Chrysler: No More Milk and Honey at Detroit

Although it was initially rumored that several major automakers won't come to the Detroit Motor Show, set to open its doors this month, Chrysler once again confirmed its presence to the event but admitted that its cost-cutting plans will bring major changes to its booth.

First of all, Chrysler will display several fuel-efficient cars because this is what consumers want to buy nowadays, as Rick Deneau, Director of Product, Brand and Sales Communications, explained.

“Over the years, Chrysler has earned a reputation for the most memorable and eye-catching product reveals. We’re proud of that. But in the new reality, our press event this year will be more straightforward, reflecting our need to run more efficiently during a tough environment,” he said, pointing that Chrysler's makeshift showroom will now be placed inside the hall.

Since the company started a strong cost-cutting schedule, there will be no Jeep waterfall, no Dodge Ram horns, no temporary office and no Internet-connected computers for visitors. “We also won’t be serving complimentary luncheons at our stand,” Deneau explained.

“There are many other ways we’re saving money so we can invest more in our future. We won’t be hosting the media at the Firehouse hall across the street from the auto show, as we have done in years past. We’ve informed our executives that they will have to purchase their own tickets to the annual charity ball held during the Detroit show,” he added.

As you can see, Chrysler struggles to cut costs in all areas, including auto events that could raise the popularity of the company and obviously boost sales, profits, revenues and market share. However, “this is the right thing to do,” Chrysler official said, because it allows the company “to hope for a better year in 2009.”