Chrysler closes California design studio

By Todd #1, Posted: 3/9/2008

All of this "bleeding" going on at Chrysler is going to cost the company it's life.

I am so angered that the very institutions (this Pacifica design studio being one of them) that made Chrysler a standout, are now coming to a close. Design and engineering have always been Chrysler's forte in the sense that the had the most talented folks, who created the most exciting stuff, with the least amount of resources and then, put it out into the marketplace. Time and time again in the face of the companies supposed death, designs, ideas, engineering feats, vision, Leadership, (LEE IACOCCA) and yes, a lotta bit of luck have kept Chrylser true and alive.
Today, with moves, like this I am not so sure. I hope they keep those 20 or so employess because this company needs their inspiration. They were once free to be visionaries for Chrysler, and now that they are free again from that German Money Sucking Company (I really HATE Daimler AG for doing what they did to this company), they can hopefully lead Chrysler again, back to forefront.

While I am still like what LEE IACOCCA says these days, I am angered that he passed up BOB LUTZ for the top spot at ChryCo back in the early 90's for that idiot BOB EATON, who sold out Chrysler to Daimler-Benz because of his sheer idiocy and for his own personal wealth. I believe I read somewhere Iaccoca himself admitted, that he made a "mistake". Unfortunately Lee, (if you are reading this), much as I like you, You might have very well sealed this companies fate by passing the torch to that beanhead!. I wish you would go back there on a personal note and give those boys at Cerebus a talking to. I know it's not their fault entirely, but someone's gotta give them some vision of what once was and what it can be. (Any of you old Chryco guys listening, Hal Sperlich, Francois Castaing, Tom Gale?)

While downsizing the company is just what it needs to refocus, I hope Cereberus doesn't chop too much off. Putting all the core brands under one roof is a good idea, paring down some of the lousier models is also good too. But don't lose the companie's identity in the process. Somewhere under all this mess, is a great company waiting to come back to life with people who care about it more than it's parent company will ever know.

Here's to Chrysler. I wish you well.!

By Gus #2, Posted: 3/10/2008

I'm sure that closing a design studio is a good move, after all, to turn a company around, new, innovative and stylish models aren't really that important.
Also, I'm sure the people working as designers near San Diego will be overjoyed to move north of Detroit. In fact, I'm sure you be able to get a lot of talent to move to such a beautiful part of the country...

By Roy B #3, Posted: 8/3/2008

I so much agree with Todd. I started with Chrysler in 1987 upon discharge from the Army working for the financial arm, Chrysler Credit. I am what I am today because of my time at Chrysler (MBA and project manager/director).

At the time of the buyout, I was working in Auburn Hills and as many others, I felt a great deal of anxiety. My postition in International Accounting probably afforded me a little better view of the going ons than some others in the company had. Based on my observations, I did what I once thought was unthinkable and left Chrysler in 2000.

Eight years later, I have moved on and had a very productive career (there is life after Chrysler) but I am extremely saddened to see the shape the company has been left in. Besides actual capital, the intense pride and commitment of the people is gone and that in my opinion is even a greater loss. The intellectual capital of those men that built Chrysler, Stallkamp, Castang, Gale, Lutz, etc. was also squandered due to the inept greed of Bob Eaton and the bullheaded arrogance of Jurgen Schrempf.

There will be a special place in hell for Bob Eaton!