Although the two automakers recently had a rocky breakup, Mercedes-Benz is set to purchase Chrysler’s former Chrysler Pacifica Advance Design Center in Carlsbad, California. Both have signed the purchase agreement, but the sale is still awaiting final approval.
The former Chrysler studio measures in at 35,000 square feet and was listed on the market for $7.3 million. Chrysler closed the facility earlier this year, with all 20 employees moving or leaving the company, according to Automotive News.
Mercedes already owns a design studio not far from the Chrysler office in Irvine, California, but the fate of that studio remains up in the air. At 13,000 square feet it is less than half the size of the Chrysler studio but employs 18 workers.
The Chrysler Pacifica studio has churned out some of Chrysler’s most famous designs, including the 2006 Dodge Challenger concept and the Plymouth Prowler.
05/20, 3:36 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
They could hire Chris Bangle to head up the Carlsbad studio, then they can watch their sales take a dive.
05/20, 3:51 PM
posted by:
Syrax
^^ you know that the E60 7er is the best selling 7 ever?
05/20, 4:03 PM
posted by:
xyunya
Actually M-B not doing much better then Bangle in creating ugliness department.
7 series sells because more people in the world have money to buy one. How many 7 were sold in China 10 years ago? And it was a beautiful car. Now if you anyone in Shanghai you need 7 and a blond.
05/20, 4:12 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
Now they can hire me as head designer. MB will rule the world.
05/20, 4:16 PM
posted by:
xyunya
I think it was already tried 75 years ago. Did not worked out that well and we can’t wear nose mustache any longer.
05/20, 4:40 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Just before they hand over the keys I’d let loose about a zillion termites.
05/20, 6:33 PM
posted by:
LaCaLover
Well it didn’t do Chrysler any good, all they got was Sebring and Avenger and Caliper and Patriot and Compass out of it.
Jeez, hiring a guy that likes the Geely GT, M-B couldn’t make a worse decision, and he thinks he has taste.
05/20, 8:23 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
The Geely GT looks better than anything your pathetic ass could ever design, loser. Nice try. Kill yourself, biatch.
05/20, 9:10 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
I think the Geely GT is a great design. Not iconic, like the A4 or 911, but a great design nonetheless.
I also think the Patriot is a decent ride. Quick and smooth, and 4WD for under $20,000 loaded is not a bad deal.
05/20, 9:13 PM
posted by:
autonut
That’s what happen during dictatorship: Fuhrer killed all local fags, uhhm designwer, now they have to buy them from Chrysler.
05/20, 10:38 PM
posted by:
desertdriver
Hiring the designer(s) of the current Sebring would also cause sales to tank.
05/21, 10:56 AM
posted by:
Syrax
A4, iconic? care to explain?