Only a week after the last Dodge Viper rolled off the line at the Conner Avenue plant in Detroit, production of another iconic Chrysler LLC group model, the PT Cruiser, is coming to an end today at the Toluca plant in Mexico. But unlike with the Viper, Chrysler isn't making much of a big deal about the PT Cruiser's end as the company hasn't even bothered to issue an official press release - or at least it hasn't done so up until now.
Originally conceived as a Plymouth model, the retro-shaped and styled compact crossover ended up in the market in 2000 with the Chrysler badge. Its love-it-or-loathe-it design was the work of Brian Nesbit who later on joined GM creating the very-PT Cruiser-like, Chevrolet HHR.
Even though the PT Cruiser was conceived more as an attention-grabber than a high-volume seller, the surprisingly practical crossover turned out to be so successful that buyers were kept on waiting lists. For a while it was the best-selling Chrysler-brand vehicle," Jim Hall, managing director of consultancy 2953 Analytics, told the L.A. Times.
And not only that, but it was also an extremely profitable model as it made use of an existing small-car platform and was built in a low-cost country [Mexico] - though it was also produced by Magna Steyr in Austria. "It is the most profitable small car in Chrysler history", Autonews quoted Brian Nesbitt as saying.
Over the years, Chrysler presented a bevy of special edition versions including a Woodie model, as well as a soft-top Convertible and a sportier variant equipped with a turbocharged inline-four.
In the first eight years of production, annual sales were constantly above 120,000 peaking at 192,000 units in 2001. However, due to the fact that Chrysler never bothered to redesign the car, sales dipped under 70,0000 in 2008 and 25,000 last year. Overall, Chrysler sold 1.3 million PT Cruisers, including 200,000 units outside the U.S.
Sadly - for Chrysler as well as for the car's fans- there are no known plans for the introduction of a second generation of the PT Cruiser.
Source: LA Times , Detnews & Autonews (Sub. req)
8 Comments:
Good Riddance
While it was a bold move (and a good reto throw back effort from Chrysler Auto Group), it's good timing to end it. It was certainly getting a bit long in the tooth
RIP PT Bruiser
One of the most interesting American cars over the past ten years.
I Don't think Europe ever 'got' the PT, but I've always liked their looks.
I think its one of the only cars I've seen that the facelift interior looks dramatically worse than the original though....
What were the generation of early 2000s smoking?
I agree with WherE2.Nxt. This was a unique, versatile and fun vehicle for it's time. But, the auto industry moved on, and the PT did not. A complete redesign (unless it was something out of the ordinary like the original PT) may have never been as successful. Plus, the attempt at some styling changes in 2006 fell a little flat. RIP PT, maybe we'll meet again someday.
Brian Nesbitt Has two very successful designs too his credit... Not bad.
While I enjoyed the non appliance look of the PT, I was never moved to even put it any of my lists of desirable vehicles. The HHR 'SS' is still on my short list of utility runabouts, unfortunately for it, the Magnum or '3' or '5' series BMW long roofs are just ahead of it.
Chrysler/Fiat needs a new success in the NA domestic markets. Maybe Brian can step up again.
Suggestion; A modern Challenger type vehicle powered by a Turbo Four and V-6 with RWD. Think FT-86. Hell! Call it a Barracuda.
Miss that old Eclipse/Laser/Talon especially the Turbo AWD. There is already a platform and drive trains available.
I recalled reading an article a long time ago stating that the PT Cruiser created the "retro-trend" design period that led to a introduction of retro-minded cars such as VW New Beetle, New Mini, etc... Well, so long PT Cruiser...
As a PT Cruiser owner I say phttt. It is a bit of a surprise to me that the Cruiser's designer designed the Horrendous Horribly Repulsive too. It is like Tolkien’s orcs compared to elves. What can I say, it is no surprise if Chrysler’s behavior did in the Cruiser as eager as they were to join up with Obama for free taxpayer money.
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