New mid-size platform in the works
From the article:”Chrysler will spin a variety of vehicle types off its new mid-sized global vehicle platform, including sedans, hatchbacks, crossovers and small pickups.
“It has to be a pretty flexible platform,” said Frank Klegon, Chrysler’s head of product development, in an interview at the Chicago auto show.
The platform will replace Chrysler’s D-segment platform, used for the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger cars and Dodge Journey crossover.
“We set up a small group. We’re calling it Project D, to take a look at the next generation” mid-sized platform, said Klegon. They are “taking a look at worldwide demand; it is one of the largest segments worldwide. That segment breeds a lot of offspring.”
It looks like the Dodge Journey’s days are already numbered, just as it starts to hit the showrooms.
Thanks for the article DaveS!!!!
Chrysler’s new mid-sized platform is flexible - autoweek.com
February 11th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
5 years? WoW
Will chrysler be able to make it that long with what they have right now?
February 12th, 2008 at 4:42 am
call it the dodge dart!
February 12th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Does C actually think it is doing something radical here, or is this PR? The JS platform should be replaced after 5 years anyway, with the JS2 or JR or whatever platform - as part of a normal model development process. The fact they felt the need to set up a special group to do what should be standard procedure is not at all heartening. Oh, and most other manufacturers can get 4-6 bodystyles from their platforms already.
I think Brock Yates latest column is relevant here.
www.thetruthaboutcars.com/editorials/brock-yates-grosse-point-blank/
February 12th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Fred,
Thanks for the link to Brock Yates. He is right on the mark. The Big Three’s old line executives of the 70s, 80s and 90s were provincial,insular guys just like Yates says; full of conventional wisdom and BS. They had no vision, couldn’t see the forest for the trees, and had no comprehension of Asians building hot-selling cars assembled in Marysville, Ohio and Indiana. But don’t you agree that Jim Press and Nardelli break that mold and are the exact opposite of the old Detroit stick-in-the-mud mindset? If it weren’t for the lousy economy and the lousy product lineup that Cerberus was handed, they would right this ship as soon as they could get all-new products to market. As it is, they are going to have to really sweat cash-flow until they get some all-new products coming off the assembly lines.
February 12th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
“But don’t you agree that Jim Press and Nardelli break that mold and are the exact opposite of the old Detroit stick-in-the-mud mindset?”
Maybe they “get it” but this action is evidence to the contrary. C needs to be able to execute consistently within its normal design process and framework. Some one-off grouping solves nothing even if it suceeds for the project. That the senior management thinks that a skunk-works project is necessary to circumvent it’s own bureaucracy is old-school Detroit.
Yes, the new C inherited a lousy product pipeline and poor finances from DCX, and the economy is bad luck on top of that. And I am not displaying sufficient patience. Perhaps Cerberus can still turn C around. But I think it will take at least $10B more in cash and a top-to-bottom housecleaning and de/reprogramming of management and the white-collar workforce (I would even move C’s headquarters to LA or at least Chicago). I don’t think either are likely.
February 12th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
The current mid-size chassis, Sebring/Avenger is not competitive with Accord/Camry/Altima. Just read the results of any head to head competition and Chrysler finishes last.
What to do? A 5 year cycle is not good enough.
I would sell it to Nissan; use the Altima chassis but make a cute ute Jeep competitive with the Honda CRV.
I really don’t think Cerebrus will hang out for 5 years on this “Investment.”
February 12th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
I hope this new platform project will spawn something unique to the affordable mid-size class like a rear-drive sedan with a choice of 250hp+ turbo 4 or 280hp+ DOHC V6. Anything less would not be acceptable. Wrap it in an attractive body, and a tastefully appointed interior and they’d have a winner.
February 12th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Keep dreaming tracer!
February 13th, 2008 at 9:15 am
There’s nothing wrong with dreaming! Were it not for dreams, the Viper or Challenger would have never been a reality.
February 13th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Fred,
Press is not “stuck in the mud mindset” for sure…..book is still out on Nardelli.
