The Chrysler PT Cruiser has inspired love and hate within the last ten years. The retro look made the PT Cruiser one of the biggest moneymakers for Chrysler company. Just a couple years ago, in 2008, the car was put on life support. The 10 year history of the car is coming to a close as the final PT Cruiser is rolling off the line.
PT Cruiser start
The PT Cruiser was originally introduced by Chrysler in 2000. Some credit the retro styling of the PT cruiser with beginning the styling trend of vehicles. Sales of the PT Cruiser were initially very high, and also the car made money for Daimler-Chrysler. In 2005, the car was redesigned, a convertible coupe was added along with the option of turbo engines. There were also limited editions added.
Decline in sales for the PT Cruiser
In late 2007, Chrysler started discussing a possible full re-design of a second-generation PT Cruiser. The company decided not to do it, though, and instead let advertising and attention to the PT Cruiser drop. By 2009, sales were down $ 50,000 a year. During bankruptcy proceedings, Cerberus Capital Management discontinued the vehicle. The remaining pieces for the PT Cruiser would be used, but no additional parts would be ordered. From this announcement, sales went down more.
PT cruiser factory with a second life
Since Cerberus Capital Management, which is the previous owner of Chrysler, decided to cancel the PT Cruiser, Fiat has partnered with Chrysler. The employees that are finishing out the Chrysler PT Cruiser aren’t going to lose their jobs. The Fiat 500C will be built within the Toluca, Mexico factory. The re-tooling of the factory will take at least six months, but Fiat is hoping to re-create the PT Cruiser’s success.Chrysler will be focusing instead on more traditionally styled and popular sedans and vehicles.
