Are I ask the question: were the UAW negotiators aware of the job cuts before they approved the new contract? The reason I ask is it barely passed with the workers. I'm sure they would not have signed on if they knew 12,000 jobs would be cut.
No doubt the negotiators were aware of the potential for cuts. How well the contract details were filtered down to the rank and file is debatable, but since the contract didn't pass with overwhelming numbers, I think most workers knew it was possible.
I suspect a lot of folks that went in for a PT Cruiser convertible went to Sebrings. The convertibles never quite caught the spirit of the PT Cruiser. It's a shame. I can't see how you realistically redesign it to work.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
The convertible was also kind of a dumpy looking thing. While the closed version works, IMO, the convertible just doesn't. For one thing, when you need to throw in a roll bar/B-pillar, that shows a compromise right there.
One thing I'll say for it though, is that it's a roomy little sucker. One of my co-workers, who has a 300C, got a PT as a loaner when it C went in for something or other. I went out to lunch with him and another coworker that day, and sat in the back. I found it pretty comfy. Expensive, though. I think this particular model had an MSRP of around $30K.
Yeah, the roll bar really kills it - looks like a basket with the top down - but it doesn't really work even with the top up. The whole image of the car is screwed up.
Too bad. I had high hopes.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I'd think so. You can pick up a used Sebring very cheaply. I had a 98 Sebring for a couple of years. With the top up it's a typical rental type car. With the top down it's suddenly a lot of fun.
Sure I'd have yet more fun with a 335i convertible, but let's keep to affordable dreams....
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I think a very high percentage of the convertibles went into rental fleets in the Sun belt.
I guess converting (sorry) the PT into a credible '40s style convert was a lot harder for the designers than starting with a clean slate, as they did with the 4 sedan. This car could become more desirable as a collector item in 25+ years than it is new. Same goes for the Crossfire. Check back with me in 2032 to see if this prediction pans out.
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There's some contract details here:
Chrysler Stays Flexible on Products and Plants
Did people come in looking for a PT Cruiser and walked out with a Sebring?
The Pacifica and Crossfire I can understand. But weren't Magnums going for sticker when they came out?
One thing I'll say for it though, is that it's a roomy little sucker. One of my co-workers, who has a 300C, got a PT as a loaner when it C went in for something or other. I went out to lunch with him and another coworker that day, and sat in the back. I found it pretty comfy. Expensive, though. I think this particular model had an MSRP of around $30K.
Too bad. I had high hopes.
Plus with Sebrings priced not much higher, and plenty of used ones available, I'm guessing most customers bought one of those...
Sure I'd have yet more fun with a 335i convertible, but let's keep to affordable dreams....
I guess converting (sorry) the PT into a credible '40s style convert was a lot harder for the designers than starting with a clean slate, as they did with the 4 sedan. This car could become more desirable as a collector item in 25+ years than it is new. Same goes for the Crossfire. Check back with me in 2032 to see if this prediction pans out.