Other stuff to consider:
The European divisions of 2 (TWO) of the Big 3 have been marketing small, economic cars for years. Ford and GM sell models over there that never come to America because, to be honest, we would have never bought them in large numbers, anyway. The Big 3 sold dinosaurs over here because that's what we were willing to purchase. Not the other way around (ie. we bought SUVs and trucks because that all they gave us.) The bail-out money will be used to allow the Big 3 to do either of three things if not all 3: 1) retool the plants to build their European models here, and/or 2) kick off marketing program to promote their Euro-cars here, and/or 3) start shipping those car here from the European factories. One of the reasons Ford was least affected is due to its strong European sales of the Focus, Ka, Modeo, Fiesta, Fusion, etc (
Ford's Euro-Cars. Here's GM's link:
GM Europe
Why is Chrysler in trouble?? Just try and find a link to their European offerings...
Ford started this move a couple of years back when their American sales were terrible. They brought over their world car, the New World Focus, and the Fusion. Then they released their new Flex. GM has a bigger issue in that they have too many different marques and can't get a cohesive brand recognition going. People don't equate Saturn with GM and that keeps Saturn from hitting the massive numbers they need to become the anchor they should be for GM. Saturn still tries to be the defiant "little" car company. Big mistake.
So, looking at the European line-ups, how out of place does the Challenger/Charger/Magnum appear?? They could survive but Chrysler better get on the stick. BUT, don't lose heart Moparians. This was actually released in 2007:
The long-rumored model pruning has claimed the Dodge Magnum, Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible, Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Crossfire. According to the press release, the cuts were made to reflect Chrysler's "new customer-driven philosophy" and also in response to "dealer requests." The company is hoping the new Dodge Journey and Challenger, along with its new hybrid Durango and Aspen SUVs, will be better sellers.
On the job-trimming side, Chrysler will cut as many as 10,000 hourly employees by the end of 2008 by eliminating shifts at five North American assembly plants and through other "volume-related manufacturing actions." The company's salaried employee force will take a 1,000 person reduction and contract employment will be trimmed by 37 percent. Overtime will also reportedly be eliminated.
While obviously very bad news for Chrysler employees, the moves make sense considering the dire financial and vehicle sales difficulties the company faces. Anyone out there lamenting the loss of any of the vehicles slated to be cut?
So Chrysler has been planning for this. Hopefully not too little too late.
For more recent developments, read:
Chrysler's Plan
Hopefully, the Big 3 can get the UAW out of it's pockets and truly fix themselve to be profitable in the not-to-distant future. I say the Challenger Lives, baby.