Thursday, January 13, 2011

NAIAS 2011: Chrysler Brand 'Comeback'

Chrysler Brand President/CEO Olivier Francois combined personal reflection with a nostalgic look back during the Monday morning news conference at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

At the start, Francois recalled thoughts of an uncertain future for Chrysler as he left the 2010 NAIAS in his Chrysler 300. He said, this year, it's time for Chrysler to make a "comeback to the automotive stage."

His tone quickly changed as he talked about the work and redesign that went into the brand's flagship vehicle, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 Series; the brand's most-awarded vehicle in history.

With an investment that exceeded $1 billion in developing the new 300, Francois showcased the 300's fuel efficiency -- nearly 30 mpg -- and its interior that "wraps passengers with the softest interior in its class."

Other 300 highlights include:

  • 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen -- "an iPad in your car," Francois said.
  • Francois: "Chrysler 300 is a great car to be driven in, but a better car to drive."
  • Francois: "Perfect noise control."
  • Dodge President/CEO & Head of Chrysler Group Design Ralph Gilles: "Chrysler 300 had to be more mature, luxurious...but still respect where it came from."
  • Chrysler 300 has a new grill, but Mopar will still offer the previous, "Bentley" grill for those who prefer it, according to Gilles.
  • Gilles: Chrysler 300 is "more functional without losing its spirit."

Chrysler Town & Country

In introducing the 2011 Town & Country, Francois said Chrysler "took the best minivan in the country and made it better." It offers 42 standard safety and technology features -- that's not offered by any other minivan at the moment, as well as a family entertainment system. The presentation also included a notalgic look back at an earlier Chrysler minivan.

Chrysler 200

Francois said the early positive media reviews of the Chrysler 200 "meant the world to the Chrysler team." He added that the 200 was "designed with a purpose with performance," including a 283 HP engine and 29 mpg.

His presentation included a brief video with several children of Sterling Heights (MI) Assembly Plant employees repeating some of the positive Chrysler 200 media reviews.

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