Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: Sales, Marketing, and Financial News

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Old 11-17-2005, 11:16 PM
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Chrysler is excluding some of its hottest-selling vehicles from the plan, including the Dodge Viper, Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger, Dodge Sprinter and SRT8.

I knew there had to be a catch.
Old 11-18-2005, 03:57 PM
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Chrysler Goes for Gas Money Incentive

Responding to the new GM "Red Tag" event and Ford's "Keep It Simple" incentive plans, Chrysler Group is borrowing a page from former sister company Mitsubishi in offering up to two years' worth of free gas, along with free maintenance and extended warranties, on some of its new vehicles. Automotive News reports that Chrysler's "Miles of Freedom" program will offer shoppers a debit card for $2400 in gas (good for 12,000 miles at $2.15 a gallon for a fleet-averaged fuel economy of 21.8 mpg); free scheduled maintenance for up to two years; and a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty on most of its vehicles. Specifically excluded from the program are the Chrysler 300; the Dodge Viper, Magnum, Charger, and Sprinter; and all the company's SRT8 vehicles.

Source: The Car Connection
http://www.thecarconnection.com/Auto...173.A9629.html
Old 11-18-2005, 03:57 PM
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Way too many important vehicles are excluded. Not good enough...
Old 11-18-2005, 04:11 PM
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Originally Posted by charliemike
It's not unlimited. It's like 12k miles a year for two years.

Still it's probably another $2k in free gas

I guess it sounds better than just offering "cash back"
Old 11-18-2005, 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
Way too many important vehicles are excluded. Not good enough...
Looking at that list, are any cars included?
Old 12-12-2005, 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
Looking at that list, are any cars included?
Uhhhh...Pacifica and Town and Country
Old 12-12-2005, 08:10 PM
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Originally Posted by S A CHO
Uhhhh...Pacifica and Town and Country
i was thinking that this great idea had to somehow be spoiled
Old 12-12-2005, 08:54 PM
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Yeah, of course, its just a way to get people to look into Chrysler...When somebody is reading that paper and see's "Get 2 years worth of gas for FREE with the purchase of a Chrysler vehicle", that person is suddenly drawn to buy a Chrysler....Its just a marketing scheme...
Old 12-12-2005, 11:23 PM
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Marketing scheme,

because they are having a tough time selling their cars.
Old 12-13-2005, 06:29 AM
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Good deal (2400 dollar debit card, not limited to gas) and free 2 years of maintenance and extended warranty.

For the average slub it is a good deal, for those that want an enjoyable car still sucks since all the above average cars in their stable are ommitted.

Old 01-11-2006, 02:28 PM
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Chrysler steals the show business, again

Chrysler steals the show business, again - - Bradford Wernle - - Source: Automotive News

When it comes to the fine art of using show business to launch new cars, Chrysler once again ran rings around Ford and General Motors at the North American International Auto Show.

The gulf between Chrysler and its GM competitors was downright yawning.

In the buildup to the launch of the Buick Enclave SUV, GM executives breathlessly (and with a complete lack of irony) cited such product icons as the Gibson Les Paul guitar, Eames chair and Apple iPod MP3 player.

Sorry folks, but no new Buick SUV rates a mention in the same breath as those classics. It was embarrassing.

Ford's Mark Fields gave his usual efficient, businesslike presentation, giving the throng of journalists a good idea that he knows the obstacles facing Ford and he has a plan and some nice products for tackling them.

By contrast, Chrysler let creativity run rampant.

Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria gave the Imperial concept a sendoff to remember. Then came the memorable Tuesday morning show that accompanied the launch of the Dodge Caliber. I would have paid to see the Slava Snow Show clowns ambling across the stage with their glowing red noses, green robes and whacky ears.

