PT Cruiser “re-energizing”

Peter Fong, Chrysler brand CEO, said the company was “re-energizing” the PT Cruiser in a new announcement that the iconic car would be continued.

The exact meaning of this statement is unknown. Fong could simply have meant that the company was going to produce the PT for another year, or that it would throw some marketing resources behind it, or that some changes would be made (e.g. the single-source rumor of a diesel).

The PT was launched with great fanfare, but some executives frequently referred to it as a “fad,” implying they didn’t expect it to continue on its merits (aside from exterior styling). A 2006 redesign reduced wind noise but increased vent noise, and while some appreciated the larger gauges many disliked the scalloped headlights, cheaper air dam, and interior changes including cheaper seats and a “towel bar” above the glove compartment. Sales of the PT Cruiser fell dramatically in 2008 and 2009, and the sales mix changed dramatically from heavily loaded Limited and Touring models to inexpensive base models. The GT was dropped due to lack of sales.

The PT Cruiser is the sole remaining user of the 2.4 liter engine based on the Neon 2.0 (first built in 1993). It is built in Toluca, on the same assembly line as the Dodge Journey, which has so far sold relatively well but failed to live up to the company’s expectations.