Chrysler out to increase vehicles' common parts

[Variance]

Chrysler out to increase vehicles' common parts

The Chrysler Group wants to use even more common parts for its different families of vehicles to save money.

Eric Ridenour, Chrysler chief operating officer, made the comments during a presentation Thursday to the Automotive Analysts of New York Auto Conference at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dearborn.

The Auburn Hills-based unit of DaimlerChrysler AG is putting together a restructuring plan to correct recent losses, which reached $1.5 billion in the third quarter last year. Chrysler Chief Executive Tom LaSorda has said he plans to announce the plan near the end of February.

On Thursday, Ridenour told analysts that Chrysler hopes to increase the percentage of shared parts among its family of vehicles to 50%.

Detroit Free Press

[Flybrian]

Even more? Yeesh. Is that possible?

[Cory Wolfe]

More? That shouldn't be hard since they're all boxes with boxy interiors.

[NOS2006]

Okay, but how? I thought they all already came with the interior and grille from the Ram? Are they all getting the same underbody, too?

[MyerShift]

I suppose this would regard to exterior mirrors, rear-view mirrors, door handles inside and out, switchgear (power items), stereo head units, brake/accelerator/clutch pedals, seats, climate control knobs, electonic architectures, seating materials, transmissions, and other items as well, I'm sure...

[Intrepidation]

Stupid move...it's not the way to go...they share enough parts anyway. next thing you know they'll all be badge engineered

[Dragon]

if they can make pretty much everything you can't see the same, go for it. as long as the components that can make the difference from high end to low end aren't commonized, ie. suspension. I wouldn't want my 300 to handle like a caliber, or caliber to go up in price cause its got a 300's suspension.

even the flush mount buttons can be made to use common switches to a point. Really, as long as the 'A' surfaces are somewhat different, who cars. Even just a different paint and/or font can make a difference.

Edited January 13, 2007 by Dragon

[ToniCipriani]

The good old days of Chrysler are back... just like the Neon and the Cloud cars...

When you can't tell the difference between a Chrysler, Dodge or Plymouth Neon unless you squint!

[regfootball]

More? That shouldn't be hard since they're all boxes with boxy interiors.

amen to that statement.

[regfootball]

The good old days of Chrysler are back... just like the Neon and the Cloud cars...

When you can't tell the difference between a Chrysler, Dodge or Plymouth Neon unless you squint!

if i recall, weren't those neons the exact same car. there was just like one badge on the car trunk or something that told you whether it was a dodge or plymouth.

[REDO1GPGT]

if i recall, weren't those neons the exact same car. there was just like one badge on the car trunk or something that told you whether it was a dodge or plymouth.

Yep. I think one of the only other differences was the Plymouth came in the very sporty "Expresso" edition and what not. Edited January 13, 2007 by REDO1GPGT

[chevelle454]

This just announced.

Chysler is bring back the K-Car and from now on everything will be based off the K-car!

[Intrepidation]

This just announced.

Chysler is bring back the K-Car and from now on everything will be based off the K-car!

K-car for the win!

[FAPTurbo]

Looks to be a few fun years ahead at Chrysler