Viper line up for sale......

[SteveBCloud9]

Chrysler is listening to offers to buy the Viper brand.... wonder who will buy it or if it will die off.... Sold 600 vehicles this year...

Chrysler looking at options for Viper business - MSNBC Wire Services - CNBC.com

 

[SquadX]

Oh sh#t. If this is true I hope who ever acquires it keeps the Viper a Viper.

 

[Asp Man]

Chrysler exploring options for Viper?

What does this mean for the future?

Chrysler looking at options for Viper business: Reuters Business News - MSN Money

 

[mbccenter]

Yup just herd. Do you think they will finance me

 

[Fast Too]

V10 in a Vette

 

[Fast Too]

Re: Chrysler exploring options for Viper?

What does this mean for the future?

Chrysler looking at options for Viper business: Reuters Business News - MSN Money

V10 in a Vette

 

[Mopar488]

Re: Chrysler exploring options for Viper?

It sounds to me like they are either looking to sell the brand entirely or keep the brand and contract it's production out to another company, who knows?

 

[ViperTony]

Re: Chrysler exploring options for Viper?

Based on my experience, when I hear this line: "...planning to explore strategic options"...it means that the particular asset in question is not in the company's future plans. Having third-party discussions is not a bad thing. At least they're trying to keep the Viper alive somehow.

 

[46hemi]

this sux....

 

[ViperTony]

I hope this isn't one of the VOI10 'suprises'.

 

[Mopar488]

Re: Chrysler exploring options for Viper?

What does this do to your warranty and/or plans to buy a Max care warranty?

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

I could deal with Saleen buying Viper. $130k and 750HP. Hmmmmm.....

 

[RavenFan_94]

Re: Chrysler exploring options for Viper?

Only 600 units? Isn't that historically low at this point in the year? Is this a retail number of delivered vehicles? I understand that the brand and dealer network will give it traction but 600 units makes the business really hard to value...

 

[46hemi]

Wont be so cool when Tata buys it, puts in a diesel and a pickup bed on the back...wait..maybe that would be cool

 

[Bobpantax]

The fact that Nardelli said that: "We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper." and: "As the company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties."
indicates to me that the Viper is done after the 2009 model. There have been no tests meeting the 2010 certification requirements to my knowledge. Someone please correct me if I am wrong about the certification issue.

 

[99 R/T 10]

I have never heard of a car company selling off one line of thier fleet. Seems a bit implausable..........

 

[mike & juli]

Re: Chrysler exploring options for Viper?

The Dodge Viper sports car could be history--at Chrysler LLC.
The company said on Wednesday that it is "exploring strategic options for the Dodge Viper business."
"This strategic review comes as the company focuses on enhancing its core business and leveraging its assets," Chrysler said in a statement.
Here is what Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli said about the potential sale of the Viper:
"We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper," Nardelli said in a memo to employees.
"As the Company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties. We will do so keeping in mind the best interests of those who have shown tremendous support for the vehicle--including employees, suppliers, dealers and a worldwide group of loyal Viper owners and enthusiasts.
"Viper is an integral part of this company's heritage. While this is a strategic review, our intent would be to offer strong operational and financial support during any potential transaction, in order to ensure a future for the Viper business and perpetuate the legacy of this great vehicle."
This article was last updated on: 08/27/08, 10:33 et AutoWeek Weekly

 

[Joseph Houss]

One can only hope that "outsourcing" all parts and assembly, but keeping the Dodge Name on the car would be an option.

With Ralph G in our corner.... one can only hope!

C'mon Cerberus, let's NEVER forget the Viper Halo effect. THERE ISN'T A MORE EFFECTIVE WAY OF MARKETING ALL DODGE PRODUCTS THAN HAVING 1500 NEW (AND 15,000 EXISTING) TRAVELING BILLBOARDS DRIVING, PARKING and PROUDLY PARADING TO PROVE THAT DODGE HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO KEEP UP WITH THE BIG BOYS!

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Re: Chrysler exploring options for Viper?

