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Fast-selling flagship 300 car appeals to diverse audience
By Brett Clanton / The Detroit News
AUBURN HILLS — Theodore Harrington has gotten used to the stares and random questions at traffic lights. Every time he drives his new Chrysler 300 with its supersize chrome grille and brawny stance, it’s the same thing.
“Mostly, people just want to know what it is,” said Harrington, 73, a retired carpenter from River Rouge, who bought one of Chrysler’s new flagship sedans last month. Each time he’s stopped, he feels a little more satisfied with his purchase.
“Chrysler really outdid themselves with this car,” Harrington said.
Chrysler took a huge chance by developing a flashy, rear-wheel-drive sedan with a starting price below $30,000. But early returns — after just a few weeks of sales — indicate the 300’s neck-snapping curb appeal is translating into sales.
America’s No. 3 automaker sorely needs a hit to propel a much-awaited turnaround that finally seems to be taking hold.
The 300 debuts as U.S. automakers are rediscovering the car market they essentially ceded to foreign rivals years ago in favor of more lucrative trucks.
It’s been decades since Chrysler — which has relied on minivans, pickups and SUVs — has had a hit passenger car. (Chrysler classifies the popular PT Cruiser as a light truck.)
At the very least, the 300 is generating buzz. The car scored a supporting role in a new rap video by the popular hip-hop group G Unit.
300 C
By Brett Clanton / The Detroit News
AUBURN HILLS — Theodore Harrington has gotten used to the stares and random questions at traffic lights. Every time he drives his new Chrysler 300 with its supersize chrome grille and brawny stance, it’s the same thing.
“Mostly, people just want to know what it is,” said Harrington, 73, a retired carpenter from River Rouge, who bought one of Chrysler’s new flagship sedans last month. Each time he’s stopped, he feels a little more satisfied with his purchase.
“Chrysler really outdid themselves with this car,” Harrington said.
Chrysler took a huge chance by developing a flashy, rear-wheel-drive sedan with a starting price below $30,000. But early returns — after just a few weeks of sales — indicate the 300’s neck-snapping curb appeal is translating into sales.
America’s No. 3 automaker sorely needs a hit to propel a much-awaited turnaround that finally seems to be taking hold.
The 300 debuts as U.S. automakers are rediscovering the car market they essentially ceded to foreign rivals years ago in favor of more lucrative trucks.
It’s been decades since Chrysler — which has relied on minivans, pickups and SUVs — has had a hit passenger car. (Chrysler classifies the popular PT Cruiser as a light truck.)
At the very least, the 300 is generating buzz. The car scored a supporting role in a new rap video by the popular hip-hop group G Unit.
300 C