As Chrysler execs tried to work through their product presentations, the clowns kept distracting them. Comedian David Spade strolled onstage and made fun of head Chrysler PR man Jason Vines, calling him Larry and saying; "Your name doesn't really matter anyway." Spade even poked fun at the Dodge Neon, saying the Caliber wouldn't have much of a job bettering its predecessor.

Then came the thunderous blizzard that covered journalists in fake snow heralding the appearance of Chrysler's first SUV, the Aspen.

It was stunning. And all of it showed a supremely confident company that doesn't take itself too seriously. The products Chrysler has brought out the last several years have been bolder and more innovative than those of its competitors. Its market share gains are not a coincidence.

Oh, and then there were the CEOs. In contrast to his counterparts Bill Ford and Rick Wagoner, whose presence around the show was scarce, Dieter Zetsche seemed to be everywhere. He was a constant presence at the Firehouse, a bar the company sets up every year in a real Detroit Fire Department firehouse right across the street from the show. The policy at the Firehouse is open door. Zetsche was always around, whether tending bar or just standing and chatting with anyone who cared to walk up and introduce themselves.

He seemed a man in charge of a company in touch with its creative mojo and its customers. The same could not be said for his rivals.

It's in the corporate culture folks.
Old 01-11-2006, 02:30 PM
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Oh, and then there were the CEOs. In contrast to his counterparts Bill Ford and Rick Wagoner, whose presence around the show was scarce, Dieter Zetsche seemed to be everywhere.
See it's who wants it more. And that's why those who want it more, usually succeed.
Old 01-20-2006, 02:20 PM
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Chrysler group shuffles executives

Chrysler group shuffles executives - - Mary Connelly - - Source: Automotive News

DETROIT -- The Chrysler group is changing key executives in marketing and product strategy, the company said Friday.

Jeffrey Bell, 44, was named vice president of product strategy, reporting to Chrysler COO Eric Ridenour. Previously, Bell was vice president of global Chrysler and Jeep marketing.

Bell's move is the second major change in Chrysler marketing this week. Julie Roehm, a key marketing executive, left to join Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

The Jeep marketing job is a key opening as the brand this year expands its lineup with car-based vehicles such as the Compass.

Gordon Heidacker, 44, was appointed to the new position of director of strategic projects, reporting to Bell. Previously, Heidacker was director of hybrid electric vehicle product development.

Stephen Bartoli, 46, was named to a new position as vice president of global product planning and marketing. He will report to George Murphy, senior vice president of global marketing. Previously, Bartoli was vice president of product strategy.

The new jobs are effective Feb. 1.
Old 01-31-2006, 11:44 AM
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Chrysler group overhauls marketing group

Chrysler group overhauls marketing group - - Mary Connelly - - Source: Automotive News / January 30, 2006

DETROIT -- The Chrysler group is changing its marketing organization.

The changes more clearly separate brand marketing from product planning, the company says.

"These appointments will keep our focus laser sharp on the brands as we support the record number of product launches in the works for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands," said George Murphy, Chrysler group senior vice president of global marketing, in a prepared statement.

The company will no longer use two vice presidents to head marketing at Dodge and Chrysler Jeep.

Stephen Bartoli was named vice president of global product planning and marketing this month. Executives overseeing product planning and marketing for front-wheel-drive vehicles, body-on-frame-vehicles and rear-wheel-drive vehicles will report to Bartoli.

Executives responsible for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brand marketing will report to Murphy.

The changes are effective Wednesday, Feb. 1.

On Monday, the company also told of changes in the Street and Racing Technology (SRT) group, at DaimlerChrysler Canada and in its sales group.

The changes are:



Ann Fandozzi, 34, was named director of front-wheel-drive product planning and marketing. Fandozzi was director of Chrysler marketing and fwd product planning.


Joseph Veltri, 47, was named director of body-on-frame product planning and marketing. He was director of Dodge truck marketing and body-on-frame product planning.


John Sloan, 50, was named director of rear-wheel-drive product planning and marketing. Sloan was director of Chrysler car marketing and RWD product planning.

