Chrysler moving fast on in-car Internet
Working and thinking like a small company is how Chrysler hopes to weather the current economic storm. We told you just last week about Chrysler’s plan to implement new technologies and product updates on-demand rather than waiting for product refresh cycles, and now it looks like one of the first implementations of the fast-moving method with be the addition of in-car web access to its lineup. Initially the user will need a wireless phone subscription to access the Internet, because the system...

Chrysler expects to be profitable within 3 years
With Chrysler’s new owners Cerberus Capital Management making the hard and fast decisions, the carmaker is now on track to return to profitability. Even with the worsening U.S. economy and fluctuating exchange rates and commodity prices, CEO Bob Nardelli is confident Chrysler will be profitable within the next couple of years despite predictions the market will remain sour. Analysts expect U.S. auto sales to fall to 15.5 million cars this year, down from 16.1 million last year, but despite his...

Chrysler seeks your feedback
Nitpickers, armchair engineers and crabby car buyers, Chrysler LLC is looking for you. The automaker today starts recruiting members for its Customer Advisory Board, an online forum where Chrysler staffers solicit direct feedback from car buyers. The idea for such a network is taken from consumer giants such as Nike and Apple, but will be a first for the auto industry, said Debra Meyer, Chrysler's chief marketing offer. "We want to harness insights and customer dreams into things we can use concretely...

Chrysler offering in-car web access later this year
Chrysler may be struggling with vehicle styling and interior quality, but the gang in Auburn Hills sure does love the gadgetry. Sirius satellite TV, heated and cooled cupholders, and Swivel-N-Go seating will soon be joined by in-car Internet access. The Washington Post reports Chrysler will utilize cell tower signals and a mobile phone account to make the radio a WiFi port, giving passengers access to the web. The technology will be offered as a dealer add-on for existing models later this year, and it...

Chrysler needs only half of its SUVs
Now that Chrysler is in private hands the tough decisions are coming hard and fast. Last year we saw officials axe cars like the PT Cruiser convertible, Pacifica, Crossfire and Dodge Magnum, and now there are reports that even more models will be dropped from the current lineup. Earlier this month Chrysler revealed its new ‘Project Genesis’ turnaround strategy with which it plans to drop overlapping models that share common platforms and compete in similar segments. The carmaker’s President, Jim...

Chrysler asks public to help design future cars
Chrysler announced today that it’s recruiting members of the public for its new ‘Customer Advisory Board’, an online forum where individuals can voice their ideas about what they want to see in a new car. Anyone can join the forum, including consumers who have never previously owned a Chrysler product. The idea of a forum, rather than using expensive and time-consuming focus groups, has been a long time coming considering the amount of free ideas and feedback Chrysler could gain with...

Chrysler tapping consumers to design future products
Chrysler's "It's a new day" ad campaign has been in full swing for about a month, but very little substance has backed up the slogan. Now, Chrysler has extended a somewhat open arm to consumers and asked what they're looking for in a new vehicle. ChryslerListens.com is designed to fill that communications gap, asking customers in 1,000 words or less to tell the automaker's PR department what products they want to see coming from Chrysler.Beyond a basic form on the home page that allows you to speak your...

Dispute cited in top Chrysler engineer's departure
DETROIT -- One of Chrysler LLC's top engineers left the company Tuesday because of a dispute with senior managers, a person with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday. Mike Donoughe was leading the company's effort to develop a new generation of global midsize cars. The person said Donoughe clashed with Peter Arnell, a marketing consultant hired by Chrysler Chairman and Chief Executive Bob Nardelli. The person asked not to be named because Chrysler wasn't publicizing the reason for Donoughe's...

Dispute cited in top Chrysler engineer's departure
DETROIT -- One of Chrysler LLC's top engineers left the company Tuesday because of a dispute with senior managers, a person with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday. Mike Donoughe was leading the company's effort to develop a new generation of global midsize cars. The person said Donoughe clashed with Peter Arnell, a marketing consultant hired by Chrysler Chairman and Chief Executive Bob Nardelli. The person asked not to be named because Chrysler wasn't publicizing the reason for Donoughe's...

Chrysler product developer quits after 2 months on the job
Twenty-four year Chrysler employee Mike Donoughe has left the company after two months in his new post. Named to head Project D in January of this year, the program is creating new mid-sized cars that would replace the Sebring and Avenger and have actually have a chance against the Camcordimabu. Chrysler says that there was no conflict, but other outlets have reported that Donoughe clashed with CEO Bob Nardelli and so-called Acting Chief Innovation Officer Peter Arnell. Arnell is an outside marketing...