Chrysler responds to Clark's comments on clarkhoward.com

If you heard Clark recently talking about Chrysler, you know that he expressed concerns about the company's financial health since they're privately held and don't report losses like other automakers. In today's challenging economy, it's not uncommon for car companies to struggle with decreasing sales. Clark just doesn't want to see consumers having their warranties ignored in the event that the company folds. He was very careful to emphasize that he had no inside knowledge about whether Chrysler is ailing or not. How could he if they don't disclose that info?

Well, the Chrysler people got very upset with Clark and promptly contacted him. They sent us the following statement and asked that we read it on air and post it on the website:

  The statements recently made during the Clark Howard Show regarding   Chrysler LLC "going bust" and not honoring its vehicle warranties are   simply unfounded and untrue.

  There are no plans for Chrysler to go out of business, abandon its dealer   network, or default on its vehicle warranties.

  Chrysler has established long-term product plans and has shown its   commitment to its customer base and employees by forming strategic   partnerships, recently with Nissan.

  Chrysler LLC has ample liquidity. We are fully funded with working capital   to meet our present and future needs and objectives. We are putting our   capital to work effectively and efficiently, streamlining inventory,   improving current products and developing new and innovative vehicles.

Let's clarify something about Clark's original remarks made on April 2, 2008. He never said Chrysler is filing for bankruptcy. This rebuttal doesn't address his concern that dealers need to seek firm assurance from corporate that warranties will be honored no matter what. Buyers deserve more than just words; they need it in writing.

Clark remembers the calls he took from people when Korean automaker Daewoo went bust and didn't honor its warranties. Once bitten, twice shy. A lack of transparency sows seeds of doubt.

What others are saying

Buy What
I have purchased over 22 vehicles since 1968 including 6 Pontiacs’; 5 Chrysler/Dodge; 3 Fords; 2 Chev’s, a Nissan; a Mazda; an a Opel-GT. I currently own of two Hyundai Sonatas (2007; 2009) recently trading a 2004 Sonata for the 09’ (I put over 110,000 miles on the 04’ with only a timing belt; oil change and tires). Even our grown children collectively own 3 Toyotas and a Ford Fusion. I considered a Fusion myself but the owner loyalty program at Hyundai was to good to pass up.
By Ed @ 06/30/09 05:20:20 PMreport abuse
Chevrolet dealership
Clark I didn't know you would post my comments about dealer ship on the internet I thought it would be just between you and me , I want you to remove my comments from the internet I only wanted your help in writting a letter to dealership not to be made pubic John Hall first time doing this.
By John Hall @ 04/19/09 09:32:57 PMreport abuse
Chrysler Cars
I've had some bad experiences with
Chrysler products in the past and so
have other people that I know. I have
ALWAYS had good luck with GM products
and my favorite car of all-time is a
Pontiac that I have owned for many years
I WOULD NOT buy a japanese car because I feel that american cars are very dependable (except for Chrysler) and I like to keep americans working. Call it patriotism if you like but it sure does make sense to help our troubled economy
that many of you out there have unwittingly helped to cripple by buying
japanese cars.
By Bill O @ 03/13/09 03:14:51 PMreport abuse
Chrysler
I would rather push a honda then drive a crysler
By Bleo @ 03/07/09 09:56:53 AMreport abuse
Clark and cars
Clark knows very little about cars and it is one area where he is a hypocrite. How many times does he say he's willing to accept lower quality for a lower price? Then he goes out and buys expensive Honda and Toyota products. No, I won't pick on him for his wife's really expensive car, that's not his fault.

I have a Chrysler in my driveway. It's got 125k miles on it with zero problems except a battery that died without warning. And I don't have the silly Honda/Toyota $500+ maintenance bill at 30k/60k/90k you all love to spend on your "reliable" Japanese cars.
By Mark @ 05/06/08 07:48:02 AMreport abuse
Honda?
To the poster below, the last car I would buy is a honda and the 2nd last is a Toyota. I have a 1996 Dodge Avenger and a 2000 Dodge Durango that have been flawless. I bought both of them new off the lot and they are still dailey drivers. All manufactures have some vehicles with problems, but I think the domestics have closed the gap dramatically with the best the Japanese makes have to offer. The reliability difference that still exists with some makes is so small that it isn't enough for me to warrant my purchase decision on. I buy based on style, performance, etc. Not the common vanilla looks of most honda's and toyotas.
By BTM @ 05/04/08 12:18:40 PMreport abuse
Privately held company and transparency
I would rather buy a Honda WITHOUT manufacturer's warranty.
By vg @ 05/04/08 11:32:13 AMreport abuse
Warranty
I would like Clark's advise on what our next step is...we have a Dodge Durango(3yrs old 60,000 miles) the motor froze up(no warning...they are declining to honor the 70,000mile 7 yr bumper to bumper warranty and are giving us the runaround it has been almost 3 weeks now.
By Kim @ 05/04/08 12:28:38 AMreport abuse
all american made cars in trouble
thats right, the junk they have put on the market. I just rented a sebring and a mustang, and they were junk, even with under 10,000 miles. They might as well fold their tents now and save face. Ouch!
By Woody @ 05/03/08 07:17:04 PMreport abuse
GMAC Demand Notes
I would like Clarks opinion on putting some of my money in GMAC Demand Notes. I realize my money would not be insured. I am a GM employee and have invested money in these in the past. I really would appreciate your opinion on this one way or another. A yes or no would be sufficient. Thanks, Randy
By Randy Gorman @ 05/03/08 03:56:29 PMreport abuse
The Best Automotive Reliability Information Site
This site below is fascinating. Organized hard data, collected and reported. No fluff. No JD Power (the worst imho)

