As Chrysler approaches its centennial next June, the 99-year-old automaker finds itself at a crossroads. With only one vehicle in its lineup—the Pacifica minivan, alongside its value-based entries, the Voyager and Grand Caravan—Chrysler is a shadow of its former self. The brand, once known for its “blue-collar luxury,” now faces an identity crisis.
For most of its history, Chrysler was synonymous with affordable luxury. Walter P. Chrysler’s vision was to create a luxury vehicle that the average working person could afford. This philosophy drove the brand’s success for decades. However, since Fiat’s acquisition in 2009, the brand has struggled to redefine itself. Under the leadership of CEO Sergio Marchionne, the Chrysler Group underwent a significant realignment. The Ram brand became a standalone entity, Dodge pivoted towards performance and utility vehicles, and Chrysler was positioned as a mainstream brand. The goal was to offer a full lineup of crossovers, sedans, and minivans, but this vision has not materialized.
In the past decade, Chrysler has introduced only three vehicles: a refreshed Chrysler 300 sedan, the now-discontinued Chrysler 200 sedan, and the Pacifica minivan. Meanwhile, the brand has produced more concept vehicles than actual models reaching production, including:
- 2009 Chrysler 200C Concept
- 2009 Chrysler Town & Country EV Concept
- 2010 Chrysler Delta Concept
- 2011 Chrysler 700C Concept
- 2017 Chrysler Portal Concept
- 2020 Chrysler Airflow Vision Concept
- 2022 Chrysler Airflow Concept
- 2022 Chrysler Airflow Graphite Concept
- 2024 Chrysler Halcyon Concept
Despite ending production of the Chrysler 300 sedan in 2023, it still sold 13,169 units in the U.S., outpacing the combined sales of Alfa Romeo and Fiat. In 2023, Alfa Romeo sold 10,897 units while Fiat sold only 602 units in the U.S. In contrast, Chrysler sold 641,406 units in 2006 with a lineup of seven models. Last year, sales dropped to 133,839 units with just two models: the 300 and the Pacifica.
Looking ahead, Chrysler plans to become an all-electric automaker by 2028. This comes at a time when other American automakers are focusing on hybrids due to concerns about the high cost and limited range of electric vehicles. Chrysler’s production-ready Airflow Concept was recently canceled by CEO Christine Feuell, who preferred a different design direction, leading to the unveiling of the Halcyon Concept. This new design language, however, has left many Chrysler fans uncertain about the brand’s future.
The first all-new Chrysler vehicle in years, an all-electric five-passenger crossover built on the same architecture as the Jeep® Wagoneer S, is set to launch for 2026. Yet, the brand that once thrived on innovation and bold design now appears cautious and risk-averse. To survive and thrive in the next century, Chrysler needs to redefine its identity, introduce groundbreaking products, and enter new market segments.
Since taking the helm in September 2021, Chris Feuell’s tenure has seen the introduction of the Chrysler Airflow Concept (later canceled), the final 2023 Chrysler 300C limited edition model, a Calm Cabin package for individuals with autism, and the Halcyon Concept. However, tangible progress has been limited. As Feuell and Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares chart the brand’s future, Chrysler must be aggressive in its product development and market positioning to reclaim its place in the automotive landscape.
In conclusion, Chrysler stands at a pivotal moment in its history. To secure its future, the brand must embrace its heritage of innovation and luxury while boldly stepping into new territories. Only then can it hope to celebrate its next hundred years with the same vigor and success that defined its first century.
