and tooling fully amortized (or written off) and lower Mexican production costs, I’m surprised that it isn’t profitable, or at least breakeven. Perhaps C thinks people will buy one of the Caliber/Patriot/Compass trio instead, but I’m not so sure. I think the retro look pulled in a lot of people who would have been wary of a Chrysler otherwise. Those people will probably choose an HHR now.
As for the Hornet: Yes, C could use a B-car, but they really do need to get it right. Chinese-made toys are one thing; Chinese-made cars are another. I think Cerberus realizes that reliability reputations are “sticky” and if a Chinese made car is a flop here, their investment is up in smoke. I still think it would be better to buy the engineering from Fiat or Peugeot/Citroen, or develop it in-house in the US (instead of dorking with SEMA concept cars), than having the Chinese do it.
November 1st, 2007 at 1:02 pm
My reading of todays news explains that the PT convertible got the axe, not the the hardtop.
November 1st, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Brian - you are right. We were speculating on the pre-announcement rumors.
November 7th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
SHAME,SHAME ABOUT THE MAGNUM—STUPID DECISION!!!!!
November 7th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
P.S.WHAT LOW QUALITY WE’RE TALKING ABOUT?????CHRYSLER PRODUCTS NOW HAVE A VERY GOOD QUALITY!!!!AND THAT’S THE FACT.!!!(way better than Audi,BMW,Mercedes and others…)avertisment is weak!!!