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Commit these Chrysler facts to memory and transform from an ordinary salesperson into a brand ambassador
As one of the “Big Three” American automobile manufacturers, Chrysler has been a force in the auto industry since the 1920s. It sells vehicles not just under the Chrysler brand, but Dodge, Jeep, and Ram Trucks as well. You already knew all that, though, didn’t you?
However, as a Chrysler salesperson, it’s your job not just to know the same Chrysler facts that everyone else knows—you have to know more. You’re the expert consumers are turning to for advice, and sometimes, those individuals need reassurance or a little added push to be sure they’re making the right choice.
That’s where having a knowledge of all types of fascinating Chrysler facts can be a game-changer for your sales approach. Don’t just sell the brand—know it backward and forwards and be able to share those interesting bits of info with any customer who walks on your lot.
The top Chrysler facts every auto salesperson should know
1. Chrysler was founded by Walter Chrysler on June 6, 1925.
Before that, it had been operating as the Maxwell Motor Company since 1904.
2. Chrysler’s family tree goes back to the Studebaker.
Between 1920 and 1924, Walter Chrysler worked with three former Studebaker engineers, Fred Zeder, Owen Skelton, and Carl Breer, to design a revolutionary new car. The agreed that they wanted the Chrysler brand to stand for affordable “luxury” vehicles known for innovative engineering.
3. The first Chrysler was the 1924 Chrysler Six. It cost $1,565.
The car featured two significant innovations—a light, powerful, high-compression six-cylinder engine and the first time four-wheel hydraulic brakes were standard on a passenger car. The vehicle also included aluminum pistons, replaceable oil and air filters, full-pressure lubrication, tubular front axles, shock absorbers, and indirect interior lighting.
4. Walter Chrysler designed four more models for the coming year: the 50, 60, 70, and Imperial 80.
The numbers corresponded to the maximum velocity the cars could reach on a level stretch of road. Ford’s Model T had been the fastest car up until that point—going 35 mph—and Chrysler’s innovations scared the company enough that they closed for nine months as they worked on a replacement for the Model T.
5. Chrysler expanded quickly.
In 1928, Chrysler was able to expand and open the De Soto and Plymouth divisions. Later that year, Chrysler purchased Dodge for $170 million.
6. Chrysler played a big role in the defense industry.
During World War II, Chrysler halted the manufacture of its vehicles and made defense hardware like small arms ammunition and submarine nets instead. It’s main war products, though, were B-29 bomber engines and anti-aircraft guns and tanks. Due to its reliability and prompt delivery, the company earned a special Army-Navy award.
7. Chrysler’s lineage is rocket-powered.
In the 1960s, Chrysler formed a space division and became the primary contractor for the Saturn booster rocket.
8. Chrysler goes off-roading.
Chrysler bought American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1987, primarily because Chrysler’s CEO Leo Iacocca wanted the Jeep brand, which was thriving. AMC became the Jeep-Eagle division of Chrysler.
9. Chrysler was an early adopter of electric vehicles.
Chrysler’s first electric vehicle was the 1992 Dodge EPIC concept minivan. In 1993, it sold a limited-production electric minivan called the TEVan.
10. Chrysler has a special relationship with customers’ auto needs.
Mopar—a combination of the words “motor” and “parts”—is the parts, service, and customer care organization within Chrysler that has been around since 1937. It started out creating antifreeze but has since become a global brand all on its own.
11. Fiat loves Chrysler.
In 2009, Fiat picked up 58.5% of Chrysler during restructuring in the U.S. auto industry. In 2014, Fiat took full ownership of Chrysler in a $4.35 billion deal.
12. Chrysler cares.
At the Chicago Auto Show, Chrysler announced support for the “Give a Dog a Job” program. Together with Canine Companion for Independence, they help provide assistance dogs to individuals with disabilities.
13. Chrysler is a winner.
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica named by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com as one of the 12 best family cars in 2017 and a “Best Buy.” It was also named the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year for 2017, the Best of 2017 on Cars.com, a “Best Buy” in Consumers Digest’s minivan segment, a 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and one of the 10 best interiors for 2016 on the WardsAuto list—among other prestigious awards.
Sell other makes and models as well at your used car dealership? After you commit these Kia facts to memory, read up on other brands to increase your sales arsenal: Honda, Ford, Toyota, Jeep, BMW, Tesla, Nissan, Subaru, Volkswagen, Dodge, Hyundai, Mazda, and Kia.
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