Latest news with #ChristineFeuell
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
After 100 Years, Chrysler Is Basically Dead
Read the full story on The Auto Wire Chrysler is a brand most people don't think much about these days. While this marks 100 years since its founding, and parent company Stellantis is trying to get people to celebrate that, it feels more like a funeral than a birthday when you look back on everything Chrysler did over the years, it's had a good life. Brandt Rosenbusch, an archivist and historian for Stellantis, goes through some of the highlights in a brief video as part of the 100 year celebration. He notes the first car, the 1924 Chrysler, sat lower than competitors, used a high compression engine, and came equipped with four-wheel hydraulic brakes. It was an innovative yet affordable car for its time. Even more impactful was the Chrysler Airflow, which was the first to be developed using a wind tunnel, all the way back in the 30s. It also came with a tubular steel frame for excellent structural rigidity, safety, and handling. Then in the 50s the Chrysler 300 came out, the first production model to exceed 300-horsepower. IT was sophisticated as well as powerful, making a bold statement at a time when American automotive design was on a big upswing. Of course, Chrysler launched the minivan into existence in 1984. While many mock the segment, it was an innovation that helped American families get around economically. All those past accomplishments are wonderful. But what is Chrysler today? Go to the Chrysler website and just look at the model lineup. There are three minivans: the Pacifica, Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, and Voyager (a Pacifica with a nose job). That's it, three essentially identical minivans. The good news is Chrysler absolutely dominates minivan sales. The bad news is minivans aren't horribly popular. Just what is Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell doing about the demise of the brand? Well, she's talked a lot about taking down Tesla with non-existent Chrysler EVs. She also sat down for a promotional video to talk about all the innovations and technologies Chrysler launched into the market when she wasn't in charge. Chrysler has had a good run, but this might be its death rattle. Image via Stellantis Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Leaked emails reveal disappointing setback for Chrysler — here's what they said, and what it means for the brand
When it rains, it pours. So it goes for struggling auto brand Chrysler, as its closely watched crossover electric vehicle suffered another setback, prompting concerns it will never hit the roads at all. Electrek detailed the disappointing development, which MoparInsiders first reported. In a leaked email, Chrysler told suppliers the "program has been put on hold until further notice." This isn't the first time the forthcoming EV has suddenly changed course, as Electrek documented. It was initially supposed to come out in 2025, though that launch date is now shifting. Chrysler's CEO said in 2023 that the vision for the EV was as a two-row crossover inspired by its Airflow concept, per Reuters. That shifted significantly when the brand unveiled its more ambitious Halcyon vision with scarce details, as Car and Driver reported. The International Energy Agency describes EVs as "the key technology to decarbonise road transport," also noting that road transport is responsible for over 15% of energy emissions worldwide. Added competition in the EV sector from brands such as Chrysler would benefit consumers too, as prices would become more competitive and encourage more people to replace vehicles that rely on dirty fuels. The latest setback for this Chrysler EV casts doubt on whether it will ever see the light of day. It's more bad news for parent brand Stellantis, which saw a 15% decline in U.S. sales year over year in 2024. Chrysler currently sells only two vehicles, both of which are minivans: the Pacifica and the Pacifica Hybrid, the latter of which averages a solid 82 miles per gallon equivalent in electric/hybrid mode and 30 mpg in gas/hybrid mode. The company also sells the Chrysler Voyager van as a fleet vehicle. It's concerning that its promises of being an all-EV portfolio by 2028 don't seem to be anywhere near fruition. Still, Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell told CNBC, "The brand is not on the table for elimination, and it has a very bright future." The future appears murky for the brand in the U.S. Stellantis isn't standing pat in the EV space, though. It's exploring a patent that could radically speed up EV charge times, and Chrysler made its own investment in new-age lithium-sulfur batteries. Finally, the much-hyped Dodge and Jeep EVs are also hitting U.S. dealerships, as Electrek pointed out. While drivers patiently wait for Chrysler's next move, there are many exciting developments in the fully electric space. The Honda Prologue has been a surprise hit with drivers and trails just two Tesla models in the U.S. market. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Along those lines, Tesla's refreshed Model Y Juniper is coming to the U.S. soon with new features. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is another popular vehicle to watch, with a new version coming out soon. All of these EVs can help drivers save on fuel and maintenance while reducing their individual tailpipe pollution. Chrysler, meanwhile, confirmed in a follow-up to Car and Driver that a "production version of the Chrysler Halcyon concept" is in the works. With the only timing disclosed as "some point in the future," it sure seems potential drivers should explore an alternative for now. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Here's the Plan to Save Chrysler and Alfa Romeo Brands in the US
