Ralph Gilles Sets the Record Straight on the Airflow Concept’s Future

Whether it was their intention all along to evolve, or they pivoted, in the end is may be in everyone's favor. They got feedback and were able to tune things w/o delivering the product to market. They set the expectations that Chrysler's portfolio was going to be lean while they regroup and they are taking advantage of that timewindow.

Since it takes 2-3years to bring a vehicle to market, if you can pivot along that way to adjust and sacrifice a few months of sales for a longer sales run or better volume or respect, it is a long game. Some would argue that the 200 played the short game, in neglecting to account for the impact of a low headline would have on reception regardless of ergonomics, style and features. That didn't pan out well (although in hindsight moving it and dart to be co- on the Cherokee line may have likely paid off)

Maybe they are driving to be the best.... and not first, most, biggest.... Meanwhile, others are blazing the trail and adjusting the market, consumer, and infrastructure.

No matter - it must be a respected vehicle or something that significantly differentiates itself from the market. The fear I have it will have every bell/whistle and be overpriced and overwhelming... and underwhelming at the same time.

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2025? What? That would mean it would be a 2026. So once again Chrysler is behind the 8 ball. Now I do not like EV’s, but seeing they are being jammed down our throats, we so far behind in getting cars to the market. Seems most foreign car companies already have 1 or 2 EV’s out and more coming sooner rather than later. Yes we have plenty hybrids, but I believe they will be gone in 10 years.
I really can’t tell if Stellantis is dragging their feet and will use this to write off Chrysler, or if they have no clue what to do with them.
In order to survive Chrysler needs this crossover, a full size sedan (300 replacement) to go with the mini van. If they wait to long, loyal Chrysler customers will leave and it will be a tough fight to sell cars if you’re late to the EV party. There is no way to catch Tesla at this point, but at least keep up with the rest.

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Just my opinion here, but two points. First, the Airflow was clearly not inspirational, a disappointing cookie cutter, blandly styled and certainly NOT a flagship vehicle needed by the brand. Second the all electric self imposed mandate for Chrysler is a doomed future based on the quickly eroding electric market as its shortfalls become public knowledge.
Chrysler can survive, but what is coming to the fore so far is flawed, uninspired, clearly something that needs a fast “hold it guys” moment to rethink the thinking and getting some gas powered Chrysler vehiles in the pipeline ASAP.
Frankly Ralph has had some duds in his time in charge and let’s hope he avoids another one with Chrysler and this reboot gets things on track.

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