The three report to Bartoli.


Thomas Loveless, 45, was named director of Dodge marketing and global communications. Loveless was director of sales operations.


David Rooney, 50, was named director of Chrysler marketing and global communications. He was director of Chrysler global brand communications.


John Plecha, 40, was named director of Jeep marketing and global communications. Plecha was director of Jeep marketing and rwd product planning.


Christine MacKenzie, 51, was named executive director of multi-brand events and agency relations. She was executive director of corporate research and reporting.

The four executives report to Murphy.

In other areas, Chrysler told of the following changes:


Michael Accavitti, 47, was named director of Dodge Motorsports and SRT product planning and marketing. He was vice president of marketing at DaimlerChrysler Canada.


Kipp Owen, 44 was named director of street and racing technology, reporting to Frank Klegon, executive vice president of product development. Owen was director of proving grounds and durability testing.


Judith Wheeler, 44, was named vice president of marketing at DaimlerChrysler Canada, reporting to Steven Landry, CEO.

She was director of Dodge marketing and fwd product planning.


Robert Richard, 44, was named director of U.S. market volume planning. He was director of marketing development and sales planning.


Mark Bosanac, 41, was named director of U.S. market incentives and programs. He was director of incentives and programs.


Steven Beahm, 42, was named director of field operations in the sales organization. Beahm was senior manager of marketing analysis and programs.


Lewis Scott, 40, was named director of the Midwest business center. He was director of the Denver business center.


Fred Diaz, 40, was named director of the Denver business center. He was director of Dodge global brand communications.
Old 01-31-2006, 11:46 AM
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The company will no longer use two vice presidents to head marketing at Dodge and Chrysler Jeep.
This is an undisputable and crystal-clear example of an effort to clean up the politics within your organization. It shows there is ample and able leadership available currently at Chrysler Group.
Old 01-31-2006, 12:49 PM
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Joseph Veltri, 47, was named director of body-on-frame product planning and marketing. He was director of Dodge truck marketing and body-on-frame product planning.
Aren't these the same thing?
Old 01-31-2006, 01:34 PM
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John Sloan, 50, was named director of rear-wheel-drive product planning and marketing. Sloan was director of Chrysler car marketing and RWD product planning.

Wish acura could get one of these...but then again, i guess he'd have nothing to do.
Old 02-01-2006, 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by SpeedyV6
Aren't these the same thing?
I'm confused...didn't they just switch words around?
Old 03-23-2006, 01:01 PM
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Report: Chrysler’s questionable practices in Detroit area

Report: Chrysler’s questionable practices in Detroit area

Yesterday, Leftlane News received an anonymous tip about some troubling practices of the Chysler Group regarding new car storage and transportation in the Detroit area. While we cannot confirm the authenticity of these reports, we feel this information could be useful to consumers in ensuring their new vehicles are in good condition upon taking delivery. See the full story after the jump…



The first concern, according to our tipster, has to do with the storage of new vehicles before they arrive to dealers. His sources indicated that thousands of Chrysler vehicles were stored in less-than-ideal conditions, due to space limitations and cost cutting.



“Thousands of Chrysler vehicles were stored during the last 12 months, many times in wet muddy fields with brand-new $30k products buried up to their axles,” the tipster writes.



“The practice has currently been discontinued as the mud-caked cars were infuriating the dealers. Mud was coating the exterior, clogged in the undercarriages and slopped into the fresh interiors.”



“Buyers should be aware to thoroughly inspect their purchases (including underneath) before accepting delivery,” he advises.



The second issue is ongoing and “appears to be getting worse,” according to the tipster. “Beginning somewhere around the middle of last summer, Chysler Group, with storage and transport costs soaring, released product to an upstart driveaway service for short hauls to outgoing railheads.”



