I posted portions of this on the 1962 - 1965 Mopar Mail List
Clubhouse <1962to1965mopars@listbot.com> and thought it might
warrant some discussion here. Tell me what you think (apologies
if you already waded through this).
Given that:
Plymouth ceased being a unique mark many years ago but
deserves an attempt at resuscitation.
D-C is committed to letting Plymouth fade into
oblivion as a mass-marketed product line.
There may be sufficient public sentiment against
letting the Plymouth nameplate die to lead D-C to
reconsider its decision if given a 'face-saving'
alternative . . .
How about:
Hold off burying Plymouth and designate it as the 'Advanced
Vehicle Design' division of MoPar: a limited-edition, 'leading
edge' nameplate available at existing Dodge or Chrysler dealers
(as dictated by local/regional marketing needs).
To this end, ALL advanced technology designs, all concept cars
and all auto-racing related endeavors will be badged as
'Plymouth AVD' products. (Obvious exception: NASCAR trucks
would have to remain Dodges).
Some hypothetical (utopian?) examples:
Dateline 2002 - Plymouth AVD releases a new-era
'Cuda. Small, fast and potent, this vehicle features
technology first proposed for the Dodge Charger
Concept car. Within a year, Dodge and Mitsubishi
release their own unique interpretations based on this
platform. This platform eventually replaces the Dodge
Intrepid as MoPar's entry on the NASCAR circuit.
2003 - On Earth Day, Plymouth AVD unveils a limited
production hybrid-powered vehicle (a la Honda's
Insight and Toyota's Precis). 5000 units are sold
nationwide in a highly coordinated marketing and
public awareness campaign. Another 300 units are
donated to automotive Vo-Tech schools across the
country, co-inciding with new training courses on
alternative vehicle technology.
2005 - For the highly anticipated Asian market,
Plymouth AVD introduces a super low-emission, turbine
powered, all-plastic bodied MetroCar which can be
manufactured and marketed competitively in nearly any
developing country in the world. (Who builds the
roads and supplies the fuel is yet to be determined).
2007 - Combining lessons from these Hybrid and
MetroCar experiences, Plymouth introduces Chrysler's
first fuel-cell vehicle (or other far reaching
technology). Eventually Dodge introduces a minivan
version of this platform while Chrysler debuts a
sporty convertible and Jeep releases an earth friendly
SUV version.
You get the idea.
Similarly, Plymouth AVD might also be the blending ground for
any shared technologies between M-B's and Chrysler's respective
design and engineering depts.
Dodge continues as is with its broad product line and the
distinction of having trucks (and the future Power Wagon?).
Chrysler remains the 'prestige' nameplate w/ the accent on
Luxury/Sports sedans and high-end minivans. Jeep retains its
4WD/SUV niche.
Eventually, this approach could restore the luster appropriate
to Plymouth's origins and its logo: as a forward-looking,
trail-blazing automotive manufacturer.
One man's opinion . . .
Charles Gaertner
1961 Lancer 770
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