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Welcome to the Voices of Chrysler

by Tom Lasorda

August 5, 2007 11:29 PM

Tom Lasorda, Vice Chairman & President, The New Chrysler

It’s a new day here at Chrysler, as we celebrate our beginning as a private company, held by our majority owners at Cerberus Capital Management. But going private does not mean going silent. We will continue our strong tradition of communicating with our stakeholders, employees, dealers, suppliers, community leaders, and most importantly, our customers. That’s one of the reasons for this blog.

Opportunities for fresh starts like this one come around rarely, and we want to make the most of it. As a private company, we can strengthen our focus on our business—with our eye to long-term success, not only short-term profits. Frankly, private ownership is an ideal structure for Chrysler because it supports and rewards the traits from our 80-year history that have always made us unique and successful: innovation, passion and speed. These are the qualities that set us apart in this industry and help us to pioneer new products such as the minivan, the HEMI engine and the award-winning Chrysler 300C.

The path we are starting on today has already been blazed by other successful American companies who have gone from public to private. Consider the cable-TV industry. Several public companies went private, which turned out to be a good deal for consumers. Once private, many cable companies were freer to compete for new customers, offering bundled phone, Internet and TV service at one low price. They were also able to increase their investments in R&D, infrastructure and customer service, all areas that don’t generate revenue, but do set up a company for long-term success.

Rest assured, the New Chrysler has its sights set on long-term success. And on that journey, we want to remain as transparent as possible, even though we’re a private company. On this blog, you’ll not only hear from me and others on Chrysler’s leadership team, but also from our employees, dealers, retirees, suppliers and customers. We hope that through the many voices of Chrysler, you’ll understand the “mojo” that makes Chrysler and our Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles something special.

We also want to start a conversation with you and keep it going, so please feel free to add your two cents in the comment section. So, in short: Welcome to The New Chrysler. Welcome to our blog, and stay tuned. You’re going to hear from some very interesting people.

Tags: The Suits

Comments [36]

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36 Comments

BrianL Aug 6, 2007, 1:50 PM

Please explain the comments made by www.allpar.com at http://www.allpar.com/weblogs/2007/08/06/home-depots-nartelli-takes-over-chrysler/.

It states that the new CEO, Bob Nartelli was "recently thrown out of Home Depot for demoralizing the workforce and customer base."

Please tell me that things will be different at ChryslerLLC.

I am a lifetime Mopar fan and do not want to see a hacksaw job done on my favorite car company.

Just worried, that's all.

floatingpower Aug 6, 2007, 1:50 PM

Mr. Lasorda, Mr. Nardelli, and the great people of Chrysler Corporation,

Today is an exciting day for not only those who care deeply about the American auto industry, but also for those who believe in the history and future of Mr. Chrysler's iconic engineering company. Perhaps for some it is a return to old, while for others this may appear as a new horizon, but regardless of perception, this is about cherishing Chrysler Corporation's rich history and furthering that legacy as we move forward.

May we never forget the "tools that money couldn't buy" made by the the visionary who started this all, and with that type of can-do innovation show the world that Chrysler Corporation deserves recognition as the premiere automaker, not because of size or number of brands, but rather as a result of extra care in engineering and forward-looking design that results in quality vehicles that people will want to have and keep.

Never ignore the enthusiasts and the Chrysler history buffs, for these are the people who want to see the company succeed through the construction of quality vehicles. Yes, we are the ones who know what would be good, what we want, and how to preserve the traditions of this company. Did I mention that our input is easy to acquire and available free of charge?

In closing, I would like to thank those who have dedicated the time and effort to stay with Chrysler over the years and to those who have worked to make this return to independence possible. Do what would make Walter, John, Horace, and the "three musketeers" proud, as we know you will endeavor.