The cost-saving measure meant that the majority of stored units in Detroit are now moved over surface streets, typically twenty to thirty miles, the source said. Driveaway workers are typically younger non-professional drivers or older retirees usually working for minimum wage. Vehicles are driven from yard to yard by the dozen.



Those who have seen these “new car caravans” report of reckless driving, racing, and eating and/or smoking in transported vehicles, our source says.



“Again, it is highly recommended that buyers preparing to take delivery of new Chrysler products do an extensive inspection of their purchase before leaving the dealership.”

-----------------

3 Comments
I’ve observed hundreds, if not thousands of Chryslers stored inside of 8 mile, in an open, dirt field. The last two times I’ve been by this location I thought it was a peculiar place to have new cars stored.

Comment by WHUT, posted on March23 at 11:48 am
WHUT, next time you see something like that take lots of pictures. it would be awesome to see a $35k 300C under two feet of mud.

Comment by BOB, posted on March23 at 12:02 pm
WHUT, I know what you are talking about and I’ve seen the cars as well.

Comment by Joey D, posted on March23 at 12:43 pm



http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/03/...-detroit-area/
Old 03-23-2006, 02:16 PM
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Old 03-23-2006, 02:19 PM
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*crosses Chrysler off the list*
Old 03-23-2006, 02:49 PM
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thats a shame, to think they were climbing out of the hole
Old 03-23-2006, 06:01 PM
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Hence the reason I wouldn't buy a new car with more than 5 miles on the odo.

Biker, who can't believe DCX would be so stupid.
Old 03-23-2006, 06:32 PM
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None of this would dissuade me from buying a Chrysler. Cars can stand up to some mud and a little abuse.

Besides, I have no reason to believe other cars are any better in this respect.
Old 03-23-2006, 06:59 PM
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Mopar Quality
Old 03-23-2006, 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by SpeedyV6
None of this would dissuade me from buying a Chrysler. Cars can stand up to some mud and a little abuse.

Besides, I have no reason to believe other cars are any better in this respect.


Nissan dealer here stores their excess inventory of new cars in a dirt/rock filled industrial lot that gets very muddy and sometimes floods with a few inches of water when it rains.
Old 03-23-2006, 11:19 PM
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Yeah, but the mud-filled field at the corner of Rochester Road and Tienken Road is now becoming a fancy new shopping center, so DCX has to find someplace else to store them. I've seen Chryslers sit around in a few different locations, but when you fill up at the gas station and watch the cars sink into the mud ... you kinda just chuckle.

If you guys like Mopar jokes, here's another one I got rocking back into town behind some guy in a black Charger: how many Pollacks in Mopars does it take to fling their cigarettes at me on the road? ONE freaking big fat idiot Pollack in a Mopar!!! These people make Britney Spears look sophisticated.

Chrysler, if you are listening, maybe your workers would like to assist the company 'in any way they can' by keeping some of the excess inventory in their back yards ... on blocks ... like the subdivision president and his 5 K-cars, that, in the summer, are often parked on his lawn.

<= either succeeds at grad school, or moves into a trailer park and buys a used LeBaron
Old 03-24-2006, 06:40 AM
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Originally Posted by DownUnder


Nissan dealer here stores their excess inventory of new cars in a dirt/rock filled industrial lot that gets very muddy and sometimes floods with a few inches of water when it rains.

And i'm sure many other dealers of all makes and models do the same. Dealer practices are always questionable.

but this isn't a dealer we're talking about, this is pre-dealer inventory stored by DCX.
Old 03-24-2006, 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by M TYPE X
Yeah, but the mud-filled field at the corner of Rochester Road and Tienken Road is now becoming a fancy new shopping center, so DCX has to find someplace else to store them. I've seen Chryslers sit around in a few different locations, but when you fill up at the gas station and watch the cars sink into the mud ... you kinda just chuckle.

If you guys like Mopar jokes, here's another one I got rocking back into town behind some guy in a black Charger: how many Pollacks in Mopars does it take to fling their cigarettes at me on the road? ONE freaking big fat idiot Pollack in a Mopar!!! These people make Britney Spears look sophisticated.

