Off production line rolls the final PT Cruiser

Love and hate are inspired by the Chrysler PT Cruiser within the last ten years. The compact design made the PT Cruiser one of the biggest moneymakers for Chrysler company. Just a couple years ago, in 2008, the car was put on life support. Since the final PT Cruiser if coming, the 10 year history of the car is almost at an end.

Article source: Final PT Cruiser rolls off the production line by Car Deal Expert

Start of PT Cruiser

The PT Cruiser was initially introduced by Chrysler in 2000. Some credit the retro styling of the PT cruiser with kicking off the styling trend of vehicles. Sales of the PT Cruiser were very high in the beginning, and also the car made money for Daimler-Chrysler. The vehicle was redesigned in 2005, a convertible coupe was added and turbo engines were an option. There were also limited editions added.

The sales decline of the PT Cruiser

In late 2007 and early 2008, Chrysler started discussing a possible full re-design of a second-generation PT Cruiser. The company decided against it and instead let their advertising and attention to the PT Cruiser drop. Cruisers were down $ 50,000 a year by 2009. During bankruptcy proceedings, Cerberus Capital Management discontinued the automobile. The remaining parts for the PT Cruiser would be used, but no additional parts would be ordered. This announcement led to sales of PT Cruisers tanking even further.

The PT Cruiser factory second life

Since Cerberus Capital Management, the previous owner of Chrysler, decided to cancel the PT Cruiser, Fiat is a partner with Chrysler. The employees that are finishing out the Chrysler PT Cruiser aren’t going to lose their jobs. The Toluca, Mexico plant will build the Fiat 500C. The re-tooling and retraining of the factory will take at least six months, but Fiat is hoping to re-create the PT Cruiser’s success.Chrysler will be focusing instead on more traditionally styled sedans and vehicles.