Thoughts from the Curb

Dec 3, 2008 - The Rant: Congressman Riswick Rejects, Mocks Chrysler Plan

The Big 3 have released their lists of "reasons they need a boat load of money and what they plan on doing with it." I'm going to look at Chrysler's plan in regards to vehicle development. Here's the paragraph about that, broken up so I can make snarky comments:

"Does Chrysler plan to build cars and trucks that consumers want to buy, and that support the country’s energy security and environmental goals? Our product plan features 24 major launches from 2009 through 2012. For the 2009 model year, 73 percent of our products will offer improved fuel economy compared to 2008 models."

Here, 'cars and trucks that consumer want to buy' is apparently synonymous with 'fuel efficient.' Except it isn't. People would still choose to buy a Prius over a Dodge Caliber Hybrid because the former is a well-made good car and the latter is a penalty box. People aren't buying the Sebring because it isn't fuel efficient (it actually isn't), they aren't buying it because it's rubbish.  

Let us continue...

"We plan on launching additional small, fuel-efficient vehicles."

Well that's at least good to know. Perhaps a retro K car for the 21st Century? I can see it now: Dodge brings back Reliant!

"ENVI is our breakthrough family of all-electric … and range - extended electric vehicles – similar to the one parked outside. Chrysler’s product plan includes the introduction of the Ram Hybrid and our first electric-drive vehicle in 2010 with three additional models by 2013."

Are these real, production-ready electric drive vehicles, or a handful of $3 million prototypes leased out to Jamie Lee Curtis? This needs to be more concrete if I'm sitting on this congressional committee. I just don't buy it given all the hurdles associated with all-electric vehicles and the inherent shaddyness of Cerberus. And in relation to ENVI, note how they don't mention any plans for these electric cars. They just describe them briefly and say one is outside. That's nice. They could also mention unicorns, put a horn on a horse and tie it up to capitol hill. It doesn't make it real.

Here's another beauty from Mr. Nardelli:

"I receive a salary of $1 a year. I have no employment contract, no change of control agreement, no “golden parachute,” and receive no health care or life insurance benefits from the company."

Really? Why exactly are you working there, then? I understand this PR business about a $1 salary and no golden parachute is good, but the rest is patently stupid. Sure he's a gazillionaire after his adventure with Home Depot, but what sort of motivation does this man have to do anything. Have they replaced his office furniture with bean bag chairs and milk cartons?

After driving their cars and after reading the plan, I'm going to have to vote no on saving Chrysler.

Congressman James Riswick

9:11 am | Categories: the rant, car news commentary Permalink | Alert Administrator

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