Cheers to the return of Chrysler Corporation and the pentastar icon,

-FloatingPower

Mark Bain Aug 6, 2007, 1:50 PM

Good luck to the new new Chrysler. As you know, many are counting on your success in rebuilding Chrysler sales and reputation. Private ownership will provide greater operating freedom to rejuvenate the business, and increased transparency will enhance corporate credibility and stakeholder trust. Good luck!

Jeremy Mutz Aug 6, 2007, 1:50 PM

Reading this, and understanding what's going on at Chrysler, I have alot of confidence in the future of Chrysler. I think the new website is terrific, so are the new TV ads. It's awesome to see Chrysler reminding us of its history, the huge contribution the company has made to the automotive landscape, as well as the USA in general. It's great to see Chrysler building best in class products like the new 08 minivans, and "class-by-itself" products like the four-door Wrangler. I hope Chrysler will lead in every segment. As a Chrysler owner and enthusiast I will be rooting for you every step of the way.

GymDawg Aug 6, 2007, 3:35 PM

I used to be big Chrysler fan and stock holder in the 70s to 90s but after purchasing a string of problem vehicles (Aries, LeBaron, Spirit, Intrepid and Stratus) I finally gave up because it was costing me $2500 a year per vehicle. I now own an Accord and Altima and they have cost me $0 in unscheduled maintenance. But I sooo badly want Chrysler to succeed and feel confident about owning another American designed car. Mr. Lasorda and Mr. Nardelli please come through so that Chrysler can truly stand head and shoulders above all competitors. I know you can create passionate products (like in the 90s) AND superior quality (like Honda and Toyota).

disappointed Aug 6, 2007, 3:43 PM

NO LIFETIME WARRANTY FOR CANADIANS

If the new vehicle warranty is not available, my question is, why not? Most of the popular Chrysler models are made in CANADA. I was wondering why your company would make such a poor business decision, during these tough times. I was wondering if these vehicles, once they cross the border, magically have more engine and transmission problems, than their counterpart vehicles that stay in Canada. Do you believe in your products or not?

In The Detroit Free Press “Chrysler's warranty deal shows confidence” in the US, but in Canada show they have no CONFIDENCE in their vehicles as reported by the Toronto Star. “Canadians not offered Chrysler lifetime warranty”

If I am wrongly informed about your product warranty, please correct me as soon as possible. I have been a long time customer and advocate for Chrysler. I guess Canadians are second class customers and are not worth Chrysler’s time and effort in providing fair and balance warranties across North America.

Nelson Aug 6, 2007, 6:02 PM

As an 11 year retiree and over 20 years as an employee of Chrysler it is a pleasure to again see CHRYSLER an AMERICAN owned COMPANY. A lot of water over the dam and the pleasure of wearing many hats working in several divisions of Chrysler Corporation it has been my pleasure and honor of driving to date (162) new vehicles of all models (Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep) both as field vehicles and employee lease vehicles and I can say loud and clear "I HAVE NEVER HAD TO CALL ANY ONE BECAUSE I WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD and HAVE NEVER HAD ANY MAJOR REPAIRS DONE TO ANY OF THESE 162 COMPANY OWNED VEHICLES while driving for work or pleasure.

I am very happy of what's happen this month and look forward towards driving Chrysler Vehicles until I am 100 years old. My five children combined own and drive 10 Chrysler Vehicles along with many of my brothers, sisters, inlaws, and I DON'T GET ANY PHONE CALLS ABOUT ANY PROBLEMS.

PLEASE KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK IN PRODUCING GREAT QUALITY AND FUN TO DRIVE VEHICLES.

Nelson Carlson, Retired in Wells, Maine

MemphisNET Aug 7, 2007, 7:25 AM

Don't forget your Canadian buyers/fans! We build some of the most reputable vehicles in Chrysler's lineup. Want to succeed? Listen to your fans! Bring back Plymouth, even if its under a new name (Can you say Mopar Barracuda?) Some people still want and NEED basic, yet stylish transportation, which includes bringing back the Neon. Better focus your products - Chrysler=Premium & Luxury, Dodge=Sport/Muscle, Dodge Trucks & Vans=Capable and Intuitive, Plymouth=Basic Quality. And no more badge-engineering. Neon was a great car, but did we really need 3 different brands? Caliber/Compass/Patriot is a GOOD way to use the same platform. Different features, different looks, different pricepoitns and options.

