logo
Leaked emails reveal disappointing setback for Chrysler — here's what they said, and what it means for the brand

Leaked emails reveal disappointing setback for Chrysler — here's what they said, and what it means for the brand

Yahoo16-02-2025
When it rains, it pours. So it goes for struggling auto brand Chrysler, as its closely watched crossover electric vehicle suffered another setback, prompting concerns it will never hit the roads at all.
Electrek detailed the disappointing development, which MoparInsiders first reported. In a leaked email, Chrysler told suppliers the "program has been put on hold until further notice."
This isn't the first time the forthcoming EV has suddenly changed course, as Electrek documented. It was initially supposed to come out in 2025, though that launch date is now shifting. Chrysler's CEO said in 2023 that the vision for the EV was as a two-row crossover inspired by its Airflow concept, per Reuters.
That shifted significantly when the brand unveiled its more ambitious Halcyon vision with scarce details, as Car and Driver reported.
The International Energy Agency describes EVs as "the key technology to decarbonise road transport," also noting that road transport is responsible for over 15% of energy emissions worldwide. Added competition in the EV sector from brands such as Chrysler would benefit consumers too, as prices would become more competitive and encourage more people to replace vehicles that rely on dirty fuels.
The latest setback for this Chrysler EV casts doubt on whether it will ever see the light of day. It's more bad news for parent brand Stellantis, which saw a 15% decline in U.S. sales year over year in 2024. Chrysler currently sells only two vehicles, both of which are minivans: the Pacifica and the Pacifica Hybrid, the latter of which averages a solid 82 miles per gallon equivalent in electric/hybrid mode and 30 mpg in gas/hybrid mode. The company also sells the Chrysler Voyager van as a fleet vehicle.
It's concerning that its promises of being an all-EV portfolio by 2028 don't seem to be anywhere near fruition. Still, Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell told CNBC, "The brand is not on the table for elimination, and it has a very bright future."
The future appears murky for the brand in the U.S. Stellantis isn't standing pat in the EV space, though. It's exploring a patent that could radically speed up EV charge times, and Chrysler made its own investment in new-age lithium-sulfur batteries. Finally, the much-hyped Dodge and Jeep EVs are also hitting U.S. dealerships, as Electrek pointed out.
While drivers patiently wait for Chrysler's next move, there are many exciting developments in the fully electric space. The Honda Prologue has been a surprise hit with drivers and trails just two Tesla models in the U.S. market.
If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you?
Cost
Battery range
Power and speed
The way it looks
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
Along those lines, Tesla's refreshed Model Y Juniper is coming to the U.S. soon with new features. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is another popular vehicle to watch, with a new version coming out soon. All of these EVs can help drivers save on fuel and maintenance while reducing their individual tailpipe pollution.
Chrysler, meanwhile, confirmed in a follow-up to Car and Driver that a "production version of the Chrysler Halcyon concept" is in the works. With the only timing disclosed as "some point in the future," it sure seems potential drivers should explore an alternative for now.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Anti-Elon Musk protesters are coming for Tesla's new diner
Anti-Elon Musk protesters are coming for Tesla's new diner

