http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...702160418/1148

 

Looks like troubling times ahead...and any direction it goes is going to impact the future of parts, projects ('08 Challenger) and support...I can't imagine if GM was to purchase Chrysler what things would get axed...Probably be the official end of Chrysler/Mopar.

 

i think the challenger is really going to help business, bring a lot more people in to the showrooms.

 

Depending on what happens to Chrysler in the future, the Challenger may never see the light of day...If GM was to buy Chrysler, that would seal the fate of the Challenger, Viper, Ram, Grand Cherokee and any other direct competitors - Instant collectibles because they would not be built anymore. It would also eliminate other choices/styles in the automotive market...pretty dismal.

 

If GM buys Chrysler (which I doubt will happen) that's the end of the line for me, I'll go back to imports.

Pat

 

gm is not dumb they would not cut production of those vehicles, they would merely, share platforms between brands...something gm has done pretty successfully for many, many years.

example: malibu competes with g6, impala and grand prix, sierra vs silverado...their are many variations of cars, but few platforms. so "IF" GM were to buy chrysler, these vehicles would not be cut!

 

I hate to say this, but I agree with you, PatPur. Its already tough to get the support and parts that we need for our cars but to think that GM might buy Chrysler concerns me very much. If that happens, I would to back to either an Acura or a BMW. High prices for the cars, but awesome customer service - something that seems to be lacking for our cars...

 

when did you decide to sell the crossfire?

 

Up til my '79 Corvette I had pretty good luck with GM vehicles. The Corvette, bought new, stalled pulling it out of the lot when I made a left turn onto the highway. It was in the shop 1 week of every month I owned it, they could not figure it out. It ended up being a carb float that was hanging up when cold. It took 1 year and a call to Detroit to finally get it fixed. At that point we went to 280 and 300 zx's. NEVER 1 PROBLEM! In 1985 a new Monte Carlo caught my eye. I figured I'd give GM another try. Bad move. the car had a short in the dash. You could smell plastic burning. I sat in my car with the owner of the dealership. His response was I sure can smell something but my techs can't see it so we can't fix it. I was real pissed of after 4 months of this and ended up back at Nissan.
I loved my PT's and I love my Crossfire, I'm very happy with the service I've had and the quality of the cars, much better than any GM I have ever owned. I don't know how much Daimler had to do with this quality. If I have to start taking my Chrysler to GM for service I don't know what I'll do. Probably start looking for a good local mechanic.

Pat

 

Keeping the 'duplicate' Chrysler vehicles to offer to the public would make sense IF those were already making the company $$ (like Mini-vans that GM doesn't currently have, or a successful convertible sedan, PT vs HHR) however the other models that do not already outsell GM offerings would seem to be in danger...and the character of the Chrysler Products would be affected by GM engineering...and what about the Mercedes sourced technology that already exists in the Chrysler vehicles (5 spd auto, rear end etc)...would that come to an immediate stop and have to be replaced by GM engineered items? I hope Daimler gets over itself and keeps things as they are...with their concept car program, the upcoming Challenger and the solid platform of the 300/Charger/Magnum it seemed the future looked pretty bright...

 

Funny you mention the PT and the HHR. When I owned PT and was on their PT Enthusiast web site one of the big "wonders" was when are they gonna come with a PT Panel, that would just about fit that bill.

Pat

 

I did not know that. Makes sense though when you look at both of them.
I like the looks of the HHR, and they are supposed to come out with an SS version that could be pretty nice. But with the mess that is going on with the big 3 now, who knows.