ORIGINAL: Yankee
I'm guessing it'd probably end up costing more to get out of those contracts than it would be to honor them - they're probably stuck with them no matter what they do.
I'm kinda thinking that Chrysler and Mitsubishi should kiss and make up and become like they were in the 80s. While I'm generally not a fan of badge-engineering either, I think Chrysler and Mitsubishi struck nearly the perfect balance - and I don't see why they couldn't be like that again - lord knows Mitsubishi could certainly use all the help it can get too these days. Ford and Mazda have been relying on each other for decades and it's seemed to work well for them, alot better than GM and Isuzu ever did.
I dunno, it could probably be wishful thinking though. Right now I'm just praying for a miracle - ANY miracle.
Well that would be one of the nice things about if they filed for bankruptcy, they could get out of that garbage.
I hate to burst your bubble but that is a lot of what is wrong with Chrysler right now. The Caliber/Compass/Patriot, Avenger/Sebring, & Journey IS on a Mitsubishi platform and it isn't working. Also the I4 engine that they are using was a joint venture between them, Chrysler, and Hyundai and the press & Chrysler fans alike seem to hate that engine. More so, the Galant is extremely uncompetitive and would not work to use as a replacement. The most competitive offering that they could get their hands on would actually be through Nissan, but unfortunately that isn't what they've been seeking from Nissan, they want the Versa, which is a pointless car to pursue when they already have the Caliber. They could make this work if they were able to distinguish it from the Nissan version by using their own powertrain, interior, and styling.
Even back in the day, the formula that Mitsubishi and Chrysler shared wasn't all that successful. Most of the models didn't sell very well. I think what made Ford & Mazda work together better was that it was more an even effort. The Diamond Star Motors models were pretty much all Mitsubishi technology, using their engines majority of the time, their platforms, their interior components, their electronics, their paint formulas, etc. The only thing Chrysler ever got to contribute was occasionally providing the transmission. With models like the Escort that were on the same platform as the Mazda 323, the two were so different you wouldn't know they shared anything. They sometimes shared engines and other times didn't. The Fusion hasn't been a complete success, but that as an example still had technology from both companies having engines from both of them. The Probe didn't work out all that well either with mild success. The other thing is Ford isn't the best at making car platforms. The Contour was a failure. The Taurus fell behind as it was neither a sporty platform nor comfortable.
I think that the best option would be to take the JR and stretch it or LH platform and shrink it. Loose the 41TE line and go full force with the 62TE with a GDI version of the 2.4L for a base level, 3.5L H.O. in an SXT trim with a 3.06 axle ratio, and 4.0L SEMA output version for the R/T. Use the LH car's for interior and exterior styling cues.
Resurrect the Neon platform and use the modern engine and powertrains (except no CVTs) and add GDI for fuel economy and power.
I would loose the Nitro, round off the Liberty, and loose the 3.7L for the 3.8L and offer the 4.0L in it.
I would loose the Compass and add the 3.5L to the Patriot & loose the CVTs.
I would base a new Dakota off of the Grand Cherokee platform as it is more the correct size.
I would loose the 545RFE in favor of the 68RFE in the trucks.
I would loose the 42RLE for a 62RLE made from the 62TE.
I would take some of the interior parts from the previous minivans and use them on the new ones (softer dash materials, loose that stupid awkward shifter, bring some of the softer seats back).
I would take some interior parts from the Pacifica and donate it to the Journey (seats again)
This is my vision for the company.