Rich Hutchinson Aug 7, 2007, 7:25 AM

Good luck to the New Chrysler. It's been a long, dark nine years and I can't get enough of the photo of the Daimlerchrysler sign in the dirt. No question a hard road lies ahead but if history is any indication...if any company can overcome this adversity it's Chrysler (now that it doesn't have Mercedes sucking the life out of it).

Finally, thank you for bringing back the Pentastar!

Sorry in Florida Aug 7, 2007, 7:25 AM

I am very sorry to see that Mr. Nartelli has even been hired by Chrysler, much less ben placed at the helm of this great company. I witnesed what happen at my local Home Depot store after he took over that former great company. Looking for someone to help you has not happened. The inventory of parts available to choose from is down to almost nothing. The competition won and Home Depot lost. So now at Chryster, my fear is that he will chase the best employees and customers away. And just when I thought Chrysler was going up, it is going down instead.

Norman Rice Aug 7, 2007, 7:25 AM

edgar lozano Aug 7, 2007, 7:25 AM

EXCELENTE, EN ESPERA DE QUE CHRYSLER FINANCIAL SIGA CRECIENDO...Y SIGA POSICIONANDOSE COMO THE # 1 IN THE WORLD

SALUDOS

FROM APODACA, NUEVO LEON

MEXICO. !!!

unhappydodgeguy Aug 7, 2007, 7:25 AM

To all of the people who work at Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. One word, Nardelli. Be afraid, be very afraid. It was already stated in this blog, he doesn't like employees or customers. When he hires the guards, then you will see.

Thomas L. Aug 7, 2007, 7:25 AM

During my years of driving, I have owned more Chrysler products than any other make. I hope to continue this tradition, I love Chrysler! I do have confidence that the NEW Chrysler will be the envy of the auto industry.

I would like to make one comment that bugs the heck out of me on the newer models. The chrome type lettering that is on the side and back of my Grand Caravan and Grand Cherokee has lost most of it's chrome color from peeling off. This seems to be a problem on other Chrysler models also that I have seen. I do not see this problem on other brands. Chrysler obviously took some cheap shortcuts with this. Will this be remedied? This is just a pet peeve of mine. I feel it deminishes not only the car's looks but it's value also.

cudaguy Aug 7, 2007, 9:11 AM

Okay now gentlemen, let's get to work bringing back the Plymouth brand and great new cars with names and identities like Valiant, Fury, Barracuda and RoadRunner! If the new Chrysler is going to succeed, Plymouth Makes It!

TNMIKE Aug 7, 2007, 9:11 AM

We hope that through the many voices of Chrysler, you’ll understand the “mojo” that makes Chrysler and our Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles something special.

Mojo (pronounced [ˈməʊˌdʒəʊ] or [ˈmoʊˌdʒoʊ]) is a term commonly encountered in the African-American folk belief called hoodoo. A mojo is a small bag, a type of magic charm, often of red flannel cloth and tied with a drawstring, containing botanical, zoological, and/or mineral curios, petition papers, and the like. It is typically worn under clothing.

If you go to Mojo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia you will see that Mr Lasorda just cursed this company, If you are a Christian that is.

ProudPartner Aug 7, 2007, 10:33 AM

I could not be more excited about the changes that are occurring at Chrysler Corporation. When I was a youth, my father taught us that we should “buy American”. As an adult, I tried to do this wherever possible, but the quality coming out of Detroit was not optimal (even as measure by independent third parties like Consumer Reports), so I oftentimes switched to “foreign” vehicles that were made in America. Last year, however, I purchased a 2006 Jeep Wrangler, and I have seen a marked improvement in overall product quality coming from Chrysler. With exciting product introductions and new bold warranty programs, Chrysler will again win over consumer confidence.

