Re: IML: Future Of The Chrysler Corporation

I believe the Chrysler division /brand itself had the best sales in it's history in 2005. The Chrysler Group (Chrysler /Dodge /Jeep) sold over 2.8 million cars, hardly dying on the vine. GM and Ford were struggling at the time and in 2006 it caught up with Chrysler as well.

I think the Chrysler brands have thrived since the merger /acquisition nine years ago. I believe the Chrysler brand itself has become much more upscale as a result; the Crossfire roadster retails for $50,000. A long way from the K-car LeBarons and New Yorkers of the eighties. I believe an Imperial model has a better chance under the management of Daimler (who has a great appreciation for premium quality cars) than it had under the recent Chrysler management prior to the merger. In my opinion, the old corporation succeeded in moving the Chrysler brand down-market and at the same time running Plymouth into the ground to where it no longer had any brand equity or value.

We all know that the car industry is anything but stable; its feast or famine. Chrysler will rebound like it always has and hopefully with a new Imperial as its flagship.

Bryan St. Mary

-- Original Message -----

From: ChiPieAlandPaula@xxxxxxx

To: mailing-list@imperial club.com

Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2007 9:20 AM

Subject: IML: Future Of The Chrysler Corporation

Hello All,

Just my 2 cents on this topic. As many long time members may already know - I will always have a "soft spot" for "The Chrysler Corporation". In my youth - it stood for engineering - performance - innovation and a good dose of Americanism. However - what I see is the slow death of this once proud American icon.

In my opinion, we are witnessing the globalization of the vehicle industry. It is obvious that "in the scheme of things" America is not scheduled to produce many vehicles. The political types in our club can argue this point - but it seems painfully obvious to me. With this as a backdrop - I will say something I have stated before in this forum - I would have rather seen Chrysler go "out in a blaze of glory" making the kind of cars that were there forte - than to be reduced to what it is today. Put another way - I would liked to have seen them build a 78 NYB with the baddest 440 they could "stuff under the hood". Sort of later day 300. And after that year - branch out into other more profitable areas. This slow death is almost to painful to watch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Allan from billings, Montana