I have only one hope, whoever buys it, keep it a Viper. I don't want a backseat or a V8. I'd rather see it die completely than become a mass produced, babyseat hold-down having, family version of the Corvette.

 

[MoparMan]

The fact that Nardelli said that: "We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper." and: "As the company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties."
indicates to me that the Viper is done after the 2009 model. There have been no tests meeting the 2010 certification requirements to my knowledge. Someone please correct me if I am wrong about the certification issue.

Bob, AFAIK 2010 is the last currently planned year for the Viper. I agree with your overall assessment of the situation, however.

 

[mike & juli]

Re: Chrysler exploring options for Viper?

I have only one hope, whoever buys it, keep it a Viper. I don't want a backseat or a V8. I'd rather see it die completely than become a mass produced, babyseat hold-down having, family version of the Corvette.

I totally agree the VIPER should STAY the RAW BEAST that it is. A full-on DRIVERS' car...I DO disagree that the Corvette is a babyseat holding family car~~!
LOVE my Vette, but NO, not as much as the VIPER/BEAST!!!! ~juli

 

[musicncars]

Hmmm...the new 2013 Saleen Viper......has a nice ring to it.

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Re: Chrysler exploring options for Viper?

I totally agree the VIPER should STAY the RAW BEAST that it is. A full-on DRIVERS' car...I DO disagree that the Corvette is a babyseat holding family car~~!
LOVE my Vette, but NO, not as much as the VIPER/BEAST!!!! ~juli

Hey Juli, I meant I didn't want the Viper to become a watered down Corvette I haven't seen any baby-seat tie downs in Vettes, and for that, I'm glad Vettes are great cars, but I prefer to keep the Viper 5 notches above them

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Hmmm...the new 2013 Saleen Viper......has a nice ring to it.

Code name: Enzo Killer, Veyron Annihilator

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

Re: Chrysler exploring options for Viper?

Guys, this is GOOD news, I just spoke with Chris Marshall by cell as he and the other National Officers are rolling back down I 75 to the VOI hotel from their meeting with Jim Press and other Chrysler officials. Chris will be on the board to comment shortly but the VCA through the National Officers have been informed of this process and I believe the timing of the release was to be right after their meeting. They see it as good news and they wanted you to know as soon as possible.

 

[mike & juli]

Re: Chrysler exploring options for Viper?

Hey Juli, I meant I didn't want the Viper to become a watered down Corvette I haven't seen any baby-seat tie downs in Vettes, and for that, I'm glad

LOL...I hear ya! Cus, ya know, we actually saw a Canadian RACING VIPER with a babyseat installed in the front...VERY VERY STRANGE!!!! I would not accept ANY watered-down performance vehicle!~! I definitely hear ya, we are AGREEING totally!
Viper = RAW BEAST! Corvette = Comfort w/performance as needed ~juli

 

[mike & juli]

Re: Chrysler exploring options for Viper?

Thanx Lee...it's GREAT to know this can be GOOD NEWS for us VIPER-FANATICS...can't wait to see what Chris has to say about it....thank you, Lee~~~juli

 

[GTSnake]

My guess is Chrysler will have a contractor build it under Chrysler direction. Not unlike other how Daewoo builds GM cars and keeps the badge under the OE name. It will still be a Dodge Viper but built by (Pininfarina, Saleen, Roush, Prefix............)

 

[musicncars]

Re: Chrysler exploring options for Viper?

Only 600 units? Isn't that historically low at this point in the year? Is this a retail number of delivered vehicles? I understand that the brand and dealer network will give it traction but 600 units makes the business really hard to value...

I dont understand either..... my understanding was that they they were all sold, and that they were building about 1500 Vipers in 2008. how do they come up with 600 sold units?

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

I posted in the other thread but I will follow up here, Chris Marshall just called me by cell at the VOI hotel as he and the other National Officers were leaving their meeting with Jim Press and other Chrysler officials, they were informed about this process and they consider it GOOD news for the continuation of Viper, and they wanted to let you know that as soon as possible. It seems the timing of the announcemet was to coincide with the end of their meeting. Chris will be on the board shortly to comment further.