Regarding the price of entry, in a recent news report (see Chrysler 300C to Compete with Camry and Accord on Price, November 19, 2003), Chrysler Group vice president of marketing Tom Marinelli commented that the brand's new V8 powered rear-wheel drive LX cars (Magnum and 300 Series) will be priced to compete directly with V6 versions of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, among others.
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| The Magnum will be a welcome addition to DaimlerChrysler Canada's lineup, but its volume potential is unknown. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
Just how close DaimlerChrysler Canada manages to get to its popular Japanese rivals' price points will be important, as the domestic brand will not only be replacing the front-wheel drive 300M with the new RWD 300 Series, but also the popular value priced Intrepid sedan and more luxurious Concorde sedan will fall by the wayside in the process - the top-of-the-line LHS was replaced by the Concorde Limited in 2002.
While a larger Mitsubishi Galant-based Sebring replacement is expected, its arrival will be a fair wait for dealers looking to fill the mid to large car void left by the $25,000+ Intrepid anytime soon. The Magnum will be a welcome addition without a doubt, but its volume potential is unknown. It will be interesting to see how Chrysler Group's new strategy plays out.
The Magnum will be built alongside the 2005 Chrysler 300 Series at DaimlerChrysler Canada's Brampton (Ontario) Assembly Plant starting in early 2004, with availability at dealerships in the spring.