Ralph Gilles - Yes, I hear it all the time! But I'm no longer a new guy; I've been working at Chrysler for 16 years already. I think being young is an advantage since my designers are all pretty young, too. I can relate to them while being old enough to get on the same page as my superiors. Really, I'm in a perfect situation.
Auto123.com - What is your next challenge?
Ralph Gilles - Achieving world-class quality. That's how I want consumers to perceive our products. We'll do it, one model at a time. Two years from now, you'll be telling me: "Wow, Ralph! I see what you were talking about!" Honestly, the entire company now embraces this philosophy. We're a taking a whole new approach to product development. I've been here for a long time and I've seen many other strategies. However, this one is different. We're paying more attention to detail, quality and consumer feedback.
Auto123.com - How does it all translate into your vehicles?
Ralph Gilles - Take a look at the 2009 Jeep Patriot. The interior layout, the looks, the impression it leaves on people, the quality of materials, the soft-touch controls... these are the sort of little things that ultimately make the difference.
Auto123.com - During a recent interview, you said that you're aiming toward a sexier, more organic styling direction. Could you explain that?
Ralph Gilles - I'm thinking about an integrated, homogeneous design. Beauty through time involves a holistic character. Any product has to be visually and emotionally appealing, not just from a technical standpoint.
Auto123.com - Does this mean the end of all things "retro"?
RalphGilles - Not at all. I believe that you can always have fun playingwith retro themes. The Challenger is a perfect example of modern retro!
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| The Challenger is a perfect example of modern retro! |
Auto123.com - What is your next challenge?
Ralph Gilles - Achieving world-class quality. That's how I want consumers to perceive our products. We'll do it, one model at a time. Two years from now, you'll be telling me: "Wow, Ralph! I see what you were talking about!" Honestly, the entire company now embraces this philosophy. We're a taking a whole new approach to product development. I've been here for a long time and I've seen many other strategies. However, this one is different. We're paying more attention to detail, quality and consumer feedback.
Auto123.com - How does it all translate into your vehicles?
Ralph Gilles - Take a look at the 2009 Jeep Patriot. The interior layout, the looks, the impression it leaves on people, the quality of materials, the soft-touch controls... these are the sort of little things that ultimately make the difference.
Auto123.com - During a recent interview, you said that you're aiming toward a sexier, more organic styling direction. Could you explain that?
Ralph Gilles - I'm thinking about an integrated, homogeneous design. Beauty through time involves a holistic character. Any product has to be visually and emotionally appealing, not just from a technical standpoint.
Auto123.com - Does this mean the end of all things "retro"?
RalphGilles - Not at all. I believe that you can always have fun playingwith retro themes. The Challenger is a perfect example of modern retro!
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| The engine performance is sold by Mopar. |