Auto news: Chrysler puts up for sale, "the Viper" division. They need cash and now.

Chrysler sold less than 600 Vipers this year.

that seems short sighted.

Well, Chrysler hasn't really been known for wise business decisions....

Matthew

from www.autoweek.com:

The Dodge Viper sports car could be history--at Chrysler LLC.

The company said on Wednesday that it is "exploring strategic options for the Dodge Viper business."

"This strategic review comes as the company focuses on enhancing its core business and leveraging its assets," Chrysler said in a statement.

Here is what Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli said about the potential sale of the Viper:

"We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper," Nardelli said in a memo to employees.

"As the Company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties. We will do so keeping in mind the best interests of those who have shown tremendous support for the vehicle--including employees, suppliers, dealers and a worldwide group of loyal Viper owners and enthusiasts.

"Viper is an integral part of this company's heritage. While this is a strategic review, our intent would be to offer strong operational and financial support during any potential transaction, in order to ensure a future for the Viper business and perpetuate the legacy of this great vehicle."


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Talk about a bunch of business lingo'd mumbo-jumbo. Leveraging this, core that... damn, they got their money's worth with Bob there... he can obfusicate with the very best.

It would be better for it to be sold than for it to just die off.

Agreed!

I saw a dark red metallic one with silver stripes today. Without the stripes, it would have been stunning!

I dig the stripes

I dig blue stripes on a white car.

I dig white stripes on a red or blue car.

The dark metallic red seemed to sophisticated a color for the stripes, IMO.


I don't have anything against stripes, per se. Although you won't see a silver skunk stripe on my Ruby any time soon. I have, however, toyed with the idea of black or silver hash marks... Or maybe off white to match the Hurst Cue Ball shift knob.