Previously, the Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli confirmed that the sale had gathered interest from both international and North American parties but wasn’t willing to reveal any names. Some of the firms rumored to be interested in the Viper sale include specialty performance shops Saleen and Roush, which have the capacity to accommodate the Viper’s handmade production process.
Furthermore, auto industry analyst Dave Cole explained that the Viper business is relatively inexpensive and could help emerging foreign companies, especially from India, China and Russia, create a halo car that would draw interest to their other offerings.
"A lot of people can afford it - somebody who has a lot of money that wants to create a halo for themselves," Cole explained to Automotive News.
Nardelli has also previously stated that Chrysler will act in the best interests of the Viper's supporters and fans, who understandably would want to see the brand spared from being axed altogether. But at the same time, Chrysler is keen to raise capital, especially in light of Chrysler's current financial performance in the ailing U.S. auto industry. Additionally, the company also recently announced plans to cut expenses and lay off over 4,000 white-collar jobs.
The Viper business is, so far, the only Chrysler asset confirmed for sale, which is fitting considering its expensive small-scale construction process. The sale, if it goes forward, would mark the end of a 17-year run of the Viper at Chrysler, with the first model having debuted in the 1992 model year. The company just produced its 25,000th Viper in March of this year, and celebrated the event with festivities that included the launch of the track-focused Viper SRT10 ACR.
Reader Comments
Wed Aug 27 2008 1:15 PM
ROOLLY says
They need to down-scale the Viper, and make it affordable like Chevy does with the Corvette. Why are there so many Corvettes on the road? Because it’s affordable.Here’s what Chrysler should do with the Viper.
Wed Aug 27 2008 5:54 PM
NoNameDenton says
How about replace the V10, with a 6.4 liter Hemi engine, like the one that is supposed to appear in the Ram HD in the future.
Wed Aug 27 2008 11:21 PM
Layne says
You guys just don't get it. Perhaps by that logic Ferrari should mass produce their cars to sell them cheaper too. I'm sure you'd see more of them running around then right? Vipers are about passion, not sales. Get it straight.
Mon Sep 1 2008 10:41 AM
SuperSkyline89 says
Layne's right. A few days ago I say an ACR Viper drive by, now that almost gave me whiplash since those are rarely seen driving around. I tried to grab my Blackberry to take a picture but it was long gone. But every time I see a Corvette i just don't care, they're so damn common they aren't all that impressive anymore.
I hope whoever buys the Viper brand keeps the volume low and the exclusivity at it's present state. And hopefully they don't mess with the Vipers trademark looks.
Tue Sep 30 2008 6:40 AM
azlan says
why doesnt an american company stop living in the past and trying to buy the best design they got and design a whole new muscle car that will create the same attention as the viper, did, let it go chrysler..
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