News, Chrysler drops three electric vehicles despite having touted them to get billions in government bailout cash. (2011, finance)

[John1960]

If you believed all the talk from Chrysler about how our tax dollars would help finance its fast-track electric-vehicle future, you're in for a big disappointment.

Chrysler has disbanded the engineering team that was trying to bring three electric models to market as a rush job, Automotive News reports today.

Chrysler drops three electric vehicles despite having touted them to get billions in government bailout cash - Drive On: A conversation about the cars and trucks we drive - USATODAY.com

[7 Wishes]

I honestly think it's possible that say 5 years from now, Chrysler won't exist. The cars will simply be Fiat branded and be very different from what they are now and Chrysler will simply have "dissolved" into Fiat. This article (and other things out there comparing how the "Big 3" are fairing) are a sign.

I do think GM and Ford will survive though, maybe even thrive eventually (especially Ford).

[Dexterguy]

Originally Posted by 7 Wishes

I honestly think it's possible that say 5 years from now, Chrysler won't exist. The cars will simply be Fiat branded and be very different from what they are now and Chrysler will simply have "dissolved" into Fiat. This article (and other things out there comparing how the "Big 3" are fairing) are a sign.

I do think GM and Ford will survive though, maybe even thrive eventually (especially Ford).

You bet, in as little as three years many will not even be able to recognize Chrysler. They will be completely "dissolved" as you said, into Fiat.

Yes, the EV cars were innovative and should be popularized. But in the short term, Chrysler is not going to get back in the black by trying to push electric vehicles. They need to come up with some innovative designs and styles and get them on the market as quickly as possible. It's looking as if that may be a huge challenge for Fiat though.

Chrysler's models that they have out currently are already outdated and need to be updated already and the Chrysler CEO said that new models will not hit the market until 2011 or 2012. Many say Chrysler can't make it that long with the models they have currently.