Christine Feuell's focus is on two iconic brands that have become increasingly marginalized, either by way of corporate product decisions or reduced showroom traffic. Chrysler will refresh its Pacifica minivan in 2026, followed by a new, affordable two-row crossover, and then a product to be named later that will be inspired by the dramatic Halcyon concept. Alfa Romeo will replace the Stelvio crossover and Giulia sedan next year. And no longer planning to go all-electric, Alfa Romeo and Chrysler will offer gas, hybrid, and battery-electric powertrains in the US. Does Christine Feuell have the least envied job in Detroit? She's in charge of both the Chrysler and Alfa Romeo brands within the multi-national Stellantis automotive collective that is currently rudderless after the recent departure of Carlos Tavares as CEO. If US sales were humming for the Stellantis brands active in the US (Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, and Ram), then maybe Tavares would still have a job and maybe Larry Dominque would not have quietly departed as head of Alfa Romeo in North America as a tumultuous 2024 ended for the company. Instead, six out of the seven Stellantis brands sold on average 15% fewer vehicles than in 2023 in a US market that grew 2.2%. Even Jeep and Ram lost significant volume. But Feuell's focus is on two iconic brands that have become increasingly marginalized, either by way of corporate product decisions or reduced showroom traffic. Alfa Romeo sold a miniscule 8,865 vehicles in the US last year (down 19% from 2023), and that's including the new Tonale compact crossover, which barely outsold the aged Giulia sedan and larger Stelvio crossover. There is little chance Alfa Romeo can catch Acura, Cadillac, or Volvo in the sales race anytime soon, not to mention the absolutely unreachable BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus. The story is barely more upbeat for Chrysler, which sells nothing but the Pacifica and Voyager minivans after the 300 sedan was discontinued at the end of 2023. Twenty years ago, in addition to the 300, Chrysler also sold the Crossfire coupe, PT Cruiser compact crossover, Sebring sedan, Sebring GTC convertible, and the Pacifica crossover that looked nothing like today's Pacifica minivan. Let's not forget the Chrysler Aspen SUV, which was so shortlived that it doesn't even have its own Wikipedia entry. Despite a mountain of adversity, Feuell finds reasons to be optimistic as she leads both Alfa and Chrysler into an increasingly uncertain future. She's especially psyched about the plans for Chrysler. 'We've got three new products coming in the (Chrysler) portfolio,' Feuell told Autoweek during the recent Detroit auto show. A refreshed Pacifica minivan will launch in 2026 with a new exterior and updated interior on its existing platform. That will be followed by a new, affordable two-row crossover, 'and then a third product to be named later that will be inspired by the Halcyon,' she says. The Halcyon is a dramatic, low-slung, all-electric concept that was unveiled a year ago with far-reaching future technology. It was displayed at the 2025 Detroit auto show, incongruously parked next to the Pacifica minivans. This unconstrained concept represents a chance to attract millennials and Gen Z customers who have no experience with Chrysler. 'So the brand's now on their radar because it's a contemporary looking product. It's got technology that's purposeful and seamless and intuitive, rather than difficult and complicated,' Feuell says. The Halcyon would make a beautiful, desirable halo for the Chrysler brand, positioned over the refreshed minivan and new two-row crossover, if they indeed arrive. But count on the production car inspired by the Halcyon to have considerably less swagger—and more than four inches of ground clearance. While Chrysler has a history of playing in the near-luxury space, Feuell says the brand has no premium aspirations today. 'Our competitive set today includes Toyota, Honda, and Kia, and with the new product that's coming out, we'll add Tesla to that competitive list,' she says, referring to hometown rivals General Motors and Ford for cross-shopping as well. Even though minivans are not as popular as higher-riding crossovers, the minivan sector is doing pretty well, with the Toyota Sienna, Kia Carnival, Honda Odyssey, and the Pacifica all growing 2024 sales by at least 7%. And No. 1 in the segment in 2024, with nearly 108,000 units, was the Pacifica, followed by the Odyssey (80,293 units). Feuell says the minivan segment has been growing consistently since 2020. 