Chrysler is having it's annual autoshow and today it unveiled the only new vehicle to be introduced in the 2011 model year. What type of vehicle was it? AN SUV of course.
Chrysler insists the SUV, which clocks in at 20 mpg in its two-wheel-drive version and 19 in four-wheel-drive, is a crowd favorite and a crucial part of its lineup.
"This is a very important vehicle for us. It's one of the primary legs of the Chrysler stool," Chrysler spokesman Rick Deneau said. "Customers have told us they want this vehicle and that it's the right size."
That's right. A full size new Grand Cherokee! That's the car of the future. In the same article, we learn that sales for the Grand Cherokee have dropped 50% since the beginning of the year but Chrysler isn't worried! Because "customers have told us they want this vehicle".
What does the industry think of this? The fact that Chrysler is snubbing their nose at the White House who are looking for more fuel effecient vehicles on Americas roads?
As Wolkonowicz put it: "To some extent, it's refreshing to me to see them not kowtowing to the government."
Wolkonowicz is a "senior automotive analyst for the consulting firm IHS-Global Insight". He called this a smart move by Chrysler and said it might seem out of touch with reality, but it was smart anyway.
You know...I don't work in big business, but if 50% of my patrons stopped using my library I'd be asking why, not catering to the 50% that stayed.
If you want to read more about the big unveiling (and I mean BIG) you can read it Here
Meanwhile..over in Toyota-Land..they are living in an alternative universe obviously! AT their Tokyo show they were featuring the new IQ car. A tiny little thing it is expected to hit the international market soon and they have eyes on the north american market.
The Smart Car is all over Canada now and I'm sure you will start to see more of them in the US. The IQ will be about the same size.
"But the global shift in thinking toward ecological and smaller cars is irreversible," he said. "The iQ fits that trend."
Toyota Senior Managing Director Yoichiro Ichimaru believes more people are viewing cars as a tool for getting around, but ecology stands as an exception in drawing consumer interest, exemplified in models such as the Prius and iQ.
"Only cars that contribute to economic growth and the betterment of society can hope to succeed," he said.
Toyota's cute little IQ
So I ask you..who's thinking of the big picture here?