At the 34-35K that the Hemi C lists for, it is in direct
competition with the lower end of the luxury models, so I don't think an
Imperial would be ruled out on that basis.
John
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, March 08, 2004 12:58
PM
Subject: Re: IML: 2004 Chrysler 300C
!!
Hi, all --
>>This is definitely a car
that could proudly carry the >>Imperial name if D-C were so inclined
It is unlikely that D-C
will apply the Imperial nameplate to a luxury appointed 300C because the car
would be in direct competition against D-C's luxury brand. And, as much
as we'd like to see it, the nameplate does not resonate with American car
buyers who are spending upwards of $45K (hypothetical base price for
Hemi-equipped '95 Imperial). It will take a marketing mindset turnaround
at corporate HQ before that happens.
When imports were out of the mainstream in this
country, the Big Three each needed a top-of-the-line nameplate as a marketing
tool more than as a source of profit. Now each of them owns a luxury
import brand and they have positioned their domestic brands accordingly.
That's why you don't see a Lincoln in the same class as a Jaguar.
Absent the marketing tool requirement and absent the profit, it does not
make business sense for D-C to revive the Imperial nameplate on a domestic
offering.
And you won't see
a European import with the familiar Imperial eagle logo because it looks too
much like now-discredited political symbols used throughout their
history.
My suggestion is
to buy a base Hemi-eqiuppd 300C to a coachworks and have it appointed.
Novel idea, no?
--
David
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