In recent times, I have had the opportunity to work with Chrysler as a technology partner, and it is through that experience that I see the genius in Cerberus Capital Management hiring Mr. Nardelli as the new Chief. You see, what Detroit (including Chrysler) failed to recognize on its own is that business success goes far beyond building and selling quality cars. It is about relationships and respect, especially with your trading partners, suppliers, and other business partners. While Mr. Nardelli has no track record as a manufacturer, manufacturing is not the great failure of Chrysler. Mr. Lasorda is amazing in this capacity and will continue to drive improvements in overall manufacturing quality. In the past however, Chrysler has treated its trading partners, business partners, and consultants as subservient entities to be used and abused. Instead of partnering, Chrysler threatened. Instead of sharing in the success, it was “all about Chrysler”. This mentality was not only prevalent in Chrysler management (I know, I was personally threatened by a Chrysler manager because my company did not properly cover for his team’s failures), it filtered down to the factory floor. Some of the nicest people in the Midwest work at Chrysler, yet when they enter the doors of the factory, they feel the need to abuse vendors, sabotage projects, and vandalize partner equipment. One of my employees was even locked in a steel cage for several hours by a Chrysler employee. Even after yelling for assistance, employees simply walked on by and laughed.

I believe this “bruiser mentality” has to end if Chrysler is to be successful long-term. UAW has to stop it as well. Mr. Nardelli knows how to build relationships within and around large organizations. He understands the importance of a supply chain that partners together, and he knows that in order for individual workgroups to function properly, the respect has to begin at the management level and transfer to all employees within the organization; and there can be no tolerance for mobster-like conduct. The people of Chrysler can again start acting like, well, human beings instead of gangsters, and the folks that want to be gangsters are going to have to join another company – perhaps GM.

I’m looking forward to seeing the new Chrysler – the one that is all-American in its values, dreams, ambitions, and business conduct. This needs to begin with the entire management team (yes, even the plant managers!), but needs to filter down to every layer within the organization, right down to the lowest employee on the totem pole. True industry innovation will come from an environment of collaboration intra-company and inter-company. Success will come from doing the “right thing” in every business dealing, even when it sometimes means short-term loss for Chrysler. And great vehicles, profits, and employees will again arise from the dust of Detroit. God Bless America and God Bless The New Chrysler.

ront Aug 7, 2007, 10:40 AM

I have owned a Chrysler product for the past 10 years and recently purchased a new Town and Country. Purchase date was July 9, 2007. App. two weeks later, Chrysler introduced a lifetime powetrain warranty on purchases starting July 27, 2007. Contacted customer services on three different dates to discuss the possibility of Chrysler extending this great warranty to me since time gap was only a matter of days and was profoundly informed it could not happen. Was adivsed to contact my dealer as there was a discounted version of this warranty that I could purchase. Needless to say I did not feel good about the results and felt as if Chrysler simply blew me off. Is this good customer relations?

Not so happy buyer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xjug1987 Aug 7, 2007, 3:05 PM

Tom, you're a great Executive, Car-Guy and Leader! All the best to you and yours as you embark on this next Chapter in your life, and the life of this great company your leading. We know you're going to excel!

Norman Rice Aug 7, 2007, 4:25 PM

My comment is not posted - this is a re-submit. It was accepted.

It is very intriguing to see Chrysler on its own again. This is a brand with a superb history of quality and innovation - and an organization that responds well to wholesale change – remember the last turn around lead by Lee Iacocca (remember the $1 annual salary). Having a blog is a great way to provide transparency - hopefully Management will listen. Now that the deal is done - the challenges for new management begins. In the global economy, winning companies must out innovate their competitors. This is commonly tied to products - which is paramount. Innovate at every level - improves sales, distribution, marketing, education, fuel economy, quality, manufacturing, design, etc. in every market. In a global market - winning THE market means more than winning market share in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>. We live in a global economy - its time to accept it - and use it to our advantage. This is a tremendous opportunity to be a success story for a region that needs a positive outlook. Hopefully, the investors (LPs) in Cerberus (pension funds, etc), the fund managers and the new Chrysler management team will not pillage this important American icon.

