Chrysler brings back the Dodge Dart
Why is it that American's can't run Chrysler, but a foreign managing partner can? Bottom line is, Fiat putting Chrysler in the right direction to survive rather than the American owned management allowing Chrysler to die out.
Maybe, just maybe, it's because the foreign auto manufacturers have more of a diversified company?
Fiat also builds earth moving equipment, trucks, farm equipment, etc.
Honda builds bikes and small engines and are heavily involved in electronics R&D
Hyundai builds just about everything under the sun: from cars to large ships.
Saab is still building airplanes.
Subaru is a division of Fuji. Do a quick google search of Fuji. Everything from trucks to supplying parts to Boeing and Airbus.
When Benz took a walk from Chrysler, they also took Freightliner, Sterling (formerly Ford's heavy truck division), and Western Star. Freightliner, by the way, was Chrysler's most profitable division. Look at everything that Daimler has it's hands in in Europe.
The American Big Three aren't as diversified. They used to be. GM had Fridgidaire. They sold Detroit Diesel and it wound up in the hands of Daimler.
Ford sold New Holland to Fiat. They sold their heavy truck division to Freightliner.
Chrysler used to have their hands into just about everything, including missile and aerospace technology.
Now, though? :dontknow:
The new Dart is a marketing thing. Reuse the badge to make it recognizable to the American public, just as the Charger name has been used on FWD econoboxes to a 4 door sedan. The idea is to sell cars.
The sale of new vehicles helps us with our older ones. It keeps the brand alive and helps with restoration parts, aftermarket equipment, etc. Twenty years from now, if Chrysler was no longer around how well do you think you'd fair with the restoration of your A-body, or your B-body, or your E-body? These car are now enjoying a lot of support thanks to companies like AMD, Edelbrock, Soft Seal, Inline Tube, and the list goes on and on. One of the reasons is because the brand is still viable.
Bought any aftermarket parts for your Studebaker lately? How 'bout your Packard? Hell, for that matter, AMC? One of the reasons parts for these cars aren't so widespread as they are for our Chrysler products or Fords or GM's is because these brands are non-existent.
