...Chrysler.
You know, it was only a couple of days ago that I published a Detroit News story on Chrysler ending the Viper and beginning production on the upcoming Fiat 500 for the U.S. market. Long story short there was some back and forth commentary on whether Chrysler is doing well and the arm-chair quarterbacks put up a fight.
Well, I hate to say it but I told you so.
Industry analysts at Edmunds have estimated that sales have plunged over 40 percent THIS year. An excellent point brought up within this CNN article is that we have to keep in mind that within 2009, Chrysler shut down a significant portion of its production to save dollars. This means these sales figures mean even worse for the brand.
Additionally, its pipeline is looking grim. There are apparent "bald spots," where the brand is missing truly compelling products that can steal market share from other manufacturers.
I will say that the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee may be the thing that jump starts the company. It was good looking and it boasted a gorgeous interior. I just hope its driving experience can match those attributes and the brand can turn this sinking ship around. The problem: it is still a long ways off until it is debuted.
What will it take to save one of the legendary Detroit Three?
Discuss...
CNNMoney reports:
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The car company that is off to the worst start of 2010 isn't Toyota. It's Chrysler Group.
Industry experts say that even though Chrysler's overall sales are down only 3% during the first two months of the year, estimates show more than half of Chrysler's sales have been to fleet customers, such as rental car companies.
American consumers have essentially turned their backs on the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands. By some estimates, the once proud member of America's Big Three automakers fell to No. 7 in February in terms of sales to U.S. consumers.
Chrysler's sales to consumers have plunged more than 44% so far this year, according to estimates by industry tracker Edmunds.com...
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