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How much more expensive is having Chrysler and Dodge? I can see Pontiac, Saturn, Oldsmobile redundancy expenses hurting GM with separate dealership networks selling essentially the same cars. I don't think Ford dropping Mercury did them much good in terms of total sales and certainly crippled that Lincoln dealer network. Not having Mercury might have got the Ford division a few more sales but I bet they lost overall. The Buick/GMC duals seem to be working but could still stand some improvements in product and marketing.
Since Dodge and Chrysler are under the same roof 99% of the time what's the big deal with having both? Why can't it go on sort of like it is? Keep Dodge as base/fleet models with an available macho sporty upgrade aimed at thirtysomethings and have Chrysler as near luxury aimed at fortysomethings. I think all the upcoming minivans and crossovers should all come in 2 flavors for North America. Why can't we have a 2 wheel drive family oriented Durango and all wheel drive luxury oriented Wagoneer? I think Chrysler's brands can be blessing if managed right instead of a liability. Let Chrysler division pretty much get out of the fleet business and let Dodge have most of it to protect Chrysler division resale value. This still leaves plenty of room for Fiat to compete with MINI and other B economy class cars and Alfa to compete with the Germans and Infiniti. Why can't manufacturer divisions be used as powerful trim levels. Why does Chrysler have to copy what the rest of the industry thinks is right and especially what Wall Street thinks is right whenever those banksters are usually wrong anyway? Export version are going to be tweaked anyway into Lancias or whatever for each market.
That's my idea about "focus" and hopefully some people are arguing for this in Auburn Hills after the merger. Gilles maybe?
Since Dodge and Chrysler are under the same roof 99% of the time what's the big deal with having both? Why can't it go on sort of like it is? Keep Dodge as base/fleet models with an available macho sporty upgrade aimed at thirtysomethings and have Chrysler as near luxury aimed at fortysomethings. I think all the upcoming minivans and crossovers should all come in 2 flavors for North America. Why can't we have a 2 wheel drive family oriented Durango and all wheel drive luxury oriented Wagoneer? I think Chrysler's brands can be blessing if managed right instead of a liability. Let Chrysler division pretty much get out of the fleet business and let Dodge have most of it to protect Chrysler division resale value. This still leaves plenty of room for Fiat to compete with MINI and other B economy class cars and Alfa to compete with the Germans and Infiniti. Why can't manufacturer divisions be used as powerful trim levels. Why does Chrysler have to copy what the rest of the industry thinks is right and especially what Wall Street thinks is right whenever those banksters are usually wrong anyway? Export version are going to be tweaked anyway into Lancias or whatever for each market.
That's my idea about "focus" and hopefully some people are arguing for this in Auburn Hills after the merger. Gilles maybe?