Chrysler Canada to Roll Out Seven New Vehicles by Spring

Strategic Insights -

Canadian subsidiary of Detroit's hottest car maker, Chrysler Corp., is gearing up to introduce a range of new vehicles to its lineup, with the most-dated designs to be the mid-size sedans launched only two years ago. The 1995 model year will see the introduction of seven new vehicles, with a staggered rollout to avoid overwhelming the market. This includes the Chrysler Cirrus sedan, Ram extended-cab pickup truck, compact Neon two-door coupe, sporty Avenger coupe, and Dodge Stratus, as well as the Sebring and a third-generation minivan.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chrysler Canada will roll out seven new vehicles by spring 1995, including the Chrysler Cirrus sedan, Ram extended-cab pickup truck, compact Neon two-door coupe, sporty Avenger coupe, and Dodge Stratus, as well as the Sebring and a third-generation minivan.
  • The 1995 model year will see a significant transformation of Chrysler Canada's lineup, with the most-dated designs being the mid-size sedans launched only two years ago.
  • Yves Landry, president of Chrysler Canada, acknowledges the challenge of introducing multiple new vehicles simultaneously, stating that "you can't neglect what you just introduced. . . . You have to stagger them."
  • Chrysler's new van will be assembled in Windsor, Ont., and St. Louis, with the Windsor plant scheduled to assemble its three millionth minivan this weekend.
  • The new vans will feature attractive option and pricing packages, which have contributed to their record sales pace despite new competition.
  • Chrysler ranks behind General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. in the J. D. Power and Associates rankings of satisfaction among U.S. car buyers, but has made significant progress in improving its products.
  • Task forces are working on improving quality at every level, with top officials including chairman Robert Eaton TASKED with addressing the issue.
  • Chrysler gets more than 70 percent of components for its vehicles from outside suppliers, creating a level of risk that the company is addressing through more extensive testing and plant shutdowns.
  • Domestic sales are expected to reach 1,230,000 vehicles this year, with Chrysler Canada's share of the market anticipated to remain at 20 percent.
  • Chrysler Canada's sales were up 10 percent in the first eight months of 1994, with expectations of maintaining that share in 1995.

Statistics:

  • Over 4.5 million minivans have been built by Chrysler's St. Louis and Windsor plants.
  • Chrysler's Windsor plant is scheduled to assemble its three millionth minivan this weekend.
  • Over 100,000 Neons have been sold without major issues since the initial recall.
  • Chrysler gets more than 70 percent of components for its vehicles from outside suppliers.
  • Domestic sales are expected to reach 1,230,000 vehicles this year.
  • Chrysler Canada's sales were up 10 percent in the first eight months of 1994.
  • Chrysler Canada expects to maintain its 20 percent market share in 1995.

Sources:

  • Yves Landry, president of Chrysler Canada
  • Robert Eaton, chairman of Chrysler Corp.
  • Bob Lutz, president of Chrysler Corp.
  • J. D. Power and Associates rankings of satisfaction among U.S. car buyers
  • Chrysler Canada's sales data
  • Production statistics from Chrysler's St. Louis and Windsor plants