RC Placone Aug 7, 2007, 4:25 PM

Welcome back Chrysler! My first car purchased when I was 18 in 1951 was a 1946 Dodge. From that day to the present I have owned nothing but Chrysler vehichles, mostly Chryslers. My current model in a 1993 Chrysler Imperial in the beautiful Mediterannian Green. This car is the best Chrysler I have ever owned. With nearly 200,000 miles on the odeometer, it looks like it just rolled off the assembley line, and still turns heads. It does not yet burn oil and has never had a major mechanical problem. Chrysler replaced the ABS during a recall. The car is so loaded with bells and whistles that I am reluctant to give it up. I use a synthetic oil and have installed a platinum gas saver device, which gives me 20 to 22 MPG around town, close to 30 MPG on the highway, and reduces carbon emmissions to boot..

But my ownership of Chryslers may be coming to an end. I know I will have to give up the Imperial in a few years, at which time I am committed to buying a luxury hybrid, similar to the one recently introduced by a Japanese company, that gets 40 MPG. My wife long ago gave up on Chrysler products and drives a Japanese car whose quality is unquestionable. Nearly ten years old, this top of the line vehicle has cost us zero in maintanence other than the usual oil changes etc.

So what does the New Chrysler have to do to win my wife back and keep me? Two things:

1. Withdraw from the lawsut against the State of California that protests the voters approval of stringent emmission standards. In this era of global warming, this would show that you mean business when it comes to being serious about the next 100 years.

2. Achieve the quality of the most popular Japanese car company - you know who I mean. If they can do it, we should be able to do it.

Give me "green" and give me quality and you will keep me on board.

RC Placone

Palo Alto, California

chris68rt Aug 7, 2007, 4:27 PM

I am a 34 year old male that has been driving for approx. 18 yrs. I have owned a 68 charger, 87 sundance, 94 Ram, 95 neon, 96 ram, 96 stratus, 2000 dakota,2002 intrepid r/t, 2002 town and country, 2006 ram, 2006 magnum 2007 p/t, and a 1968 Coronet r/t. So you see, I have had just about every type of Chrysler segment car. I have not been disappointed with a single one. It is good to see the Pentastar back, now, I would like to see that dumb Ram's head go away on everything but the trucks.

bac-a-ruda Aug 8, 2007, 8:16 AM

Let's hope the CEO doesn't do to Chrysler what Jack Wagner did to GM. I always admired Chrysler scappiness against Government regulators like not capitulating to the 'Sudden Acceleration' hysteria that almost put Audi out of business. We don't need daytime running lights on out cars or 'black boxes' either. Maybe Jack should go back to selling Tide! Now how about putting a 'Cuda body on that new Challenger!!!

Ultimate Chrysler Fan Aug 8, 2007, 8:16 AM

When Chrysler announced that it had been sold to Daimler 9 years ago, I went into a depression that lasted about 6 weeks. It has been a very long 9 years!!

I have always been a fan of Chrysler. My first car was a 1969 Dodge Charger 383 4barrel. I have had that car for 27 years. My next car was a 1985 Dodge Daytona Turbo Z that I purchased when I got out of college. I have had that car for 22 years. My next car was a 2000 Chrysler 300M which is now 7 years old. My most recent car is a 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8. All 4 sit in the garage and are protected from the weather.

It is really neat to put the 06' next to the 69' It dawned on me the other day that I own one of each platform that Chrysler had. The old torsion bar suspension 69, the K derived Turbo Z, the LH inspired 300M, and the new LX platform SRT8 Charger.

