I’ve been following the auto industry news as of late and things are just really sad for Chrysler and GM. One of the local Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealerships got the notice last week that as of 8 June, they will no longer be selling those cars. Our dealership, Mike Shaw Pontiac, has avoided the first round of dealership cuts, but it is still possible for them to get the slip in a future cut. Bottom line – no one is safe.
So one of my RSS feeds stated that the Viper plant was up for sale – and very few was interested in buying it. At $10 million, purchasing the plant seems like a steal to me, but I’m in no position to buy it nor am I fully aware of what is expected of the company that does decide to buy it. Will they still build Vipers (my ultimate dream car by the way…) or would they desecrate the plant by building anything other than a Viper? I was especially scared for the plant when I read that a food company CEO was interested in purchasing it for considerably less…horrible, horrible thoughts came to mind.
The Viper is a car that you either love or hate…I happen to love this car to death. I had posters of this car on my wall (yes, when other chics had the latest Teen Beat heartthrob on theirs…) I save car magazines with photos of Vipers on the cover. Before I die, I hope to sit in one of these beautiful vehicular beasts so I can listen to its sweet V-10 rumble through my soul – IT’S THAT SERIOUS! Car mag reviewers will talk about its high maintenance costs, it’s lack of road manners, the fact that’s it not a good daily driver…it doesn’t matter because this car was never not meant for the masses – only serious car enthusiasts needed to apply! Those that wanted appliances like Camrys and Accords knew where to go (I have an alternate place for them, but anyway…). To think that this car may no longer be produced is sickening.
Hopefully a car enthusiast will purchase this plant and do right by this car. This is the hope of a car enthusiast – one who does not see any of her vehicles as appliances.
The cool thing is, Will, you and I already own GM an Chrysler – but we don’t get a free car out of the deal – or really anthing other than a good “bend over and pass the KY”.
As for the Viper – I agree – very cool car… but it’s a Chrysler product which is now owned by Fiat, only time will tell what they do with it.
Now only if we only let our legal system play this whole mess out without essentially nationalizing the car makers… achk, never waste a good crisis, right?