Chrysler, GM to collaborate on large SUV?

[DetroitNut90]

The Chrysler Group and General Motors are in talks to jointly develop a large SUV like the Chevrolet Suburban--something Chrysler doesn't have in its current lineup, according to a report by the Wall Street Jorunal.

Talks have been ongoing over the past six months, the report said. So far, no conclusion has been reached. The deal would save the struggling Chrysler Group a significant investment in developing its own large truck.

Leftlane News

Edited February 15, 2007 by DetroitNut90

[Northstar]

What the hell is GM thinking even talking about this? They OWN the segment, so why would they want competition that would be as good as their vehicle, at least in terms of ride and handling?

The ONLY thing I can think of that GM wants out of this is minivans, but Chrysler's minivans sell more on being a Town and Country and Grand Caravan than being best in class.

[Dsuupr]

Why would GM waste their time doing a big SUV with Chrysler. They don't need the help, Chrysler does.

With that same direction, why would Chrysler be dumb enough to share anything they have going on with the minivans.

Now hybrids or a CVT might be another thing.

[Oracle of Delphi]

I believe GM wants the Chrysler group, not just the minivans.

[Drew Dowdell]

I've never understood why Dodge didn't make a suburban sized "Ram Charger" out of the Ram 1500. It seems like such a no brainer to me.......

..... oh... wait.

[Intrepidation]

...Chrysler's minivans sell more on being a Town and Country and Grand Caravan than being best in class.

The current ones date back to 1996, yet they still ride and drive very well for the segment, plus they feature Stow `n Go. The new ones have impressive features which includes the table, swiveling seats, 6-speed automatic (all of which are segment exclusives. They are sure to be class leading.

Anywya, this idea seems stupid. Why would GM want to help another company compete in a segment it dominates, and why would Dodge want a big BOF SUV in a time when that market is shrinking. If they wanted something from GMN it should be use of the Lambda's

[Drew Dowdell]

The current ones date back to 1996, yet they still ride and drive very well for the segment, plus they feature Stow `n Go. The new ones have impressive features which includes the table, swiveling seats, 6-speed automatic (all of which are segment exclusives. They are sure to be class leading.

Anywya, this idea seems stupid. Why would GM want to help another company compete in a segment it dominates, and why would Dodge want a big BOF SUV in a time when that market is shrinking. If they wanted something from GMN it should be use of the Lambda's

Quick! Someone chop up a Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler...... and heck Plymouth versions of the Lambda!

[Intrepidation]

Why? I just mentioned it because it makes more business sense than a large, pointless SUV. They could just base one off the Ram platform anyway if they wanted a big SUV.

[Sixty8panther]

This is just freekin' crazy!

Oldsmoboi:

A modern Ram Charger exited in Mexico recently. Think C/K Blazer.

[Robert Hall]

This doesn't make much sense..Dodge has the Ram platform..how much effort is it to tool up a 4dr SUV body for it???

[DetroitNut90]

Inside Line's giving some insight as to why Chrysler may not be able to just use the Ram platform:

Inside Line has learned that Chrysler had planned to develop a big utility vehicle off its own full-size Ram pickup platform for model-year 2010. But supplier sources say the SUV program, known internally by code name DS74, may have been shelved because of the ongoing budget crunch at Chrysler.

They also throw this out for speculation:

The Wall Street Journal said Chrysler also is talking with GM Daewoo in Korea about jointly developing small cars. Daewoo supplies compact cars and SUVs to a variety of companies and brands, including Chevrolet, Opel, and Suzuki.

Inside Line

None of this sounds like GM would really benefit from this...unless they charged Chrysler big $$$ to use the GMT-900 platform.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

GM just -- please for God's sake -- get the hell away from DCX. If they really want a large SUV, they can do it with their own resources because they most certainly have them.

[Shantanu]

Inside Line's giving some insight as to why Chrysler may not be able to just use the Ram platform:

They also throw this out for speculation:

Inside Line

None of this sounds like GM would really benefit from this...unless they charged Chrysler big $$$ to use the GMT-900 platform.

Well of course, you don't get something for nothing.

Such a deal would serve a number of objectives:

1) Gives Chrysler dealers a full portfolio. They're not going to be happy if Chrysler pulls out of full size trucks.

2) Saves Chrysler investment money.

3) Gives GM additional volume. The full size SUV market has slackened as consumers have shifted to crossovers. If GM builds the SUVs for Chrysler, they can keep the plant at capacity.

4) GM makes money off it.

Chrysler saves money, GM makes some money.

Or Chrysler may just license the technology from GM and built it at one of their one plants. Again, similar story to above, except that GM collects a royalty fee everytime Chrysler builds a truck using their technology. This pays down development costs.

Edited February 16, 2007 by Shantanu

[Petra]

Have they learned nothing from the Commander? What's that old saying about making the same mistake twice and expecting different results...

[RJB]

Why would anyone (DCX,GM) want to get into the BIG SUV market right now anyway when the trend is getting out of that and into more downsized friendly crossovers and SUVs?

[turbo200]

exactly. also, they would just be competing for the same buyers Chevrolet already has. Most Toyota [the big SUV name escapes me for some reason] buyers are gonna stick to toyo.