I wouldn’t lump them in the same category.
Chrysler’s headquarter should be in NY City—ideally at the Chrysler Building—but with investment of CTC building there is not a chance of this happening.
I know Chrysler building is too dated, small, and pricey to work but NYC is where they should be.
February 13th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Chrysler occupying the Chrysler building in NYC would be a dream too, but what would it accomplish? It would just burn more of their limited cash because of the outrageous cost of office space in NYC and the salaries they’d have to pay for the high cost of living. They just need to build high quality, appealing yet unique vehicles that not only rival but exceed their competitors offerings.
February 13th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
DaveS how smart is Cerberus?
They get put together by Daimler to buy a cash strapped busted down American car company that has little or no hope of recovery.
And then Cerberus installs two ass hats to run the company Nardelli and Press.
Nardelli is pressuring Dodge Chrysler and Jeep dealers to foot the bill for his pet play ground projects called KABOOM.
Instead of dealing with the issues at hand Nardelli has Chrysler field staff building play grounds! This is no shit, last week they built one in inner city Oakland.
All I know is that Chrysler employees now hate Bob Nardelli as much as Home Depot employees hated him.
Also I’m beginning to realize that Jim Press was Toyota’s token white guy.
He cries during every speech he gives and at the just concluded dealer road show meetings last week in San Francisco, he was whining like a little bitch about how the press is picking him and Chrysler.
What the FUCK Jim grow some BALLS!
I got a Journey in stock on Monday. Yikes I’m sure glad I only ordered one of these abortions.
Anybody want to go play on Bob Nardelli’s monkey bars?
February 14th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Yikes !! I want to drive a new Chrysler product for the next 40+ years and not play on Chrysler monkey bars or Ram Bars as it would be called I guess..
I hope the new Ram is really good !!!
February 14th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Rich, tell us a little more about the Journey you have in stock… It sounds bad.
February 14th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I saw a journey driving on the road yesterday and it looked really nice!All i have heard was positive things about this crossover.
If i were rich id be bitching too since his dealer will probably be one that will be on the chopping block once action takes place.
I think as long as the journey is priced right that it will do really well.Better hope we’re both right, richie.
February 14th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
If you go to dodge.com you can watch a short video of the journey, plus check out its interior.Its a pretty sharp looking little suv……………Should do well
February 14th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Not sure why present Chrysler management should be blamed for the company’s current woes. When Diamler acquired Chrysler they were a profitable company with a lot of things going it’s way. Then all of a sudden you have these freaking German a-holes who take all the profits dump them into their own cars thus basically starving the American Co to death by tossing a couple of old platforms and other components.
It apparent if you take a look at the concept cars - my two cents! By the way if you hadn’t notice, yeah, I’m still pissed at those Germans.
February 14th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Alexis I love people like yourself.
I saw one going down the road and it looked nice. WOW!
May I suggest crawling around a Journey or test driving one or finding out the price or better yet purchasing a Journey, before sharing an opinion about a Dodge Journey.
My dealer asked me what’s that piece of shit parked on the lot and I had to explain to her that it was Dodge’s New Crossover, SUV, Minivan, Big Caliber, Two Wheel drive Compass, Avenger with Mumps, called a Journey.
She asked is that the only of those abortions that you ordered and lucky for me it is the only one I ordered.
Chopping Block, Alexis I think not.
Unlike many Chrysler dealers we are still in the BLACK! And we meet our January sales requirement, so NA-NA NA-NA!
February 14th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
RICH,
WE HAVEN’T SOLD A JOURNEY YET—GOT TWO OF ‘EM YESTERDAY—BOTH SXT’S—AND I DON’T THINK IT’S THE WORST VEHICLE EVER.
GRANTED I HAVEN’T DRIVEN ONE FOR A LONG TIME YET BUT LET’S GIVE THE CAR A CHANCE BEFORE YOU GIVE UP ON IT.