I just about did hand springs when I found that Chrysler Corporation is back and out of the hands of Germany. It is apparent that the engineers never left Chrysler.

I forgot to mention that my wife drives a 2000 Dodge Neon, and I drive a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT with Stow-n-Go as an every day vehicle. The Stow-n-Go has got to be the best innovation that Chrysler has ever come up with. Innovation is what Chrysler has always been about.

While other companies keep retreating from market segments such as the minivan from foreign competion, Chrysler innovates ahead once again with the new 08.

One of the koolest things that I do periodically is to have all 4 of my show vehicles sitting next to each other and look at the progression of engineering and technology. Thats what Chrysler is about!

You guys have a reason to celebrate. One thing that has to be done better though is getting the word out on the quality of your vehicles. Sure the lifetime warrany will help, but your marketing should focus on just what makes you a quality crafting company.

CATIA was a great tool. Putting 1500 different intake manifolds on computer before the first tube was ever bent. The fact that you produce a 2 mm body. Who sais you can't compete with the likes of Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Infinity, Audi etc.

You have to get the word out in more than clever advertising. It has to be shown why people should pick Chrysler and their products over the others.

I am extremely proud to have Chrysler Corporation back.

Regards

B.R. Schubert

Mopar Man Aug 8, 2007, 8:16 AM

Please bring back the Plymouth brand, millions would be sold, I'm sure your all thinking the same thing. Without Plymouth, there would be no Chrysler today!

ricku Aug 8, 2007, 11:44 AM

Best of luck !!

Will you be answering some of these from time to time ??

newtry1 Aug 9, 2007, 7:30 AM

As avid RVers (we have both a motorhome and a fifth wheel trailer), we would like to see more info on the web sites regarding the towability of Chrysler vehicles, that is, whether the vehicle can be towed behind an RV with all 4 wheels on the road. It seems that during Daimler's management, that capability disappeared, and vehicles now have to be put on a dolly or even a trailer. We hope it returns so that we can own a Chrylser/Dodge/Jeep again. We'd also like to see more detailed specs such as curb weight. It would make it much easier to find the right vehicle. The towing capacity of vehicles always seems to be listed, but not those two items.
One last thing - we would like to be able to buy a luxurious small car, something with the size of the old Neon but with the amenities of a 300. And when's the muscle car Charger (saw the prototype) going to be available?????

truepenastarblue Aug 9, 2007, 2:17 PM

Mr. Lasorda, as a current 28+ year Chrysler employee, let me start by saying I was very excited about the new Chrysler (although I have a button and a bumper sticker from the early 80’s that touts the new Chrysler also). I can’t tell you how pleased I am that Daimler is no longer pulling our strings. I have every piece of communication I could lay my hands on regarding the DC merger since before the “merger of equals” and it doesn’t take much studying of the material to realize the Germans treated us like second class citizens and took everything they could from our company then sold the leftovers. Well I’m here to tell you that as long as I have a pulse, I am going to do my part to pull us back up to our previous stature before Schrempp and Eaton beat us to a pulp. If I had anything to say about it, Daimler wouldn’t own any part of us. I believe that there is nothing they can offer us that our highly talented engineers can’t do as well or better. If they couldn’t share their precious Mercedes synergies with us over the past nine years, what makes you think they are going to now? O.K., now for the main question I wanted to ask. As I have said, I was excited for the announcement of the new company after I heard last Friday (8/3) that it was going to happen this Monday. I was all set after hearing for the last month that you were going to be running the show and that the RTP was in place. I get to work Monday morning and guess what, all of a sudden the plan has changed and the former CEO of Home Depot is now our CEO. And oh by the way, there is this huge dark cloud hanging over Mr. Nardelli regarding how he treated his employees, executive board members, and customers. I don’t understand why we would hire a guy who seems to have taken his multi million dollar “golden parachute” when he was relieved of duty at his old job, and now we are in contract talks with the union asking for concessions. This guy seems to be, let’s say “high maintenance”. The press states that Mr. Nardelli is going to work for little or nothing until he returns the company to profitability. But then again, if the new privately owned company doesn’t have to release their records, how would we ever know? For now I will give you guys at the top the benefit of the doubt and hope for the best. Please do the right thing for the customer, the employees, and the company. I’ll be down here on the floor doing my part. I would invite you to refute any of my statements that you don’t agree with. Respectfully submitted by a proud CHRYSLER employee.

