Straightline - Chrysler's "Project Genesis"

Chrysler's "Project Genesis"

Chrysler's latest corrective action, called "Project Genesis" is in a nutshell, a plan to cut even more models and to consolidate even more dealers.

The details have yet to emerge, but it's safe to say that badge-engineered vehicles, slow sellers, and vehicles that don't fit the brand image are at risk of being dropped. The word is they want to cut the products offered in half, from 30 models to 15 models, and each with a clearly defined market slot and with no model overlaps.

Also, they want more (if not all) dealers to be selling all three Chrysler LLC brands, that being Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler. So it looks like the corporate bullet they're biting is coming from a howitzer, and not a pistol.

Here's AutoObserver's take: Chrysler Plan Kills Models; Consolidates and Reduces Dealerships

Here's Inside Line's take: Chrysler Appropriates the Genesis Name

Related story here.

Posted by Bob Feb 8, 2008 8:33 am

Permalink

Categories: Chrysler | Dodge | Jeep | Auto Industry | Trends

Comments

firstwagon - Feb 8, 2008 10:27 am (#1 Total: 3)

I would lose the Liberty (the 4 door wrangler covers that market) and the Compass and maybe the Patriot. I would keep the Grand Cherokee and Durango but give them complete make over to make them cool again (keep them truck based though).

The car line up is already small enough, it just needs all new interiors and some refining.

The new Ram looks fine and I would keep the Dakota but find a way to make it 1000lbs lighter.

roar02ram - Feb 8, 2008 12:00 pm (#2 Total: 3)

Hmm - I think there's still a market for the Liberty, if only because it's a smidge more refined than the Wrangler. Dump the Compass, the Caliber, the Commander's already dead, the Durango, the Aspen, the Sebring, the Dakota, the Nitro, and the Viper (sorry). That's 9 whole model lines.

I would replace the Caliber with a proper small car more along the lines of the Lancer, and delete the bucket versions of the Town & Country and 300 to make Chrysler more of an upscale brand.

I'm scared to think of where the other 6 model lines are coming from.

ateixeira - Feb 11, 2008 2:53 pm (#3 Total: 3)

Recife, PE, Brazil

What else?

They don't need 2 vans under the same roof. Keep the Grand Caravan and just call the loaded model the Grand Caravan T&C.

Drop the PT and the PT convertible. That's 1 or 2 right there.

They really don't need a Charger and a 300C, pick one, probably the 300C. Maybe they Magnum as well, or sell the euro model as the 300C Touring.

There's a few more that are redundant.