JUST BECAUSE YOU DON’T LIKE IT DOESN’T MEAN THAT IT WON’T SELL. IF YOU ONLY ORDER ONE AND PREJUDICE THE WHOLE STORE IT’S LACK OF SUCCESS AT YOUR DEALERSHIP WILL BE A FOREGONE CONCLUSION.
IS ONE UNIT REALLY ENOUGH STOCK TO SEE IF THE MARKET LIKES THE VEHICLE?
CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING IN THE BLACK—WE ARE IN THE RED AND ARE WAY UNDER ANY MSR NUMBER.
February 14th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Mopar Maniac
Do you think your two Journey SXT’s are going to lift your store out of the red?
It’s a non-vehicle that has no fit!
It’s a 5 passenger Clown Car that has a Third Seat made for Circus Midgets or the PC version little people Circus Midgets.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Rich, why dont you put a big sign out front your dealer and let everyone know how you dislike the product you sell and you think they are shit.Im sure that will really generate sales for you.Just because you dont like the journey doesnt mean everyone else will follow suit.A buddy of mine has one and says the ride is nice and he likes the interior very much!You have to remember that some of these new cars that are coming out from the CG are part of the german era.Chrysler has a ton of work to do to get nicer/better vehicles to the market hat will appeal most to the customer.If chrysler still has the same design and same interior by 2011-2012 then you can kiss chrysler goodbye and you carsalesman job………Good luck to you rich and the employees of chrysler.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Steve N.
Do you want Rich to stick his head in the sand and ignore reality?
We want him to share his opinion—what he does at his dealership is another matter.
We want his frank feedback without filtering it to suit you or others.
February 15th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Rich is pretty well on the mark. I spent some time with Jim Press in San Francisco and he is a nice guy but not as strong on our product as we have all read. There seem’s to be a deep concern on the pocket book to the point that it will impact the future success of this company and it’s network. It seem’s that many who comment here have no appreciation for how tough this dealer group is, and has been in the past. There is a hidden asset that isn’t being utilized very well. The cutesy marketing isn’t very impressive and ultimately product will prevail. Let’s hope something changes soon.
February 15th, 2008 at 10:53 am
yeah, i dont mean to knock a person or be negative, its just that i want chrysler to do really well so it can survive and be around another 100 years or so!I just dont know why it is so hard to produce a high quality product that the consumer will flock to like the 300 for example.I just wish us all the best of luck!
February 15th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Steve,
We (dealers) are on the same team with you.
We are just as frustrated (maybe more because we may have more riding on Chrysler than some of the workers) and want to say positive things about our products and management, but we also need to be clear about the problems or issues that need to be addressed to save this puppy!
Thanks for caring about Chrysler!
February 15th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
And Steve the only time that Chrysler listens is when you drop a Hammer on their collective heads.
They are out BUILDING PLAY GROUNDS WHILE ROME IS BURNING!
Chrysler continues to do business in a fashion that just defies any logic.
I know I make outrages statements about Chrysler and their product, but it’s because I care so much about the automobile business and if something does not change here soon then I won’t have anything to be outraged about!
February 19th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Chrysler can do this. With the LH they made a concerted effort to achieve best in class marks in power, handling, room, quietness of engines, etc.
They need to make the same commitment again. More room than Accord, better styling than Camry, equalling or exceeding Altima styling. Better base four than Camry, better handling than Camry. All these goals would be doable. They have a dual clutch transmission in the works; if they can get that ready before Honda and Toyota, it would be very positive. Turbocharging the smallest of their World engines would give better economy and performance than Camry’s four. A 2.5 direct injection V-6 would exceed economy of all current Honda and Toyota V-6’s while giving people the smoothness and power they want. A 3.0 or 3.5 DI V-6 with dual clutch would meet or exceed anyone in acceleration. Then marketing must be much better: Dodge gets the family car version, Chrysler gets an entry lux version, no more clones.
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Wish the heads of this company would do something productive with Toledo North Assembly Plant besides only working it 1 shift with one good car and capable of building 3. This plant is the newest plant they have. Toledo needs the jobs with 12.5% unemployment.