MoPower - Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, and Jeep news and opinions

Chrysler has been rightly criticized for its many dunder-headed moves, such as killing off Plymouth, making transmissions that require a special lubricant, and confusing people with nonsensible brand-engineering.

We cannot count the number of transmissions destroyed when well-intentioned mechanics used Dexron fluid. Chrysler paid for many in cash, the rest in reputation and repeat sales. With brand engineering, they are diluting the Chrysler brand by forcing it down-market (Cirrus, PT Cruiser), while confusing people by making cars with the same name and completely different platforms (Stratus Coupe vs Sedan, Sebring Coupe vs Convertible).

We have been challenged to come up with constructive criticism - that is, to provide actual solutions. Never let it be said we denied a challenge!

Problem Solution

Four-speed automatic transmissions have a relatively high failure rate. This has declined over the years, from an incredibly bad start, as the transmission and engine computer have been improved. However, its reputation is dismal. It also requires a special transmission fluid, Type 7176. Few people know this, and many transmissions are incorrectly replaced because they have the standard Dexron fluid, which causes symptoms similar to that of a bad transmission. Likewise, many are destroyed eventually by Dexron. 1. In the short term, mark the dipstick clearly with the words "Type 7176 Fluid Only. Do Not use Dexron." Provide new owners with a recommended maintenance schedule that clearly and loudly proclaims Dexron to be off limits (along with 10W40 oil). Send a notice to all current owners warning them not to use Dexron.
2. If practical, buy transmissions from General Motors. The Impala, at least, has a transmission which is silky smooth, yet kicks down readily when needed - easily as good as the Chrysler transmission, but it uses Dexron!

3. Design a completely new transmission. Make it bullet-proof by pretending it is an engine, or convincing the engineers that the year is 1960.

The end of Plymouth has been announced. Do a "Coke Classic." Announce you have received thousands ofo letters and petitions, and realized you cannot kill Plymouth. Announce that you will be making two completely different minivan platforms, one with a short wheelbase and one with a long wheelbase, to keep the market; and that the short wheelbase minivan will be a Plymouth only. Rebadge the PT Cruiser to Plymouth. Rebadge the Sebring to Plymouth (it originally was a Plymouth). End the Concorde and create a Plymouth LH. This would leave Chrysler with just near-luxury cars - which would increase its appeal to people buying near-luxury cars. (Remember how the Cadillac Cimarron devastated Cadillac prestige?) Just the 300M, LHS, and Town & Country. That's all Chrysler needs. In the long run, make sure Plymouth has a defining characteristic - e.g. shorter wheelbase than Dodge, with different styling. That also attracts more people overall to Chrysler products (since shorter means lighter - which means faster and better-handling!).

Five Star seems to be loosely enforced. Hire an outside auditor for Five Star certification.

Customers frequently complain that the zone reps are unresponsive and even openly hostile. Collect customer feedback regarding zone reps. Use it in performance management and as the basis for training.

Brand engineering makes no sense For heaven's sake, think before naming cars.

Poor reputation for reliability Push more on Five Star, including external certification (as shown above) to make sure dealers aren't taking advantage of their cozy relationships with zone reps (many of whom really don't seem to care about customer service). Publicize recent quality efforts and acheivements. Do more research on what can be done to prevent repairs (e.g. use of the wrong fluid). Start using a tighter service schedule - other manufacturers are much more strict. Make squeak-and-rattle elimination the #1 priority.

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Problem	Solution
Four-speed automatic transmissions have a relatively high failure rate. This has declined over the years, from an incredibly bad start, as the transmission and engine computer have been improved. However, its reputation is dismal. It also requires a special transmission fluid, Type 7176. Few people know this, and many transmissions are incorrectly replaced because they have the standard Dexron fluid, which causes symptoms similar to that of a bad transmission. Likewise, many are destroyed eventually by Dexron.	1. In the short term, mark the dipstick clearly with the words "Type 7176 Fluid Only. Do Not use Dexron." Provide new owners with a recommended maintenance schedule that clearly and loudly proclaims Dexron to be off limits (along with 10W40 oil). Send a notice to all current owners warning them not to use Dexron. 2. If practical, buy transmissions from General Motors. The Impala, at least, has a transmission which is silky smooth, yet kicks down readily when needed - easily as good as the Chrysler transmission, but it uses Dexron! 3. Design a completely new transmission. Make it bullet-proof by pretending it is an engine, or convincing the engineers that the year is 1960.
The end of Plymouth has been announced.	Do a "Coke Classic." Announce you have received thousands ofo letters and petitions, and realized you cannot kill Plymouth. Announce that you will be making two completely different minivan platforms, one with a short wheelbase and one with a long wheelbase, to keep the market; and that the short wheelbase minivan will be a Plymouth only. Rebadge the PT Cruiser to Plymouth. Rebadge the Sebring to Plymouth (it originally was a Plymouth). End the Concorde and create a Plymouth LH. This would leave Chrysler with just near-luxury cars - which would increase its appeal to people buying near-luxury cars. (Remember how the Cadillac Cimarron devastated Cadillac prestige?) Just the 300M, LHS, and Town & Country. That's all Chrysler needs. In the long run, make sure Plymouth has a defining characteristic - e.g. shorter wheelbase than Dodge, with different styling. That also attracts more people overall to Chrysler products (since shorter means lighter - which means faster and better-handling!).
Five Star seems to be loosely enforced.	Hire an outside auditor for Five Star certification.
Customers frequently complain that the zone reps are unresponsive and even openly hostile.	Collect customer feedback regarding zone reps. Use it in performance management and as the basis for training.
Brand engineering makes no sense	For heaven's sake, think before naming cars.
Poor reputation for reliability	Push more on Five Star, including external certification (as shown above) to make sure dealers aren't taking advantage of their cozy relationships with zone reps (many of whom really don't seem to care about customer service). Publicize recent quality efforts and acheivements. Do more research on what can be done to prevent repairs (e.g. use of the wrong fluid). Start using a tighter service schedule - other manufacturers are much more strict. Make squeak-and-rattle elimination the #1 priority.