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Re: Re: PT stands for/hhr means... |
| Name: |
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JimmieD |
| Date Posted: |
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Nov 28, 07 - 9:04 AM |
| IP Address: |
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66.81.198.140 |
| Message: |
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My thoughts are that it is long past time to step out of the cookie cutter product planning. Rather than making a Chrysler Corp re-skinned clone of what other comapnies sell, break out of the mold. Wipe the page clean and introduce some entirely new design concepts that are exciting and practical at the same time.
The main problem I saw with Plymouth-Dodge-Chrysler models in several years was the clone syndrome. Seems it would be good to recapture the model distinctions. Plymouth as an economy model for general purpose use without the full bells & whistles of the more upscale Dodge line. Dodge as a distinct line, focused on robust performance and more luxury in a middle line offering. Chrysler retaining its clear model distinction as the top of the line offering, able to challenge anything that came along, no holds barred.
Over the years there were highly successful Plymouth cars that used the lightweight stripper Plymouth platform with all kinds of muscle strapped in, and it worked.
Dodge was often the same basic package but 'heavier' due to more options and more substantial trim, bumpers etc. with a much more luxurious interior package, for those that wanted that. They didn't want a Plymouth, or they would have bought one.
Chrysler was clearly at the top of the line, but sometimes suffered an identity crisis. It went for luxury but somehow fell short over times, ending up as an optioned out Dodge in a heavier platform. At one time a Chrysler could boldly stand with any luxury car built by anybody, anywhere in the world. That got diluted in a failed attempt to offer affordable pseudo-luxury to the masses. That should have been a venture in the top of the Dodge lineup instead, where that model was already poised.
Over time the whole thing devolved into identical vehicles, on identical platforms with a few ho-hum trinkets added to denote product line, and the rest left up to creative marketing.
If I was to go into a Dodge dealership to buy a new car it would be because I want a Dodge. If I wanted a Plymouth I'd look at Plymouths, as a very distinctly different model line. If I tossed down the much extra jingaling for a Chrysler, I'd want a CHRYSLER, not a re-badged Dodge or luxo'd Plymouth.
Every now and then Chrysler would step out and re-establish its flagship name with a mind-blowing letter car, until that also devolved into name only marketing, a sad time indeed. From tire smoking heavy destroyer to hardly a light cruiser with badges did little to deeply and lastingly impress the buying public.
Dodge would step up to the plate and quickly prove that they too could build serious performance with a very distinctive model. That got lost somewhere in the shuffle to homogenize the whole lineup at Chrysler. Solid macho Dodge identity dissolved into fluffed up Plymouths with a different name. Yes, people noticed.
Blurring the clear model distinction is counter productive, unless the goal is to eliminate all but one product line, or trying to please all of the people all of the time. That is proven to be impossible.
Today it is an excitement driven world. The internet is in furious competition to out-glitz one another, software offers electronic imitation wows and automobile manufacturers try to use the same and marketing ploys to sway people's minds. When I see the joke clones of Cummins Turbo Diesel Dodges, and the copycat trucks all designed after a daring Dodge body style of several years back it all becomes pretty clear.
It's my narrow opinion that the buying public still wants clearly unique products that offer a personal statement of their most cherished values. Seems to me a Chrysler should still be found with a rather rotund and successful person puffing on a very fine cigar sitting very comfortably in extra-plush leather and wood panelled surroundings, not in a spruced up Hyundai clone. A Dodge should not be able to be confused with a Plymouth or Chrysler or anything else.
The reason for deleting the Plymouth lineup is because Chrysler themselves destroyed it distinct personality years ago and shot themselves in the foot! Same goes for Dodge, same goes for Chrysler, as a very serious identity crisis flowing over the whole model lineup. Re-establish the names and their distinct platforms and take back some hard fought ground to once again be something very special and uniquely different across the full lineup, then tell people about it! |
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