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Chrysler PT Cruiser production to end mid-year

Chrysler PT Cruiser production to end mid-year

Viknesh Vijayenthiran January 15th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author January 15th, 2009
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December 31st, 1969 Chrysler co-president Tom LaSorda has confirmed that production of the PT Cruiser will come to end by the middle of this year, citing falling sales and no future updates as the key reasons for the vehicle’s demise. Released in 2000 with retro looks and an affordable price, the car immediately became an icon for many, allowing dealers to inflate their prices to suit the demand. Nine years later the car remains almost untouched, barring subtle styling changes made in 2006. This makes the PT Cruiser the seventh model to be axed from Chrysler’s lineup since new owners Cerberus Capital Management stepped in. The others being Dodge’s Magnum wagon and Durango SUV, and the Chrysler-branded Crossfire, PT Cruiser convertible, Aspen SUV and Pacifica SUV, reports The Detroit News. Other restructuring plans that Chrysler is looking at include streamlining its dealers so that all passenger cars are eventually sold through Chrysler dealers, while trucks would be reserved for the Dodge brand and SUVs for Jeep. There is also the sale of the Dodge Viper business, which is still in the process of searching for a potential suitor. All is not loss as there are reports that the PT Cruiser may live on, but in China. Chrysler is reportedly in talks with several Chinese carmakers interested in buying the rights and tooling for the car, however, LaSorda has stated that the company has not been approached by anyone yet.
Chrysler sold 50,910 PT Cruisers last year but so far this year the automaker has only managed to move 8,591 units

Chrysler sold 50,910 PT Cruisers last year but so far this year the automaker has only managed to move 8,591 units

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Chrysler co-president Tom LaSorda has confirmed that production of the PT Cruiser will come to end by the middle of this year, citing falling sales and no future updates as the key reasons for the vehicle’s demise. Released in 2000 with retro looks and an affordable price, the car immediately became an icon for many, allowing dealers to inflate their prices to suit the demand. Nine years later the car remains almost untouched, barring subtle styling changes made in 2006.

This makes the PT Cruiser the seventh model to be axed from Chrysler’s lineup since new owners Cerberus Capital Management stepped in. The others being Dodge’s Magnum wagon and Durango SUV, and the Chrysler-branded Crossfire, PT Cruiser convertible, Aspen SUV and Pacifica SUV, reports The Detroit News.

Other restructuring plans that Chrysler is looking at include streamlining its dealers so that all passenger cars are eventually sold through Chrysler dealers, while trucks would be reserved for the Dodge brand and SUVs for Jeep. There is also the sale of the Dodge Viper business, which is still in the process of searching for a potential suitor.

All is not loss as there are reports that the PT Cruiser may live on, but in China. Chrysler is reportedly in talks with several Chinese carmakers interested in buying the rights and tooling for the car, however, LaSorda has stated that the company has not been approached by anyone yet.

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Posted in: 2009, Chrysler, News, PT Cruiser


Comments (5 total)

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  1. ma_NaBUru38 avatar by NaBUru38 #1, Posted: 1/15/2009

    And the sports cars remain Dodge, don't they?

  2. ma_Michael D avatar by Michael D #2, Posted: 1/15/2009

    It's the end of an era, but, the PT Cruiser had a good run! From 2000 (MY2001) to 2009, that's a lengthy span. The PT Cruiser is the only remaining Chrysler vehicle based on the old Neon platform.

  3. ma_SuperSkyline89 avatar by SuperSkyline89 #3, Posted: 1/15/2009

    I always hated this thing, good riddance.

  4. ma_InkMaster avatar by InkMaster #4, Posted: 1/16/2009

    Shame. What it needs isn't to be cancelled but a complete makeover. Preferably a more comfortable interior (where you don't feel like you're sitting on a stool). It needs atleast 30MPG average etc etc..

  5. ma_azlan avatar by azlan #5, Posted: 1/16/2009

    yay!!!!!!!!!!! i hate the pt cruiser! with you 'superskyline89' when tis first came out i gagged, wanted to set it on fire and dry it off with my urine. yeah... i really dont like the pt cruiser have fun in car hell

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