Chrysler has unveiled a few plans for the future and, rather than using past successes to carve the path, will adapt its course according to the changing market. While speaking at the recent Western Automotive Journalists' dinner, Chrysler President Jim Press touched on the need to generate brand identity amongst Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler. While each brand currently has a core theme, Jeep – off-road, Dodge – volume and performance, Chrysler – affordable luxury, there have been many recent deviations, such as the conglomeration that is the Jeep Compass. Press hopes to put an end to that trend and focus the company's aim at the automotive enthusiast. Toyota can keep the automotive appliance title, Press wants Chrysler to appeal to drivers rather than consumers. Nevertheless, actions speak louder than words and Press backs up his claims through the current curtailing of vehicle production and the scheduled release of seven new vehicles come 2010. Like other manufacturers, Chrysler is aggressively pursuing alternative powertrain configurations, particularly electric drive. In case no one has noticed yet, 2010 will be a big year for the American automotive industry. It will be the point when the roller coaster ride reaches its end and some folks end up with motion sickness while others get a rush of adrenaline. Hopefully Chrysler can find themselves in the latter category.
Turnover rates at the top of the chain at Maserati continue to rise as the Trident marque searches for stability and growth. Since taking over Maserati from De Tomaso, the Fiat Group has appointed a long stream of executives to lead the marque. None have seemed to pass muster, however. Martin Leach (previously head of Ford in Europe) was replaced by former Rolls-Royce chief Karl Heinz Kalbfell in 2005, who was subsequently axed in favor of Roberto Ronchi in 2006. Now, following the departure of the company's North American head James Selwa earlier this year, comes news of yet another leadership change at Maserati.
Harald J. Wester has stepped up to the plate to take the reins at Maserati. Wester started his career at Volkswagen, then moved to Audi, Ferrari, and Magna Steyr before being hired as Chief Technical Officer for the Fiat Group, a position he will continue to execute in parallel to his leadership of Maserati. Wester is a heavy hitter, but so were many of the others who have gone through the big revolving door in Modena. If Wester manages to perpetuate the company's profitability and follow up on the success of the GranTurismo and Quattroporte with new, exciting models, we'll be sold...and hopefully Fiat Group chief Sergio Marchionne will be, too.
Detroit's automakers didn't get much help from the federal government when they visited the White House, but that hasn't stopped a pair of LA-area car dealerships from receiving federal funding. Longo Toyota – "the World's Largest Dealership" – and Longo Lexus – "the #1 Lexus dealer in the Western US", received a half-million-dollar grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development in order to expand their facilities and create new jobs. The HUD funding is only part of the $3,000,000 the Penske-owned dealerships received from the City of El Monte, California, where the enormous car lots are situated – money which the city has already recovered (and then some) from the increased sales tax revenues.
The deal involved the Penske Automotive Group constructing a 50,000-square-foot service center, expanded vehicle lots, new showrooms and a 2,500-space parking complex out back. The municipal funding was granted in exchange for Longo creating between 35 and 90 new jobs within four years, while the federal grant stipulated the creation of only 15 new jobs. According to reports, the Longo dealerships have already well surpassed their requirements.
