No matter how much Daimler stressed that it has become stronger but still it simply cannot deny the fact that it has lost something when it let go of Chrysler. And that is with regards to the chance to offer more globally competitive products.
Chrysler together with its subset brands Dodge, Mopar producer of top-of-the-line , and Jeep embodies not just a lot of history but more of a history of innovation. The Jeep for instance is an iconic brand trusted and known worldwide.
It can be remembered that the year 1970 was a critical year for Chrysler. It was also on that same year when Chrysler revived the convertible which was previously put off due to lots of safety concerns. Luckily, Lee Iacocca dubbed savior of Chrysler has introduced the minivan and invented a new mass market.
Although some may not agree but the Jeep Cherokee was the catalyst for the sport utility revolution that dominated the 1990s. The best thing about Chrysler is that it has the ability to take an idea from a theoretical stage and brought it to production without necessarily making the process difficult.
It was also in the year 1990 when Chrysler's Dodge division introduced a brutish chrome-laden Ram pickup that redefined what a full-size pickup could be. The trademark ram emblem together with the unmistakable grille has become the symbols of Dodge.
After reproducing the street rod Prowler designers have turned their attention to another revered hot-rod template the delivery van and turning it into the unmatched PT Cruiser. Unlike, the two-seater Prowler, the Cruiser is roomy and very affordable. It also provides an unlimited palette of colors and options.
Chrysler has also a way of revising vehicle concepts which other automakers may consider as obsolete or a thing of the past. Take for instance large sedans which are associated with a bygone era. Chrysler was not afraid to revive such concept when it creates a Bentley-like 300 with design that is so bold it's just hard not to notice it. The 300 was even chosen by Motor Trend as its 2005 Car of the Year. The segment that was considered dead was given a new meaning by Chrysler 300.
Last year when Chrysler needed a replacement for its entry-level Neon, it introduced the Caliber which is a cross between a compact car and a small SUV that offers excellent fuel efficiency, innovative styling, and brilliant accessories like the ChillZone beverage-cooling bonus glove box together with a flip-down stereo speakers found on the rear liftgate.
Chrysler has also introduced the Pacifica, which is a wagon that combines traits of sedan, SUV, and minivan. It is fuel efficient and powered by a 4 liter V6 engine that revs up 253 horsepower and 265 foot pounds of torque. The Pacifica is a comfortable and responsive but expensive for a Touring version with price at $31,095.
The Pacifica is offered in front-wheel or all-wheel-drive and presents a solution for drivers who don't want to be regarded as a threat to the environment but still prefer the capacity and versatility found on SUVs.
With regards to power and performance, Chrysler has made a remarkable marketing move by bringing back the Hemi engine which is a trusted name among car aficionados. Although Chrysler has contributed so very little when it comes to hybrid powered vehicles but it has done some vital work in the production of diesel and alternative-fuel vehicles.
In 1990s, Chrysler has broke new ground with the AutoStick, which is a transmission that can be operated as automatic or manual. Despite the shifter has ended as a fad but it has become a common option across almost all product lines. Chrysler has also led the domestic car industry in terms of the use of air bags as safety devices, which became a common feature in minivans, trucks, and SUVs. These are just some of the achievements that Chrysler Group has achieved.
And it's invigorating to know that the former US Treasury Secretary John W. Snow, Chairman of Cerberus has professed his company's commitment to Chrysler AG saying, "Cerberus believes in the inherent strength of U.S. manufacturing and of the U.S. auto industry. Most importantly, we believe in Chrysler."
