Chrysler PT Cruiser Saved from Death

If you’re one of those guys who don’t believe in miracles, you should change your mind because one has just happened. Chrysler announced it won’t kill the PT Cruiser after all so production of the small car will continue. The reasons aren’t quite clear for the time being as Chrysler only said the car is "too cool to categorize” and rolled out a self-praising statement applauding the nice features the PT Cruiser has to offer.

"The heritage-styled Chrysler PT Cruiser continues to be a global success story," said Peter Fong – President and Chief Executive Officer – Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. "With more than 1.3 million PT Cruisers sold in more than 60 countries since 2000, we're excited to announce we're re-energizing the iconic and award-winning PT Cruiser."

The PT Cruiser saw daylight in February 2000, being rolled out as a 2001 model. Chrysler launched no less than 14 versions of the car by 2009, as it follows: Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 joined the Flames, Woodie, PT Dream Cruiser Series 1, 2, 3 and 4, PT Turbo and Chrome Accents models, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, the refreshed 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66, Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition and Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Editions.

Back in January, when the economic chaos started pushing Chrysler towards bankruptcy, Tom LaSorda admitted the PT Cruiser might be discontinued and revealed the company was seeking a new investor to buy the assembly lines that manufactured the car.

So, Chrysler decided to maintain production of the PT Cruiser. Still not confirmed but the car will probably undergo several modifications in the future, with new engines, more efficient and likely to be provided by Fiat expected to join the range. A possible launch in Europe is also a probable scenario.

As a tribute to Chrysler PT Cruiser, here are some of the awards received by the car during its lifetime:

• 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Consumer Reports "Recommended"
• 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Consumer Guide, "Best Buy - Compact Cars Category"
• 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Consumer Reports, "Recommended"
• 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Edmunds.com, "Most Significant"
• 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, AutoPacific, "Top Vehicle customer satisfaction"
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, North American International Auto Show, "North American Car of the Year"
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, African Americans on Wheels and Latinos on Wheels, "Car of the Year"
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Strategic Vision, "Compact Car Segment"
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Industrial Design Excellence, "Gold Award"
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Automobile Magazine, "Best Small Car"