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After the General Motors, Chrysler Merger: What Cars Stay, Go
Filed under: Opinion, Chrysler
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With the talk of a merger between General Motors and Chrysler comes talk of what models of the two auto makers would survive the inevitable cuts. You’ve heard of Fantasy Football, Fantasy Baseball, et al, now comes Fantasy carmaker lineup sponsored by General Motors and Chrysler.
It’s true that a lot of editors of car magazines are having fun with the prospects that General Motors and Chrysler may merge. So what models stay and what models go?
What would represent the subcompact category? Well, it is pretty obvious that it wouldn’t be a Chrysler model, since it doesn’t have any subcompacts. So what GM model will it be? Perhaps the Chevrolet Aveo/Pontiac G3?
How about the compact category? Again, there isn’t much coming from Chrysler in this category. But GM models that now exist in this category are not very attractive. They refer to the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 as “outdated”, and the Saturn Astra as “unpopular.” They are calling for a GM-Chrysler to come up with a new vehicle in this category with better gas mileage and should be a “global” car. The closest to anything like this that does exist is the Cruze.
Midsize car? Chrysler has two models in this segment -- the Chrysler Sebring and the Dodge Avenger. But the auto media doesn’t seem to like these cars and neither does the public. Sales are down on both -- 10 percent down for the Sebring and 9 percent down for the Avenger. Thus, it's up to GM again. Probable models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, and the Saturn Aura.
How about the full size model? Chrysler is doing pretty well with its Charger/300C. Here’s a new category for you: The Weird Retro Hatchback. We think that this was created to accommodate the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Chevrolet HHR. But the latter may soon be alone since Chrysler's phasing out the PT Cruiser.
Compact crossover? Too many on both sides. There are the General Motors Saturn Vue, Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent. Chrysler has the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass.
How about mid/fullsize crossover? See above. Chrysler has the 2009 Dodge Journey, and General Motors has its GMC Acadia/Chevrolet Traverse/Buick Enclave/Saturn Outlook trio.
What about the minivan? Just about anyone who covers the auto market acknowledge that Chrysler could be the leader in minivans.
Other categories include full-sized SUVs, compact SUVs, sports cars, etc. So, what's your picks?
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