http://www.autooninfo.net/index.html

Ever seen this site Clarksters? :-)
By Adam Hume @ 05/03/08 02:56:08 AMreport abuse
May 2nd radio show
You mentioned a web site today that you said we would be surprised at how much information they could show us about us but I didn't catch the website so could someone let me know.
By Ed Edgerton @ 05/02/08 11:34:54 PMreport abuse
2002 Chrysler Sebring
Attn Mr. Clark Howard:

I recetly purchased a 2002 Chrysler Sebring (AS IS) with a 2 1/2 yr. warranty on March 11, 2008. It was taken back to the Spartan Lincoln Mercury Dealership - Atlanta, GA (Metropolitan Parkway)for them to repair. Was told that it was a cap loose that was from the antifreeze and thats the reason for it running hot with the mist. They of course repaired this I thought minor problem. With approx. only 3 weeks of purchase on my way back from the Dr's Office as I was driving down the Interstate the vehicle beganned to jerk that I had to pull over on the side of the interstate. When I was able to come to a complete stop. I tried to restart the vehicle but to my dismay, it did not start up. I then contacted my Insurance Company to make them aware of this situation and was told that I would be reimburse with towing fees. I then contacted the SAPRTAN LINCOLN MERCURY Dealership (Metropolitan Pkwy) Atlanta, GA from which I purchased this vehicle to make them aware of the situation also. They stated to me that I have a warraty on the vehicle and to contact Landmark Dodge Chrysler Jeep on Mt. Zion Road in Morroow GA. And that my warranty should cover whatever repairs and problems. The following day I had the vehicle towed again to Landmark Dodge. I was then instructed that I would be contacted by the auto technician with the status of the vehicle. After a week I received a phone call at work from the automotive techinician who stated that my entire engine had blown a head. I stated to the technician as to what happened to create the problem. He, stated that there was a leaking in the water pump and this water made it's way into to engine therefore, creating this problem. I then contacted the Dealership to state this same information. Again, I was told that my Warranty should cover this problem. To make a long story short Mr. Howard, this problem still exist and there has been not been any speedy resolution. The Wynn's Warranty Company is saying that it was a neglect on my part and the Dealership do not want to take any responsibility or accountability. I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place and don't know what to do or whom to talk too. I've also financed this vehicle, so I'm also making payments. PlEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!
By Benita L. Arnold @ 05/02/08 12:18:52 PMreport abuse
The automobile warrenties are no more than a tool to get customers to bring their vehicles back to the dealership so they can rip them off again.
By Roger @ 05/02/08 09:33:49 AMreport abuse
Why single out Chrysler?
The reason Chrysler was singled out is "they're privately held and don't report losses like other automakers".
By Captain Obvious @ 05/02/08 07:51:41 AMreport abuse
Chrysler issue
I really love Clark Howard's show, and I've learned a lot through the years from listening to him, but I have to say I think Chrysler has a right to be upset. If indeed Clark Howard didn't have any inside information regarding Chrysler's future (and I believe him when he says he didn't), I think powerful statements such as this one should be kept more generic. Couldn't this issue apply to any automaker? From what I understand, they're ALL dealing with reduced sales; why single out Chrysler? Clark Howard has a great reputation and a LOT of clout. I'm sure he didn't mean to make this a self-fulfilling prophecy, but he shouldn't underestimate his impact. Thank you.
By Shilo @ 05/02/08 01:20:36 AMreport abuse

Buy What

I have purchased over 22 vehicles since 1968 including 6 Pontiacs’; 5 Chrysler/Dodge; 3 Fords; 2 Chev’s, a Nissan; a Mazda; an a Opel-GT. I currently own of two Hyundai Sonatas (2007; 2009) recently trading a 2004 Sonata for the 09’ (I put over 110,000 miles on the 04’ with only a timing belt; oil change and tires). Even our grown children collectively own 3 Toyotas and a Ford Fusion. I considered a Fusion myself but the owner loyalty program at Hyundai was to good to pass up.

