Given the perilous situation of the Detroit auto industry – and especially at Auburn Hills, Michigan, manufacturer Chrysler LLC, it comes as little surprise that automakers are announcing cutbacks in their costly auto show displays and introductions. Chrysler’s director of product and brand communications warned enthusiasts not to expect one of the automaker’s typically grand shows at next week’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
“Over the years, Chrysler has earned a reputation for the most memorable and eye-catching product reveals,” Rick Deneau wrote on the company’s Firehouse blog. “We’re proud of that. But in the new reality, our press event this year will be more straightforward, reflecting our need to run more efficiently during a tough environment.”
Last year, Chrysler made headlines by herding longhorn cattle through downtown Detroit to introduce the 2009 Dodge Ram. In the past, Chrysler has crashed through glass windows in Jeep Grand Cherokees and created a massive confetti storm to introduce the Chrysler Aspen. The automaker didn’t pull these stunts for the media only; memorable events from the show get more space in print, online and on television.
This year, when Chrysler introduces more electric cars, expect a quiet, business-like press conference. Check back here for Leftlane’s exclusive live coverage of the show beginning Sunday.
01/07, 8:45 AM
posted by:
jayjc08
Chrysler has always put off a show. I’m eager to see what they have when they put that show into their vehicles, instead of their press conferences. Some of their current projects sound promising, but has anybody really heard much about their product line?
01/07, 9:31 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Their product line is DOA. America already has a plot for them next to Imperial and DeSoto.
01/07, 12:39 PM
posted by:
bolex
the only things ive heard for this Auto show season are redesigned, Charger, 300, and Grand Cherokee which are supposed have impressive exteriors and better interiors. plus the 4 electric cars. DOA…i’ll wait to see these since it’ll really be the first new products since cerberus took over.
01/07, 1:00 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I hope you’re right bolex, there are plenty of rumors circulating when it comes to the new 300/Charger. In some ways I think they’re more important than the electrics.
01/07, 1:46 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
Need more oil for GM…. you crack me up….. between you and Dr. Fill, thing are going to get interesting…
01/07, 2:02 PM
posted by:
NRG
It’s only a matter of weeks and Chrysler will be history. Everytime I think of Chrysler, I think of the Sebring. What a piece of crap that car is.
01/07, 7:14 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Does anybody get the idea that Need more oil for GM is really Bob Lutz trying to get people to buy his products on here?
01/07, 7:53 PM
posted by:
Gundy
The Sebring has been, and still is, the best selling 4-seater convertible in the world, it can’t be all that bad. Every time I think of Chrysler (and Dodge) (and, believe it or not, Plymouth), I think of my favorite car company for a couple of decades or more. My former daily driver, a 1991 Dodge Spirit, has 315,000+ miles on it and is all original, NO engine work what so ever, and still runs absolutely like brand new. The only reason I parked it is because the #^^! road salt ate it all to H. The underside rotted out, but the drivetrain is absolutely mint. I know it’s probably a rare thing, but..
01/08, 8:48 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
tyler needs a hug