Customers Talk, Chrysler Listens

[AMERICA 123]

This maybe a duplicate .
There are two parts to this program.
Don't think we covered part two.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...TO01/801240333

Customers talk, Chrysler listens

Eric Morath / The Detroit News

Part 1 is about the product.
<Good stuff - right idea>

DETROIT -- More of Chrysler LLC's cars, trucks and minivans soon will offer extra features -- without extra cost -- to prove that under private ownership Chrysler can nimbly respond to consumer demands, just at the automaker's new leaders have promised.
Chrysler's "New Day" advertising blitz, kicking off next month, will tout changes including the addition of 56 new features to 12 popular vehicles..........
...........But Meyer stressed that "New Day" is all about responding to the customer.
"I've never seen a manufacturer move this fast to make changes," said Meyer, who joined Chrysler last year after stints with Toyota Motor Corp. and Ford Motor Co......
......The 56 features are part of 260 product enhancements in the works at Chrysler, which are expected to cost $500 million to implement.
"We're going to prove that we are listening and responding and changing faster than ever before," she said.

Part 2 is about the process.
< THIS IS A GREAT IDEA !!>

To emphasize that the automaker is listening to its customers, Meyer said Chrysler also is creating an online Consumer Advisory Board. The board, which could include up to 2,000 members, will give the automaker immediate feedback on products and marketing. A group of young, female Dodge customers will be among the first subcommittees formed as Chrysler seeks to broaden the truck-heavy brand's appeal to new demographics.

WOW! Customer Boards .....thats kinda neat .... outside the box.

Good for CHRYSLER.

[nadepalma]

Originally Posted by AMERICA 123

Part 2 is about the process.
< THIS IS A GREAT IDEA !!>
WOW! Customer Boards .....thats kinda neat .... outside the box.

Good for CHRYSLER.

I agree. I have about 40 ideas for them already -- and I've ranted about what they should do in the past.

If they actually have an open forum/medium in which suggestions are actually considered, I would particpate. I'm incredibly opinionated and a bit of a nit-picker, so this would be up my alley.

In fact, I've sent suggestions to both GM and Ford on product plans. GM just ignored my emails and FoMoCo sent all kinds of stuff back saying, "We'd consider this", then "After closer inspection, your idea is no longer being considered" -- at least they wrote back!

[HoosierRon]

The board, which could include up to 2,000 members, will give the automaker immediate feedback on products and marketing.

Does Chrysler have 2,000 customers?

[T-Type]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

Does Chrysler have 2,000 customers?

Well that should cover all the people who are involved in purchasing for fleets.

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

Does Chrysler have 2,000 customers?

See as how Chrysler's sales were up in December and GM's were down, yes. They do have 2,000 customers.

[Chaz_23]

How about re-introducing the 5-speed tranny with the 3.5 in RWD for the 300/Charger, you geniuses? In what world is going from 5-speed to 4-speed a good idea???

[Brglotus]

This is a great idea and I think GM could learn from this. I have so many ideas my brain hurts, lol.

[skylark68]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

Does Chrysler have 2,000 customers?

With the new Challenger and Ram they will have plenty more than 2,000 soon... I think they already have doubled that with advance orders on the Challenger.

[ponchoman49]

A good place to start at Chrysler is to get a new styling and product team and to get the new gen powertrains out ASAP. The Sebring, Avenger, Compass etc are all styling duds. The next step is to hire a new interior designer and parts supplier.

[Ultra Magnus]

A manufacturer that actually listens to what the customer wants? WOW WHAT A CONCEPT!

[SuchANiceGirl06]

Originally Posted by ponchoman49

A good place to start at Chrysler is to get a new styling and product team and to get the new gen powertrains out ASAP. The Sebring, Avenger, Compass etc are all styling duds. The next step is to hire a new interior designer and parts supplier.

What's so bad about the Dodge Avenger I find it to be one of the best looking mid-size sedans on the market right now.

[69Firebird400]

I'm not sure that this is the answer. Remember when Ed Welburn said that the CTS Coupe never saw a minute in customer clinics? It wasn't dumbed down to the lowest common denominator. Something like this could spell the end of Chrysler having any hope of interestingly styled vehicles.

[AMERICA 123]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

Does Chrysler have 2,000 customers?

Chrysler's Exports are up 15% for the year.

That's an outstanding accomplishment.

The untold accomplishment story of the year for 2007 imo is without a doubt , the RAM series.
More impressive than what GM , Ford, Toyota, AND Nissan did combined in the FS PU market.

The new MVs are off to a great start , when all things are considered.

No joke , if they had had a TurboDiesel 300/Charger/Magnum option here like they do 'there' it would've ended up the sales success story of the year.

Same for the TC/GC if they had made it large enough ie current MB 3.0L.

[AMERICA 123]

Originally Posted by 69Firebird400

I'm not sure that this is the answer. Remember when Ed Welburn said that the CTS Coupe never saw a minute in customer clinics? It wasn't dumbed down to the lowest common denominator. Something like this could spell the end of Chrysler having any hope of interestingly styled vehicles.

Good to Great things can happen either way . So can disaster.

I was hoping, no criticism intended to anyone previous , that we would focus on that customer board aspect.

Used properly , that could actually help transform the industry.

In otherwords , sure, it could be very valuable or not for Chrysler and their products . It could be just as valuable (or useless) in getting something done about the owner/Dealership experience and the like.

[eaton53]

A group of young, female Dodge customers will be among the first subcommittees

Great news!
Bigger mirrors for makeup-applying-while-driving are on the way!!