Chrysler, if you are listening, maybe your workers would like to assist the company 'in any way they can' by keeping some of the excess inventory in their back yards ... on blocks ... like the subdivision president and his 5 K-cars, that, in the summer, are often parked on his lawn.

<= either succeeds at grad school, or moves into a trailer park and buys a used LeBaron

Nice, you managed to insult about five different groups with that comment!

Old 03-24-2006, 04:23 PM
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The Detroit News has more ads for Mopar [Chrysler-Jeep/Dodge] dealers than any other automaker, and the numbers never make any sense. Although, $49/month is about as much as a PT Cruiser really IS worth.

Originally Posted by charliemike
Nice, you managed to insult about five different groups with that comment!


Maybe you have logical comprehension issues.
Here, let's run through the formal logic and theory:

Pollack equals Chrysler driver!!
At least in teh Midwest.

And neighbors equal Pollacks.
Neighbors equal LeBarons-in-driveway-or-on-yard-in-what-should-be-a-nono.

They're all the same to me.

... but I managed to hit up the PT Cruiser people again.
Aww SakiGT, we still love you.
Old 03-24-2006, 07:01 PM
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@ M - good one.

Biker, who thinks M would make a good car rag contributor.
Old 03-25-2006, 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by biker
@ M - good one.

Biker, who thinks M would make a good car rag contributor.
They sure don't think so. I wish you were right, cuz I'd in Ann Arbor still, not in a basement in suburban Detroit.
Old 03-26-2006, 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by M TYPE X
They sure don't think so. I wish you were right, cuz I'd in Ann Arbor still, not in a basement in suburban Detroit.
Ah, the life of a young struggling visionary.
Old 03-26-2006, 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by M TYPE X
The Detroit News has more ads for Mopar [Chrysler-Jeep/Dodge] dealers than any other automaker, and the numbers never make any sense. Although, $49/month is about as much as a PT Cruiser really IS worth.





Maybe you have logical comprehension issues.
Here, let's run through the formal logic and theory:

Pollack equals Chrysler driver!!
At least in teh Midwest.

And neighbors equal Pollacks.
Neighbors equal LeBarons-in-driveway-or-on-yard-in-what-should-be-a-nono.

They're all the same to me.
Is that Po-llacks or Poll-acks?
Old 03-26-2006, 05:46 PM
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I think he means Polack.
Old 03-27-2006, 06:41 AM
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Originally Posted by SpeedyV6
I think he means Polack.
Which is a slur against anyone of Polish origin ... What a loser.
Old 03-27-2006, 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by SpeedyV6
I think he means Polack.
Double-L Pollacks are super-Polacks!

We have enough rice jokes around here.
We need more Polack jokes.

"How many Polacks does it take to sustain the Chevy Monte Carlo
product line?"
Old 03-27-2006, 02:04 PM
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Sounds shitty. But it doesnt sound abnormal.

Whats hilarious is that the port here in Jax where new cars come through is transported by minimum wage workers like my brother...he's pretty smart but he's told me horror stories of new cars being wrecked, fixed ons ite, then sold as new. And these arent just Chryslers...they're *gasp* imports too!

Anyone who buys a new car with more than 30 miles on the clock for full price is a near idiot anyways. Miles due to the addition of aftermarket accessories after purchase, I can see. Anything else...hell no.

I bought my Chrysler with 13 miles on the clock...that included my test drive. No mud on my undercarriage, either.
Old 06-22-2006, 06:26 AM
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Chrysler to offer 'Employee Pricing' in July

DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group is finalizing a plan to bring back employee discounts for the masses and is adding a new twist -- customers who are unhappy with their vehicles can return them within 30 days, according to dealers and company officials.

DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler's former top executive, will announce the new incentives as early as next week and will star in a new advertising blitz that will claim Chrysler vehicles offer the best of German and American car making.

