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Though the Chrysler minivans have yet to post remarkable numbers in Europe, they have been among the former company's most popular vehicles in the 1990s and 2000s, equipped with special drivetrains (manual shifts and optional diesel engines). However, Kia's minivans seem to be closing rapidly as the Kia Carnival has overtaken the Rio as the Korean automaker's largest export, selling 6,096 units in June and 44,956 units for the year - respectable numbers for Europe. (source: just-auto.com)
Even as Chrysler stops engineering its own cars, relying instead on Mitsubishi and (to a lesser extent) Mercedes, Mitsubishi is moving forward with two new SUVs, one the first vehicle Mitsubishi has ever designed and built in the United States. The Endeavor, presumably named to fit with the Ford line of Ex-vehicles, is a mid-sized Galant-based SUV similar to the Toyota Camry-based Highlander. It will be front wheel drive with an all wheel drive, and will include a V6 engine - we do not yet know whether it is (as we suspect) the Mitsubishi 2.5/3.0, or a Chrysler motor.
Endeavor's styling was done in California, engineering was done in Ann Arbor, and assembly will be done in Normal, IL, along with the Galant and Eclipse.
Mitsubishi is also soon going to introduce the Outlander entry-level SUV, and three other American-designed, styled, and produced vehicles over the next three years.
By comparison, Chrysler will be introducing two new unspecified vehicles and the Pacifica (car-based SUV) over the next three years, while replacing the LH series with the LX, replacing the Neon with a version of the Mitsubishi Lancer, and replacing the Sebring/Stratus sedans and convertible with versions of the Mitsubishi Galant.
After announcing a profit this quarter, Detroit News obliged a major advertiser by noting that "Cost cuts rescue Chrysler." /rant/ We noticed nothing was said about the long-term effects of cost cutting, decontenting, and "hollowing out" of the former Chrysler Corporation, not to mention employee morale. However, one of the interesting things about the major news media is their new role - not delivering news to their audience, but delivering their audience to advertisers. Given this role, repeating happy PR is hardly surprising. /rant off/
A few days ago, we announced a rumor that the New Castle plant would end up as a joint venture with Metaldyne, rather than being a fully owned Chrysler facility as it is now. The two companies just signed a letter of intent to consider the option, with ownership of the plant most likely reverting to Metaldyne. The Indiana factory employes 1,350 workers to build suspension, engine, and transmission components.
Metaldyne was created by mergers and acquisitions last year. It "is investigating the possibility" of using New Castle's employees, represented by the UAW and othe runions. Metaldyne now has 8,500 workers and 50 plants that make drivetrain components. Chrysler will also close an Ajax, Ontario, plant that makes seat-back covers next year, is discussing the sale of a Huntsville, Alabama, electronic components factory - one which recently won a J.D. Power award for high quality. It sold an air conditioning component plant last year.
(Courtesy Mike's Free Jeep News): The J.D. Power and Associates 2002 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study shows that the Jeep® brand demonstrated the greatest year-over-year improvement of any surveyed nameplates, improving 31 points overall. Jeep improved dramatically in the "Service Quality" area (nearly 40 points), specifically in the area of "quality of work performed" (more than 50 points) and "thoroughness of fulfilling requests" (a 50-point improvement). The CSI study focuses on experiences with the dealer service department, service quality and overall satisfaction with the vehicle during the first three years of ownership. The study is based on responses from nearly 50,000 new vehicle owners and lessees.
Dees noted that the high quality levels seen in the launch of the all-new 2002 Jeep Liberty and the improvements made to the Grand Cherokee contributed greatly to the high brand marks in CSI. The Liberty specifically posted a double-digit gain in quality in the recent J.D. Power Initial Quality Study results, scoring a 15 percent reduction in problems-per-100 vehicles. (The Liberty was designed within the "old" Chrysler).
Pricing for the 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 convertible has been announced, and it's far higher than the original Viper - $79,995 plus $800 destination. It's worth noting that "R/T" has now been consigned to history, along with DeSoto, Plymouth, and the Chrysler Corporation itself.
