2013 Chrysler 300c Base on 2040-cars

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Chrysler shows off new 'Synthesis' cockpit demonstrator at CES

As auto enthusiasts, we get used to seeing vehicle exteriors teased endlessly while interiors often remain under wraps until the very last second. And then once a year, CES happens and our focus shifts briefly to glimpses of arguably the single most important part of a car for most drivers: the many touch points between man and machine. Chrysler will be among those offering in-person demonstrations of its vision for future tech, and in this case, a little bit more.  Chrysler says it will be the standard-bearer for the company's forthcoming AI-based technologies that can both adapt to driver preferences and automate certain functions — up to and including driving. Chrysler is calling it "Advanced Technology For Real Life" and says it will "create smooth, efficient and connected experiences between the customer and the vehicle." This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Chrysler Synthesis Cockpit Demonstrator at CES 2023 The demonstrator itself shows off the next generation of interior materials ("vegetable-tanned, suspended seats wrapped with an arctic upcycled chrome-free soft trim embellished by a unique constellation-style perforation") and design themes. Chrysler calls it "Harmony in Motion," but rest assured that it will remain stationary for all of its demonstrations. Its simulation is meant to represent a day in the life of a typical owner. It optimizes the day's drive routes, coordinates with other smart ecosystems (home, phone, etc.) and even takes the wheel to allow for multi-tasking (simulating level 3 self-driving).  Check it out at Chrysler's booth starting tomorrow, Jan. 5.  Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Chrysler Unveils Airflow Concept

Chrysler and Fiat are not going away, though the strategy is shifting

BALOCCO, Italy — At FCA's five-year plan extravaganza last week, most of the news was focused on just four brands — Jeep, Ram, Maserati and Alfa Romeo. In fact, Chrysler, Fiat and Dodge weren't even on the day's agenda. That led to some speculation that Chrysler might finally get the axe. Well, rumors of the brand's demise have been greatly exaggerated. In addition to an updated deal with Waymo, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne expanded on future plans for Chrysler and Fiat during a Q&A session with investors and journalists. Marchionne said that Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat make up only 20 percent of global sales. While that means Jeep, Ram, Maserati and Alfa Romeo make up the bulk of FCA's profits (and most of that comes from Jeep and Ram). Currently, the Chrysler and Fiat brands just aren't important or valuable enough to warrant their own press conferences, but that doesn't mean things are doom and gloom. Marchionne said that both brands still have a future in FCA's portfolio. For Chrysler, that means more vans and possibly crossovers, and only in the North American market. The Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid are doing well enough, so those will continue. Look for a crossover or two to come sometime down the line. Every Chrysler going forward will focus on utility and that's bad news for 300 enthusiasts: Marchionne said flat out that the Chrysler lineup won't contain any cars. Expect hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric versions of each new model. FCA plans to have an electrified version of every global model by 2022. Details were less clear for Fiat's future, though it won't be going away. The only new model that was announced was a new version of the all-electric Fiat 500e, a car Marchionne famously encouraged customers not to buy as the company lost $14,000 on each one sold. For North America, Fiat will focus on "green cars," though what exactly that means is unclear. Expect a refreshed version of the 500X in the next couple of years. Related Video: Image Credit: Reuters Earnings/Financials Green Chrysler Fiat Crossover Minivan/Van chrysler pacifica fiat 500e

Chrysler stays IPO until 2014

There will not be a Chrysler IPO in 2013. Fiat, according to a report from Forbes, has announced that it will not be able to make the American brand's initial public offering before the end of the year, saying that the short, five-week window that makes up the rest of 2013 is "not practicable."
Not surprisingly, the issue with the Chrysler IPO is the same as it's always been - a disagreement between parent company Fiat, which owns 58.5 percent of the Chrysler Group and a UAW healthcare trust, which owns 41.5 percent. Fiat wants to buy out the UAW VEBA healthcare trust, which is responsible for shouldering retiree healthcare costs, but the two sides are hung up on an actual price tag for the remaining two-fifths of the company.
The original idea saw an IPO as a way of setting a fair market price for the remaining shares, although it's not entirely clear what broke down and led to a delay of the IPO plan. As Forbes points out, by waiting until 2014, Chrysler could be risking a cool-off in the IPO market, which could mean less money in its pocket when the automaker finally goes public.