Chrysler briefed a group of dealers on the plans Wednesday, but details still must be finalized. Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda, marketing and sales chief Joe Eberhardt and other executives are planning to meet this afternoon in Auburn Hills to review the plans.

"They are trying to put out the message that they are proud of their vehicles and stand behind them," said one dealer who attended Wednesday's meeting. "If you don't like the vehicle, you can bring it back."

Chrysler also is considering offering zero-percent financing with the employee discounts, according to another dealer.

The 30-day guarantee is a new idea Chrysler hopes will eliminate doubts among buyers who remember the automaker's past quality problems. But customers who return their vehicles would pay a penalty and a mileage fee.

Chrysler's expected moves would represent an extraordinarily aggressive marketing push at a time when the automaker has been struggling to maintain sales and reduce vehicle stockpiles. Chrysler's U.S. sales fell 10.9 percent last month and are down 2.5 percent for the year. At the end of May, Chrysler had a 77-day supply of cars and trucks, well above the ideal of about 60 days.

"They're going to come to the party with something very aggressive so they can move this glut of inventory," said Chuck Fortinberry of Clarkston Chrysler-Jeep, who attended Wednesday's meeting but declined to provide details.

Dealers who did not attend the meeting were enthusiastic about what they heard might be coming.

"The war is starting. The gloves are off," said Alan Helfman of River Oaks Chrysler-Jeep in Houston. "Chrysler's here to fight and they have something to fight with. There have been some dang good deals but not this good."

Led by General Motors Corp., Detroit automakers first offered employee discounts to all buyers last summer to help clear 2005 model inventories and make room for 2006 vehicles. The deals were successful beyond all expectations but demand quickly dried up when the promotions ended.

John Henke, marketing professor at Oakland University in Rochester, called Chrysler's idea to let unsatisfied customers return vehicles brilliant.

"What that exudes to the public is incredible confidence in their product," he said. "This is very simple, very straight forward: if you don't like it, bring it back. To the consumer, it's a risk-free buy."

But using Zetsche in a marketing blitz may not resonate outside of Michigan, Henke said.

Zetsche, who led Chrysler out of a financial crisis before being promoted to the top job at parent DaimlerChrysler last year, became very popular in the Metro Detroit area. Now, Chrysler is betting the affable, mustachioed executive can become a spokesman in the tradition of Lee Iacocca. Iacocca led Chrysler to a comeback in the mid-1980s and appeared in television ads featuring his slogan: "If you can find a better car, buy it."

Zetsche is far less well known in America and spends most of his time in Germany, where DaimlerChrysler is headquartered. "In the rest of the country, no one will know who he is," Henke said. "Locally, he'll do well. In New York, they're going to say 'Dieter who?' "

Chrysler's current incentive program ends June 30. Whatever form the final version of the new incentive program takes, Helfman doesn't expect dealers will be stuck with a backlog as they did last year when summer sales exploded and then petered out in September.

"It depends on the next message," he said. "But keep in mind that Chrysler has 10 new cars coming at the end of the year. As long as it's a fair deal, I think we're going to get through after this program peters."

Doug Wilson of Wilson Auto Group in Flowood, Miss., said an incentive program of this magnitude will help make room for 2007 models. But he cautioned that employee discounts could ignite a price war among Detroit automakers, as happened last year, which in the long run could hurt resale value and cut into dealer profits.

"It was widely successful the first time," he said, "but how did the (automakers) end up last year?"

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...606220427/1148

http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/06/22/...eut/index.html
Old 06-23-2006, 12:27 AM
  #160  
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The best part of being away from Auburn Hills/Rochester Hills is not having to commute everyday to work along with the Chrysler HQ people

... okay, 'Quick Reply' really needs a red text color edit feature.

Seriously, Chrysler Group has too much inventory. They need to sell that crap. I mean, product.


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