The Verge

time20 minutes ago

  • The Verge

Anti-Elon Musk protesters are coming for Tesla's new diner

Tesla just opened a retro diner in Los Angeles, so it was only a matter of time before anti-Elon Musk protesters caught wind. The long-awaited retrofuturistic diner, complete with giant outdoor screens for drive-in movies, dozens of Supercharger stalls, and an Optimus robot serving popcorn, opened to huge lines in West Hollywood on July 21st. Protesters are planning on demonstrating outside the newly opened diner on July 26th, according to the Action Network website, which has served as a repository for the so-called Tesla Takedown movement. '[Elon Musk] wants to celebrate his reign of terror in OUR CITY, Occupied Los Angeles, with a cheesy Tesla-branded diner exclusively for his legion of conmen stock-pumpers and MLM influencer tryhards?' the website reads. 'WE SAY HELL NO.' '[Elon Musk] wants to celebrate his reign of terror in OUR CITY, Occupied Los Angeles, with a cheesy Tesla-branded diner exclusively for his legion of conmen stock-pumpers and MLM influencer tryhards?' Since early February of this year, Tesla has been the target of protesters opposed to Musk's involvement with the Trump administration. As Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) sought to eliminate humanitarian aid programs and fire tens of thousands of government workers, demonstrators have expressed their rage by picketing outside Tesla showrooms and demanding Tesla owners sell their vehicles. Others have taken things further, defacing Tesla vehicles with anti-Musk slogans, smashing windows, and even setting some Tesla property on fire. Musk's allies in the Trump administration are threatening to prosecute anyone caught defacing Tesla vehicles by classifying the acts as 'domestic terrorism.' Musk officially stepped back from DOGE in May, although he claims that he will remain involved with the group in some capacity. The following month, Musk and President Donald Trump had a public falling out, with the two engaged in a war of words. Trump has threatened to deport Musk, while Musk has accused the president of being on Jeffrey Epstein's alleged client list. Despite all the drama, anti-Musk protesters are trying to keep up the energy. Joel Lava, who has been helping lead the Tesla Takedown protests in Los Angeles, said he expects a large crowd outside the diner this Saturday. 'It's in West Hollywood,' Lava told The Verge. 'I think it's safe to say that Elon Musk is not a popular figure in West Hollywood. So I don't think it's going to be hard to protest it.' 'I think it's safe to say that Elon Musk is not a popular figure in West Hollywood.' While the weekly crowds may have diminished slightly from their peak in the spring, and while Musk may have distanced himself from the Trump administration, the Tesla Takedown movement hasn't given up. Lava said that dozens of people still show up every week to protest outside of Tesla locations in LA, buoyed by news of Tesla's worsening earnings statement and falling sales. He also cited recent reports of food that was supposed to ship out with USAID being left to rot in warehouses thanks to DOGE's funding cuts. And the news that Musk may start his own political party has further motivated the activists to keep up their presence, Lava said. 'Yes, our numbers have dwindled, but they have stayed strong,' he said. 'We've already built a community, [and] people will show up.' Lava said the tactics will be similar to those used in protests outside of Tesla dealerships and charging stations: raising awareness about Musk's efforts to decimate humanitarian aid and destroy the federal government. 'I think our simple message is Tesla funds fascism,' Lava said. 'You're going into this cafe, and you're giving a $300 billion man your own money to help destroy the fabric of our country. That's why we don't want you buying Tesla. And that's why you shouldn't go into this cafe.' Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Andrew J. Hawkins Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Electric Cars Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Policy Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Politics Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tesla Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Transportation

Tesla Expected to Report Falling Profit as Car Sales Fall
Tesla Expected to Report Falling Profit as Car Sales Fall

New York Times

time20 minutes ago

  • New York Times

Tesla Expected to Report Falling Profit as Car Sales Fall

Tesla is expected to report on Wednesday a slump in profit, the third quarterly decline in a row, as the company cut car prices in an attempt to revive sales. Analysts estimate that the company earned $1.2 billion from April to June, according to Bloomberg, down from $1.4 billion a year ago. Sales are expected to have fallen to $22.6 billion from $25.5 billion in the second quarter of 2024. Tesla has not reported an increase in quarterly profit since the third quarter of 2024. Tesla's weak earnings are likely to reinforce concern among some investors that Elon Musk is neglecting the car business while he focuses the company's resources on autonomous driving software, self-driving taxis and humanoid robots. Mr. Musk has said those technologies will make Tesla the most valuable company in the world. Tesla has begun testing a limited self-driving taxi service in Austin, Texas. Wall Street has largely bought into that vision, and the company's share price is up around 50 percent since early April. But such taxis and robots are not yet generating significant revenue for Tesla, and the company remains reliant on the car business to finance Mr. Musk's futuristic plans. Tesla's sales have been losing momentum because it is not offering more affordable and appealing new models even as other carmakers like BYD of China have rolled out many new vehicles while slashing prices. In addition, Mr. Musk's support for right-wing political causes has alienated many electric car buyers in Europe and the United States and has distracted him from running the company. Last month, he announced plans to form a new political party in the United States after his relationship with President Trump deteriorated. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store