But all domestics will once again have to up their standards even farther than recent gains have got them, evidenced by the 2006 Toyota Avalon's cabin which mimics Lexus interior design and quality, and at the lower end of the market, Hyundai's new Sonata and Tucson, which feature Audi-like metal and rubberized switchgear plus excellent fit and finish.
 |
| DaimlerChrysler is going to have to work very hard and improve constantly to win over conquest buyers from the Asian brands, and keep them. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The domestics, and especially Chrysler Group, seem ready to do battle no matter what it takes, and therefore at least the number three domestic automaker stands a good chance of gaining market share along the way.
Once again, it will be styling, performance and price points that will attract people into the showrooms and cause conquest buyers to take the plunge, but if Chrysler can't keep its new customers happy, many of which have experienced the benefits of living with Asian brands, all of its work to garner new sales will be for naught when it comes time to tally up customer retention rates. For this reason it must reach its goals by 2007, when Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Charger buyers will be thinking about trading in.