Chrysler Chaos

Chrysler Will Survive

It has been a long slide but Chrysler has now started Bankruptcy Reorganization.  There are three stories here: A) past, B) present and C) future.  Each story is different but with a common thread. 

Every Car Guy has an opinion but right now politicians, governments, business executives and selected experts are establishing a new direction and putting into place a new company.  Everyone has apprehension about the future of Chrysler.  Only after the current state of chaos is over will the Car Guy and Gal be able to assess a rebuilt Chrysler.  A lot of people want success.  Success for the Car Guy is defined as Product Available.  If you like Chrysler you want Great Product; No More and No Less.  Great Product wins in the marketplace.

Present Chrysler — The Storied Phoenix

Fiat will control the ultimate future and product destination for Chrysler.  Control could be viewed in two ways, one good and one skeptical.  Given Fiat’s successes in Europe, especially with the 500 (a Mini derivative) the product side for cars is promising since Chrysler cars are dismal according to the Automotive Press.  Ram trucks and Jeep are successful and these should not see any significant change other than a gradual morphing of powertrain and body style to reflect contemporary trends.

Unions, Governments, Legacy Costs, Dealers, and Suppliers will all have a say in the re-birth of Chrysler.  Each group has their own turf to defend.  … Continue Reading

Automotive Clothing = A Fashion Statement

Being a well dressed Car Guy or Gal can be a challenge

It occurred to your Editor that there were some special items of clothing around here that our readers might enjoy taking a took at.  It’s clear that there is a lot of old stuff in my collection with the oldest of these items having survived 40 years.  Each is a heritage piece.  Each item has history and a story to tell.

One Lap Of America

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GM Is In Auto Industry Chaos

GM Is In Auto Industry Chaos

We have continued to follow the saga of GM and Chrysler as they attempt to find direction and a method to be successful automobile manufacturers. 

Success for 2009 is defined many ways but this article will focus on two of paramount importance to the Car Guy – Product & Dealers.  One success track is providing Washington a written game plan on how they will be successful.  When the plan is approved, and funded, then each plan will have to be implemented.  Plan implementation represents a several year commitment and then Proof Is In the Pudding will tell the world, and Washington, if the plan works.  This is definitely not going to be a quick process. … Continue Reading

Timely Automotive Tribune News

There are some important items in the world of automotive news that will be of interest to Tribune readers.

Dodge Ram truck sales are up significantly

was reported in the March 16th edition of Automotive News .  Ram 1500’s share of the full-sized pickup segment rose to 13.5 percent in February from 10.7 percent in January and 8.2 percent in December.  This momentum, general excitement, and life signs were observed  and expressed in the Tribune’s recent acticle on the Dodge Ram.

Tata Nano to start production

was an article in today’s Wall Street Journal .  It is reported that the 10.2′ foot long car will cost dealers just under $2,000.  This car has been in limited availability in India because the new almost-completed production facility had to be relocated because of violent problems with a political party and local residents over disputed land.  During a business trip to Paris in late 2008 I discussed the Nano with an executive from India.  You will find the Tata Nano official website of interest as it countsdown till Monday’s official launch.  There are absolutely no plans for the Nano to come to North America!  This car represents a focused effort to provide a very low cost global entry vehicle for developing nations.

2010 Camaro went into produciton on March 16th. 

You will be able to see the arrival of the Camaro at your local Chevrolet dealer in April.  Currently, GM reports that they have 14,000 vehicles on order.  Here is the link to the All New Camaro web site.   A base car in LS trim with IRS and a 304 HP V6 has a starting price of $22,995.  However, after spending some time with the Build Your Own feature, the Tribune is of the opinion that the full featured 2LT which comes in around $30k with the RS package will be the sales leader.  A fully optioned 2SS with either of the big ticket tire & wheel packages ($4,680 or $4,865) brings the total to just short of $42k for the 426 HP V8.

A Visit to Daytona Dodge Chrysler

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 -- Click Photo For Full Size

Today, I did one of those things that really is a car guy thing, by going to the car dealership and looking around.  Stopping in at Daytona Dodge Chrysler and being shown around by Mr. Straiten.

For hard core Chrysler Product fans the term Mopar is about as close to the core as you get because of Motor Parts Corporation or Dodge/Chrysler parts division.  All future references to Mopar in the Automotive Tribune will be addressed with the full respect and homage associated with the rights, honors, and privileges thereto appertaining.
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Sales Improve

Car Sales Bottom Out and Rebound

Car sales analysts are paid a lot of money to get the numbers right.  Massive investments ride on predictions of economists and mathematicians.  Production decisions must be made months in advance so that suppliers can have the parts and components ready at the assembly line. … Continue Reading