Not all Chrysler group dealers are convinced that the company's high-stakes bet on rear-wheel drive is a sure thing.
Chrysler group executives at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention in Las Vegas reiterated their bullish expectations for the rear-drive Dodge Magnum wagon and Chrysler 300 sedan.
But they will need to convince consumers -- and dealers -- that the rear-drive configuration preferred by upscale German brands is as good as front-wheel drive in the snow.
As for the argument that new technology such as stability control has improved the performance of rear-drive vehicles in foul weather, don't believe it, says John Isaacson.He is CEO of Lee Auto Malls, which sell nine domestic and import brands at five locations in southern Maine, where winter is the real deal.
Says Isaacson: "Every winter, our body shop does a great business fixing BMWs that have slid into the guardrail."
