Chrysler Crisis ?

Was in a Jeep dealership the other day, and this go me wondering what Chrysler had to offer at the moment.  The answer was not a lot.  If you regard Jeep as a separate brand, the only model on offer is the venerable Chrysler Voyager, beloved of taxi firms and parents with lots of children.

But it seems all this is about to change as part of the Chrysler/Fiat merger.  Already we have little Fiat 500s buzzing around the US.  I shudder at the thought of driving a 500 on a US interstate.  You would have to pick out a really bright colour so they could all see you.

But the benefit of this merger for Chrysler UK is the reintroduction of the Lancia brand, which disappeared in 1994.  The new Ypsilon and the Delta will be sold through Chrysler dealers and re badged as Chrysler's.  How this will effect the depreciation remains to be seen.  I wonder how many people will buy them as Chrysler's and put the original Lancia badges back on ?  Which badge would you want on your car Chrysler or Lancia ?

The other little surprise was the fact that the Chrysler Sebring is no more.  Since the late 90s British tourists to the US have hired out these convertibles in there thousands.  It was nice to have a four seater convertible for your holiday but they were quite awful to drive.  Underpowered, wobbly body and nasty plastic trim.  I broke more that one of them.  But don't despair it has been replaced by the Chrysler 200.  Which plans to be better powered, and should have improved handling and a better quality interior.  I will let you know.

So is Chrysler a brand that can be improved upon ?  If Skoda can turn themselves around then why not Chrysler?