Volkswagen and Dodge in Bed Together?
May 9, 2006 – 9:15 am by Dan Volkens
Filed under Concepts, Design Reviews
The Chrysler Group has stated that it’s looking for a production partner to help produce the upcoming Dodge Hornet subcompact… and Volkswagen is one option.
* From Autoweek.com:
“There are probably three real players at this point,” Eric Ridenour, Chrysler group COO, told Automotive News in an interview last Tuesday, May 2. The Hornet concept vehicle was revealed at the Geneva Auto Show in March, and will be released in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere as a 5-door hatchback. Chrysler is aiming for a lower price point than the upcoming Dodge Caliber, which will go on sale at $13,985.
* From Dax:
Sounds like an interesting partnership indeed if Volkswagen gets selected to do the deed. I see three things that will be impacted in this partnership:
1. Build Quality: Between Dodge and Volkswagen, I truly don’t know which has the better build quality. Well, I guess I am thinking of the MkIV Volkswagen generation. While I love them to death, they had their fair share of build quality problems: window regulators, coil packs, oil sludging, heated seat problems, random electrical gremlins. The newest generations are proving to be far better. That’s a good thing. I haven’t been inside any of the new Dodges, so I can’t comment on them. But history tells the tale of quality problems for Dodge as well. Bottom Line: This partnership should turn out a well-built vehicle.
2. Price Point: Chrysler has a specific price in mind that they’re shooting for. I wonder if partnering with VW would make it more difficult to hit that price since VW is known to charge premium pricing over similar models. Bottom Line: If Chrysler hits the price point, will the venture still be profitable?
3. Reputation: This one could be a sticky one. Will a Volkswagen/Chrysler partnership bode ill for the masses? I’m sure it’ll cause some diehard fans from both manufacturer camps to bawk. Bottom Line: Could it leave a lasting impression on both? Will it be a positive or negative one?
What do you think?
Volkswagen and Dodge in Bed Together?
May 9, 2006 – 9:15 am by Dan Volkens
I’m hoping the new vehicle is well built, as this could raise the bar for companies like Hyundai who thrive in the low end market and turn out vehicles of questionable quality. Dodge and VW though…never would have seen that coming.
Yes, good call man. If more manufacturers start playing in this segment, it’s bad for Hyundai. They better up their own ante with quality problems. Like you and I just discussed offline, I’d love to see Volkswagen come out with something of their own.