Chrysler Group Sales are Up Overall
With the kind of sales success Chrysler's new 2005 300 is having over traditional luxury marques, the domestic brand should have dug up an old name from the past and dubbed it the Conquest.
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| According to early data, it looks like some Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus owners are trading their cars in for Chrysler's new 2005 300. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
As reported by Automotive News, the Power Information Network has stated owners of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus models are starting to trade up to the Chrysler 300, at least in small numbers based on early buyer data.
It makes sense that premium luxury buyers would consider Chrysler's new 300-series sedan over top-tier European, high-end Asian and direct luxury competitors from Cadillac and Lincoln. Buyers aren't as brand loyal as they used to be, and the 300, especially in HEMI-powered 300C form, offers a lot of car for the money.
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| Why the jump to Chrysler? It comes down to the 300 being more car for less money. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Why would an Audi or Acura owner trade up to a Chrysler? Quite simply the 300 comes to market with a more distinctive design, greater interior room, a full load of luxury features and superior performance over the majority of rivals, all for a much more attractive price - V6 300s start at $29,995 while the 340 horsepower 300C with its HEMI V8 delivers an astounding 390 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels - an all-wheel drive version will be available in the fall - is available at $42,995. The fact that the domestic sedan sports Mercedes-Benz derived suspension, steering, driveline and active safety components doesn't hurt its case either.
With such attributes in mind, a luxury import buyer can trade-in an out-of-warranty BMW or Lexus for an equally or better equipped Chrysler 300, featuring one of the nation's longest powertrain warranties, and come out with cash in hand. In today's price sensitive economy, such is hardly a difficult decision for many consumers to make.