Cherokees challenge the White House

Chrysler's gas guzzlers refuse to quit

Isn't this downright rude? Just a week after the White House scolded Chrysler for relying too much on gas guzzlers, the company is heading to a marquee car show to launch yet another SUV. I will be there if the Online Cash Advance I applied for comes through.

According to Chrysler, its Jeep Grand Cherokee is a crowd favorite and a crucial part of its lineup. "It's a very important vehicle for us. It's one of the primary legs of the Chrysler stool," Chrysler spokesman Rick Deneau said. "Customers have told us they want this vehicle and that it's the right size."

Merge or else

It's true that Chrysler has tried to reduce consumption and that the 2011 model is 11 percent more fuel efficient than its predecessor and is powered by a cleaner and more powerful engine. But this debut is odd timing. At the end of March, the Obama administration rejected the company's survival plan and gave it 30 days to secure a merger with another automaker, most likely Fiat of Italy.

In addition, Chrysler was slammed for its heavy product lineup of trucks and SUVs. But Chrysler stands by the Grand Cherokee. It's not only profitable and highly recognizable, it's the No. 2-selling vehicle in the Jeep lineup.

It's hard to argue with popularity

John Wolkonowicz, senior automotive analyst for the consulting firm IHS-Global Insight, says, "It's one of their most important vehicles. The market for SUVs still exists, particularly for smaller ones like the Grand Cherokee." ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Cherokees challenge the White House"