'And we've certainly read about some of our competitors increasing their capacity. So there's a lot of growth potential in the segment.' The Pacifica is offered as a plug-in hybrid, and that model ended 2024 as the fourth best-selling PHEV in America. On the Alfa Romeo front, Feuell admits the Stelvio crossover and Giulia sedan are 'dated' and will be replaced next year with new models on a new platform, STLA Large, which will also underpin the Chrysler crossover and other vehicles from Jeep and Dodge. Recent reports also suggest the Giulia makeover could be quite extensive. But she views her work ahead with Alfa Romeo as an opportunity. 'I am really excited to help revitalize and restore this iconic Italian brand in North America,' says Feuell, who was assigned Alfa Romeo barely a month ago after Dominique's departure. 'I've spent the last three weeks talking to employees and dealers, and there's just upside potential from here,' she says. 'Our priorities right now are really focusing on getting the sales momentum going again, updating our marketing and sales support in the market, and preparing for the new products that we're launching in 2026.' As for powertrains, neither Alfa Romeo nor Chrysler will be ditching internal combustion on their way to all-electric lineups, which had been planned by 2028. Now, both Alfa Romeo and Chrysler are pursuing a multi-energy strategy in the US that includes gas, hybrid, and battery-electric powertrains. Are you hopeful that the Alfa Romeo and Chrysler brands can be revitalized and sustained in the US? Please comment below.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
RAM will finally build a midsize pickup truck
The fact that one of the big three American automakers has an unfilled midsize pickup truck slot in its lineup is borderline asinine. Although the segment lost some traction last year, midsize trucks are still hot sellers. The last midsize truck from Dodge was the Dakota back in 2011, and that's almost unforgivable, especially since Ford currently sells a nicely refreshed Ranger, and the redesigned Chevy Colorado is a huge success. Boy, howdy, does RAM seriously need an injection of excitement into its lineup, especially after taking sales hits with its RAM 1500 last to MoparInsiders, Ram CEO Christine Feuell confirmed that the brand will re-enter the midsize truck segment and release it globally with a focus on the North American market. The company currently sells the smaller Rampage in South America, but it's unlikely that the new midsize pickup for the North American market will be based on the Rampage. Feuell confirmed to Motor Trend that RAM has chosen the platform for the new truck. No name for the new pickup truck has been disclosed, and that probably won't happen until a concept is unveiled. We're guessing the brand revives the Dakota name rather than giving it some generic numeric label, especially considering competitor names like Tacoma, Ranger, and Colorado. Calling it the RAM 500 would be a missed opportunity as the truck needs to stand out since it's a bit late to the game. Back in the day, RAM was at the forefront of the midsize pickup truck market with its popular Dakota. Introduced in 1987, the Dodge Dakota spanned three generations and was sold here for nearly a quarter of a century. RAM hasn't been vocal about what the new truck will be called, so we can't rule out reviving the Dakota nameplate. It's a recognizable name and a proven truck, so anything's specific details have been made public, and we're guessing RAM is still ironing those out. A spokesperson at Stellantis stated that the truck will be offered with gas, plug-in hybrid, and even electric powertrains, which should give it wider appeal. It probably won't have unibody construction like the Honda Ridgeline and the Hyundai Santa Fe. View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article We're guessing it won't be a 'lifestyle' truck either, but rather a bonafide body-on-frame truck for rugged duties. If this new midsize truck is going to compete with other body-on-frame trucks like the Tacoma and the Colorado, it behooves RAM to take the same approach. Stellantis didn't specify the timeframe, but according to Car & Driver, the UAW (United Auto Workers) stated that the first units will roll off the assembly line in 2027. It will be built at the Stellantis plant in Belvidere, Illinois, where the Jeep Cherokee was last built in 2023. The plant will reopen and bring 1,500 auto workers back for the new too bad RAM can't make this happen sooner, given the fact that all of its competitors have been on the market for years now, so much so that the Tacoma was redesigned in 2023, and the Ranger and Colorado have been significantly refreshed. It's good news that the automaker is finally doing something about this missing segment in their lineup, but they're pretty late to the game, so they better make their new model stand out, or else.
