Chrysler's turning 100. 100 years of people first innovations. From inventing the first plug-in hybrid minivan with StowandGo seating to reimagining what's next with the Hian concept, Chrysler has always put people at the center. Here's to the last century of innovation and the next century to come.
Hey. Hey. It's Jamie here in Detroit. On this week's bonus episode of Daily Drive, we'll hear more of our conversation from earlier this week with supply chain executives and experts about what the latest tariff twists and turns mean for parts makers. But first, as we talked about on Thursday's show, Chrysler celebrated a huge milestone this week. The brand turned 100 years old and rang in a new century with an event on Detroit's Bell Aisle. If you missed my interview with Chrysler CEO Chris Fuel, go back and check out that episode. Also after the event, automotive news Stellantis reporter Vince Bond Jr. spoke with the automaker's design chief, Ralph Gilles. Here's their conversation.
When you look back on Chrysler's history, what do you think is the most enduring part of his legacy?
Innovation. It really is. I mean, a lot of firsts with Chrysler, a lot of risk-taking, a lot of segment busters, and a lot of brave ideas.
And then what were some of the most impactful designs in Chrysler's history?
When I look at some failures, the Airflow didn't do so well, but it really was the first car to enclose the wheels, let's say, and look at aerodynamics seriously, look at safety. So, a lot of innovations in that vehicle, and that spirit is underneath all Chryslers, you know, this idea of taking on the giants, you know, this upstart. So, that's been with us, whether it's the minivan, which has gone over 40 years as a success story, to even the beloved PT Cruiser. It came and went, but wow, what a story that was when it showed up.
And so, you mentioned the Airflows. They had a tough time when it came out. I heard it was almost like too forward looking. Exactly. So, what happened with that car?
It was about 10 years ahead of its time and it was a little too sleek for people. They were used to the loose fenders and all that. But you know, the impact of it, and the idea that you can create something, take a chance. And back then, they pivoted, moved on with other things, too.
Okay. And then my other favorite era for me is the forward look, the Virgil Exner, the big grilles, you know, the fin cars, you know, the rocket age that met the automobile. And you mentioned Exner. And so looking back throughout Chrysler's history, who were some of the designers that stood out?
Oh, Virgil Exner for sure. He had a very long stint and really made the Chrysler brand absolutely relevant. And my hero Tom Gale and John Herlitz and Trevor Creed oversaw the elegant period when we went from the K cars to the cab forward look with the 300M, the LHS, the Kronos concept cars. Yeah, Latique. Just a beautiful time. You know, the mid-90s to me were the absolute pinnacle of Chrysler's forging forward with beautiful cars.
And so, how has Chrysler's design evolved over the years?
I think we're classy. I would say our cars age well. You know, the 300 only went out of production, but it had almost a 20-year run, and it still looks good on the road today. And the Pacifica to me is still one of the most handsome monospace, most purposeful vehicles that we make. And now we're experimenting out loud. We've done a concept car for Chrysler over the last four years. We have one almost every year. The latest one is the Hian, which is our sleekest, lowest, most beautiful design. All about aerodynamics, but also about function and a new way to get people to fall in love with low cars, which are more efficient. When you look at battery electric vehicles, getting the car slender is more efficient. So, we're trying to get people to like that, to understand that, to fall in love again with low riders.
And for the 300. I mean, what was the key behind the staying power for that car?
Proportions, good stance. It really had good bones and it wasn't overstyled, right? So, a lot of different customers. If you had asked me back in 2004, who would be the customer for Chrysler, I would have gotten it wrong. It turned out to be a lot younger, much more urban customer. And people modified the car like a hot rod. So, it really served a completely different purpose and customer than we imagined. But all of that is good. And then we had some fun along the way with special editions and the SRT and all that. So, good times.
All right. And then just looking back, I mean, do you think design was like one of the things that really helped Chrysler stand out over the years?
