AN: Chrysler says it won't build a 300 convertible

[hemidakota]

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Chrysler says it won't build a 300 convertible; ASC concept likely to debut at Detoit show


MARY CONNELLY | Automotive News
Posted Date: 11/30/04

DETROIT -- Forget about the Chrysler group building a Chrysler 300 convertible, says Trevor Creed, the company's senior vice president of design.

But do look for a 300 convertible built by American Specialty Cars of Southgate, Mich., at the Detroit auto show in January, Creed says.

A 300 convertible is not in the Chrysler group's product plan because of the engineering changes required to create a four-door convertible, Creed says.

"Four doors and a convertible top don't lead to good, rigid bodies," Creed says.

But Chrysler group engineers are involved with American Specialty Cars as it creates the 300 convertible planned for the auto show, Creed says.

Tim Yost, American Specialty Cars director of marketing and communications, declined comment on whether the company would show a 300 convertible in Detroit. He also declined comment on whether the company will produce a convertible 300 for Chrysler group showrooms.

"ASC is going to be showing vehicles in its own exhibit at the auto show," Yost says. "We have not announced what those vehicles will be."

The Chrysler group product strategy calls for producing vehicle variants to build volume and buzz. For example, next spring the Chrysler group will offer the 300 SRT-8 equipped with a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 generating 425 hp.


Reference Link: http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101328