dakotajam Aug 16, 2007, 9:04 AM

I went to Premiere night at American Steel Chrysler Dodge Dealer # 60269. But to my surprise the dealer wasn''t open and this was about 7:15 pm. This is the dealer on the invitation I received in the mail.

Don't know why the dealer felt the need to ignore the invitation and not show up for the premiere. This is just a slap in the face to the customer and to Chrysler.

This a good example of the dealers doing thier own thing and not taking care of the customers or caring about what Chrysler wants.

Mr Lasorta, if your team can't get a grip on dealers like this, how are you going to convince the customer the New Chrysler is for real ?

MissyK Aug 16, 2007, 12:27 PM

What a crock "Premier Night" was. What good does all the promotion and hoopla do if Chrysler Financial isn't available to close a deal? I was ready for a new vehicle but the salesman said Chrysler Financial wasn't open and could I come back tomorrow. Needless to say, I'm not going back.

CS Mommy Aug 24, 2007, 8:05 PM

I am so impressed that Chrysler LLC has this new community/blog for all our good news. Something like this was requested by many employees as something we need. I am involved in SWE, who is attempting to develop something similar and I left them thinking this would be great for Chrysler and here I accidentally stumbled upon it. Please advertise this great communication piece to us as employees of this great company. My ultimate hope is that this can become a tool for employees to connect w/ other employees to develop mentoring relationships that otherwise wouldn't exist w/o this great tool to connect. During these times of extreme change our company can be made stronger if we can connect to help develop and coach eachother. Please ADVERTISE this to the Chrysler employee population at large! Add this to the free proxy and let us talk to eachother, mentor eachother, develop eachother and support eachother.

OSU227 Sep 14, 2007, 7:54 AM

Contribute to the:
- economic growth of the community and the US
- stability and well being of team members
- overall growth of the company by adding value to customers.

That, according to a book by Jeffery Liker written in 2004 (ISBN 0-07-139231-9) is the the mission of the company that is the current benchmark in our industry.

It's pretty straight forward.

To Jim Press: the mission statement concepts from the industry benchmark company is the winning formula. It makes sense. It helps us, the team. It helps the team help the company. It helps the company help the community.

Let's do it.

Economic growth - Instead of outsourcing and firing people, how about giving good people more work, opportunities, challenges. Nardelli will probably cut a bunch of management loose in another six months or so, like he did at Home Depot. But for those of us leading the troops in the trenches, how about keeping the jobs here so we have more people to buy our cars now?

The CIO said that if we can outsource and get the same or better value we should do it. If it's the same, let's keep it here. If another company says it can do it better, let's figure out first, if that's true, or if they're just trying to win the business. Let's source work to other countries when we have sales in those countries so we have a better chance of selling cars.

Team members - they are the workers, the suppliers, the vendors, the consultants. Let's treat them like team members. Let's contribute to their stability and well being.

Let's add value to products for our customers. Not sure you do that by cutting 1000 from each. Going green would help, and that shouldn't be so hard, the Dodge Omni was rated at 40 MPG in the day, with a gasoline engine (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorCompareSideBySide.jsp?column=1&id=284). Let's have some guts and cut horse power. They may not sell in Detroit, or Texas, but they will in other parts of the country

Here are our current five fundamentals for company success:
1. customers first
2. quality ... period
3. go global
4. be green
5. powered by great people.

