Chrysler's 300 sedan is the success story of 2004, but some - including this site - question both the authenticity of its design, and whether it has staying power.

In August 2008, its designer, Ralf Gilles, replaces the retiring Trevor Creed as the Chrysler Group's Design Head. Gilles is also responsible for the company's 2009 minivans, and for the Jeep Trailhawk Concept.

Following Chrysler Group's bankruptcy in the Summer of 2009, Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne, charged with leading the company, raises the prospect of convergence with Lancia. "In Europe, Lancia is an undersize, underdeveloped brand, with nothing bigger than the Delta. Chrysler, which has a true global reach, has nothing smaller. Put them together, and you have a full line-up," he muses.


In 1998, Chrysler sold 2.5 million units; produced 1.9 million units; generated $4.9 billion in profit; employed 126,000 people globally; operated 49 factories, and fielded 15 models.

In 2006, Chrysler sold 2.1 million units; produced 1.5 million units; lost $1.2 billion; employed 80,700 people; operated 34 factories, and fielded 22 models.


The Chrysler Group begins 2007 trodding down the same path as Detroit and Dearborn rivals GM and Ford in 2005 and 2006. Older employees near retirement age are offered a $70,000 lump sum payment with lifetime health insurance, while younger employees are given the option of a $100,000 lump sum with no health insurance. Chrysler hopes to shed 13,000 employees in this process.