Chrysler is going to drop the all-wheel-drive option on the 2009 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger and Caliber models.
According to spokesman Jiyan Cadiz, the AWD was first offered on the models in 2007, but sales never took off.
“For the Avenger, the take rate was 1.5% for 2008, and for the Sebring it was at 0.7%.” Cadiz tells Ward’s. “So obviously the bottom line is people want fuel economy, and the AWD modules are not profitable for us. That’s something we can get rid of as we’re consolidating products and finding what’s profitable.”
Chris Cook, product business director for BorgWarner Inc., the company that supplies the AWD systems to Chrysler called Chrysler's decision an "aberration".
“What we’re seeing in terms of market forecasting is that (AWD) in the B-, C- and D-segments is growing globally,” Cook says. “So I think what we’re seeing at Chrysler is not indicative of what the market forecast is showing.”
Chrysler needs to do more to these vehicles than just dropping the AWD option. A recent weekend in a Dodge Caliber solidified the fact that many of Chrysler's vehicles are simply not competitive with the competition.
Full Story: WardsAuto
Related Stories:
Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept Headed to SEMA
| « Previous | Next » |
Comments (5)
They should just kill everything including upper management.
Posted by Noya | October 21, 2008 7:05 PM
Posted on October 21, 2008 19:05
Perhaps Dodge should make cars people would actually like to drive? They have a couple of decent engines work with that, find things that can go together...
Oh hell what am I saying. At this point your on a sinking ship. Just put a Hemi in it and call it a day.
Posted by Brian | October 22, 2008 12:11 AM
Posted on October 22, 2008 00:11
Quickly pretend to be a bank and get some of that US700b....
Posted by McCainine | October 22, 2008 4:19 AM
Posted on October 22, 2008 04:19
For the same engineering and development dollars that they spent on the Caliber they could have made something more space efficient and practical then what they came up with. At this stage of the game your not allowed many mistakes. I have loved the Chrysler products I've owned. They've had good engineering and reliability. Their management made a lot of company killing decisions over the years. The chickens are coming home to roost.
Posted by BillO | October 22, 2008 10:19 AM
Posted on October 22, 2008 10:19
Living in Colorado, I'm just glad I won't have to see any of these ugly things anymore!
Posted by Brad | October 22, 2008 3:54 PM
Posted on October 22, 2008 15:54