Where have customers been in the past, second, third, tenth, and compared to what? What were we doing before quality...period, quality...comma? Does that mean we were thinking about quality, paused and then built anyway? go global, that's a new idea. be green, that will differentiate us, powered by great people - I don't consider myself great. We all know that we are not all great. I'm passionate about what I do, and I'm glad to be part of the New Chrysler, the New team, and ready to do what it takes to survive now and thrive in the long run. Although, the next 100 years is 1 of the corniest things I have ever heard.

Our five fundamentals aren't motivating me. They remind me of the Ford saying "Quality is job 1." After which they produced a bunch of crappy cars for many years. I'm not sure if they say that any more.

More than that, some of the five fundamentals line up with RTP, some of the don't. RTP seems to be mostly about cutting/managing cost. Oh yeah, number 6 is about quality - saving cost thru warranty reduction.

Let's do more than cut cost.

Let's contribute to the:
- economic growth of the community and the US
- stability and well being of team members
- overall growth of the company by adding value to customers.

Mark Z Nov 21, 2007, 8:46 AM

Mr. Lasorda, Mr. Nardelli -

I know that initially it may sound ignorant to just blurt out the phrase "bring back the Barracuda", but after much thought and market research, you will find this to be a prudent business move. I was so very excited to see the re-introduction of the new Challenger. I have owned Challengers and they're just fine, but the real iconic car without question is the Barracuda. I have owned 4 of them. I understand your corporate concerns for a resurrected "Chrysler Barracuda"; it would be an unfair distraction to the new Challenger's unveiling. The reality is, with only 5000 units, those Challengers will go quick and the public will demand more. The 1971 'Cuda is THE most desirable collector car today; so why not capitalize on this? The new version has already been designed, a custom prototype has been built and this car would easily share the same chassis as the new Challenger. As a pieced-together 1971 clone/tribute car sells for over $100,000.00 these days, a new Chrysler Hemi 'Cuda convertible will easily sell for $75,000.00 +; and that car will bring a lot of prospective buyers, old and new, into every Chrysler showroom in the country.

Thanks. Mark Z. Harrison, NY

rowdymopar Jan 7, 2008, 10:32 AM

THE RETURN OF PLYMOUTH !!!!!!

I'v always considered the Plymouth Voyager as the savior of Chrysler . in it's darkest hour that is the vehicle that put Mother Mopar back on the map , But know I belive it is time For the RETURN OF PLYMOUTH a return of the bread & butter division of Chrysler , But Plymouth must have the luxury & sporty models of the past as well as the low cost models, the Plymouth division was just put to the side in it's last few years , why was there not a full size 94' LHS models in the Plymouth line up I think the Fury nameplate would have worked well .?? I'm asking the Big Wigs of Chrysler to Please consider the return the Plymouth Division . Bring Chrysler back full circle ( or full star ) I also belive the Plymouth name would sell much easier in the European market ??? than Dodge . The Plymouth name has deep Roots in Europe . Plymouth can handle the middle to low price cars, ect. and Chrysler can build what Walter P. started building high end state of the art , World Class cars/ suvs ect. to battle with the Benz's, Lexus, Infinitis, ect. of the World . I Pray for the survival of Chrysler ,

zippburrd Jul 27, 2008, 9:55 PM

I am wondering why Chrysler does not go to the H20 fuel. I heard that if may cost l500 or more to convert a motor vehical from gas to hydrogen fuel, with oxygen in the exhaust. Then Chrysler could sell all the big trucks it wants to. Some of my family works at Chrysler and is soon to be layed off. I think this would be a great idea. Jackie DeJack

viper90 Jan 23, 2009, 10:37 PM

People of Chrysler please bring back the neon, or a car like it. Make it dramatically more mature than previous neons, give it a decent interior make it fuel efficient, and reliable, that's all i'm asking. The Caliber and other Chrysler cars as of late have not been very appealing. They need to put excitement back in their vehicles.