Chrysler PT Cruiser production to end mid-year

Posted Thu Jan 15 2009 9:03 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser
There’s a chance that the rights to the PT Cruiser could be sold to a Chinese carmaker

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.

Reader Comments

  • Thu Jan 15 2009 11:53 AM

    NaBUru38 says

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

  • Thu Jan 15 2009 12:38 PM

    Michael D says

    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.

  • Thu Jan 15 2009 11:21 PM

    SuperSkyline89 says

    I always hated this thing, good riddance.

  • Fri Jan 16 2009 3:53 AM

    InkMaster says

    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..

  • Fri Jan 16 2009 9:54 AM

    azlan says

    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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