The Betsy

Chrysler Models Already on the Chopping Block

So how is this global marketing supposed to work? One size fits all? "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," but when in the U.S., fuggetaboutit? Every Dodge Caliber owner I've met loves their car -- the size, roominess, versatility, the great mpg (28+city/32-36hwy), safety rating, the affordability. I've talked to approximately 20 owners face-to-face, and have read dozens of blogs. Why put a winner on the chopping block?

Same story on the bioidentical Jeep Patriot. But my new Jeep Patriot is even roomier than the Caliber and is supposed to get 23 city/28-32 hwy. It's getting better than that -- 28 city/34 hwy (so far). I hear it will improve after I drive it longer. How is this considered "underperforming?" That would be a marketing issue, not engineering.

So, how is this global marketing supposed to work?

Supporting the U.S. Auto Portfolio: Cash for Clunkers

Good question.
Also, clunker must be owned for a minimum of one year by trading party. This means I can't sell you my 1985 Mazda for you to trade in to the dealer for you to get the voucher and new car. She's still getting 33 mpg but without a working odometer, only her mother knows for sure. I'm not sure why this old body can't pass the clunker criteria.


On Jun 10 12:44 PM berated wrote:

> How will they calculate the mpg of the trade-in vehicle?

Chrysler Bankruptcy: Why Car Buyers Might Not Notice

Rick Newman said:
"Chrysler’s vehicles are the wrong kind. When gas hit $4 per gallon last year and Americans downsized their taste in cars, Chrysler suffered more than any other automaker. That’s because it’s far more reliant on big trucks and SUVs than anybody else, even GM."

1. Chrysler's vehicles are not the wrong kind in a free society. We are not yet a People's Republic forced to drive "The People's Car." But this might be the intended direction of global governments. Why are the federal and local governments are buying up these hemi-powered "gas guzzlers" for themselves.

2. Despite gas prices, I know I never downsized my "taste" in cars. I have never liked the minimalist Japanese styling or sizing. Nothing against Asia -- just not my personal style or taste. Many of us have gotten used to buying used economical cars over the years, not by choice of style or size, but for sheer economy and longevity sake. We have had to settle for what we can afford to buy and repair. Through this Big 3 re-org, it is finally a pleasure to afford an American car after owning 2.5 driven-into the-ground Japanese cars in the past 30 years. (The Chinese will probably tell you the same thing.) This was purely out of financial necessity, not by "taste."

3. Chrysler suffered the most because financially they are the smallest company in comprison. Compare Krogers to Joe's Grocery Store. Chrysler is also targeting a market that likes big powerful engines -- now the government.