The current Viper has 525 lb-ft of torque available from its 500 horsepower, 505 cubic inch V10. It has been sold out since January, with no options and only three colors (red, silver or black). Prices for 2002 models ranged from $71,725 for the RT-10 Roadster to $82,225 for the GTS ACR Coupe (not including $775 destination).
In developing the new Viper, Dodge engineers sought feedback from key constituencies -- particularly owners -- on what the 2003 version should be. The replies included more horsepower, bigger brakes, lighter weight, true convertible top operation, a dead pedal and greater interior comfort. The new Viper SRT-10 delivers all, and a lot more, preserving its true American sports car heritage along the way.
The 2003 SRT-10 retains Viper's front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seat layout. A true convertible model replaces roadster and coupe offerings. Its wheelbase has been lengthened 2.6 inches to accommodate convertible top stowage. Inside, from a race-derived, two-seat cockpit, the driver looks over a highly functional instrument panel with a center-mounted tachometer and a 220-mph speedometer. A traditional pushbutton starter refires old-time sports car memories.
The Viper V-10 engine retains the basic architecture of its predecessor, but has a new (Chrysler says "all-new" but we don't have details) bored and stroked engine block. 90 percent of torque is delivered between 1500 and 5600 rpm. Viper's four-wheel independent aluminum suspension has been revised, and the four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system is enhanced for world-class stopping performance. The new Viper rides on P275/35ZR18 front and P345/30ZR19 rear black sidewall Michelin zero pressure (ZP) tires, with low-pressure sensors in the valve stems.
Overall, the SRT-10 weighs approximately 100 pounds less than previous models. Numerous weight-saving measures were taken, including use of a one-piece magnesium front of dash, a cast magnesium instrument panel substructure, and aluminum bodied shock absorbers.
Performance targets for the 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 include a 0-60 mph time of less than four seconds, an estimated top speed of 190 mph, 60-0 mph braking in less than 100 feet, 0-100-0 mph in about 13 seconds, and 1.15g lateral acceleration.
Strategic Vision's Total Quality Index has usually been kind to Chrysler, a trend which continues this year - though to a lesser degree than in the past. (In 2001, Chrysler was the most improved brand, winning compact car, larger car, minivan, and compact pickup). Both of Chrysler's 2002 winners also came in tops in their categories in 2001.
This year's survey asked 46,900 buyers of 2002 model-year vehicles about the overall quality of their ownership experience, including factors such as vehicle performance and handling. In its eighth year, the 75-question survey was given to buyers 90 days after they purchased their new cars or trucks.
According to the study, the Chrysler PT Cruiser "blows away the competition not only in styling, but also on room and innovation. This truly capable and very individual vehicle strongly delivers on esteem and harmony issues."
The survey found that Dodge Dakota "excels in styling, handling, roadability and room. These attributes and other provide superior levels of freedom and esteem to its buyers."
In the 2001 survey, both Toyota and Chrysler led the pack, each garnering four "best in class" ratings.
(Analysis courtesy chryslertakeover.com)
The announced profit figure is $793 million. Subtract $344 million for the "charges" and you're left with $449 million.
DCTV (intercompany closed-circuit TV) claims a Year-To-Date profit of $216 million. (This number takes into account last quarter's loss.) A modest number, but a profit none the less. [However,] revenues are DOWN from last year, while marketing costs (incentives) are UP. Vehicle sales are DOWN too. That means that this profit is 100% the result of cost cuts.
/opinion starts/ Our financial controller, Jim Donlon, is already talking about losing money in Q3, as Schrempp did six months ago (Just in time to wipe out any chance of profit sharing) It's a no-brainer to move a loss from one quarter to the next, it'll also put them in a position to ask for sympathy from the UAW at contract time. /end opinion/
DaimlerChrysler has announced that Chrysler Group has earned an operating profit, though we believe that their actual net result is a loss fo rthe quarter - by DaimlerChrysler accounting methods, at least. Actual understanding of whether Chrysler has been profitable or not since the takeover is impossible to outsiders, due to opaque German accounting standards.
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