By Ed @ 06/30/09 05:20:20 PMreport abuse

Chevrolet dealership

Clark I didn't know you would post my comments about dealer ship on the internet I thought it would be just between you and me , I want you to remove my comments from the internet I only wanted your help in writting a letter to dealership not to be made pubic John Hall first time doing this.

By John Hall @ 04/19/09 09:32:57 PMreport abuse

Chrysler Cars

I've had some bad experiences with
Chrysler products in the past and so
have other people that I know. I have
ALWAYS had good luck with GM products
and my favorite car of all-time is a
Pontiac that I have owned for many years
I WOULD NOT buy a japanese car because I feel that american cars are very dependable (except for Chrysler) and I like to keep americans working. Call it patriotism if you like but it sure does make sense to help our troubled economy
that many of you out there have unwittingly helped to cripple by buying
japanese cars.

By Bill O @ 03/13/09 03:14:51 PMreport abuse

Chrysler

I would rather push a honda then drive a crysler

By Bleo @ 03/07/09 09:56:53 AMreport abuse

Clark and cars

Clark knows very little about cars and it is one area where he is a hypocrite. How many times does he say he's willing to accept lower quality for a lower price? Then he goes out and buys expensive Honda and Toyota products. No, I won't pick on him for his wife's really expensive car, that's not his fault.

I have a Chrysler in my driveway. It's got 125k miles on it with zero problems except a battery that died without warning. And I don't have the silly Honda/Toyota $500+ maintenance bill at 30k/60k/90k you all love to spend on your "reliable" Japanese cars.

By Mark @ 05/06/08 07:48:02 AMreport abuse

Honda?

To the poster below, the last car I would buy is a honda and the 2nd last is a Toyota. I have a 1996 Dodge Avenger and a 2000 Dodge Durango that have been flawless. I bought both of them new off the lot and they are still dailey drivers. All manufactures have some vehicles with problems, but I think the domestics have closed the gap dramatically with the best the Japanese makes have to offer. The reliability difference that still exists with some makes is so small that it isn't enough for me to warrant my purchase decision on. I buy based on style, performance, etc. Not the common vanilla looks of most honda's and toyotas.

By BTM @ 05/04/08 12:18:40 PMreport abuse

Privately held company and transparency

I would rather buy a Honda WITHOUT manufacturer's warranty.

By vg @ 05/04/08 11:32:13 AMreport abuse

Warranty

I would like Clark's advise on what our next step is...we have a Dodge Durango(3yrs old 60,000 miles) the motor froze up(no warning...they are declining to honor the 70,000mile 7 yr bumper to bumper warranty and are giving us the runaround it has been almost 3 weeks now.

By Kim @ 05/04/08 12:28:38 AMreport abuse

all american made cars in trouble

thats right, the junk they have put on the market. I just rented a sebring and a mustang, and they were junk, even with under 10,000 miles. They might as well fold their tents now and save face. Ouch!

By Woody @ 05/03/08 07:17:04 PMreport abuse

GMAC Demand Notes

I would like Clarks opinion on putting some of my money in GMAC Demand Notes. I realize my money would not be insured. I am a GM employee and have invested money in these in the past. I really would appreciate your opinion on this one way or another. A yes or no would be sufficient. Thanks, Randy

By Randy Gorman @ 05/03/08 03:56:29 PMreport abuse

The Best Automotive Reliability Information Site

This site below is fascinating. Organized hard data, collected and reported. No fluff. No JD Power (the worst imho)

http://www.autooninfo.net/index.html

Ever seen this site Clarksters? :-)

By Adam Hume @ 05/03/08 02:56:08 AMreport abuse

May 2nd radio show

You mentioned a web site today that you said we would be surprised at how much information they could show us about us but I didn't catch the website so could someone let me know.

By Ed Edgerton @ 05/02/08 11:34:54 PMreport abuse

2002 Chrysler Sebring

Attn Mr. Clark Howard:

I recetly purchased a 2002 Chrysler Sebring (AS IS) with a 2 1/2 yr. warranty on March 11, 2008. It was taken back to the Spartan Lincoln Mercury Dealership - Atlanta, GA (Metropolitan Parkway)for them to repair. Was told that it was a cap loose that was from the antifreeze and thats the reason for it running hot with the mist. They of course repaired this I thought minor problem. With approx. only 3 weeks of purchase on my way back from the Dr's Office as I was driving down the Interstate the vehicle beganned to jerk that I had to pull over on the side of the interstate. When I was able to come to a complete stop. I tried to restart the vehicle but to my dismay, it did not start up. I then contacted my Insurance Company to make them aware of this situation and was told that I would be reimburse with towing fees. I then contacted the SAPRTAN LINCOLN MERCURY Dealership (Metropolitan Pkwy) Atlanta, GA from which I purchased this vehicle to make them aware of the situation also. They stated to me that I have a warraty on the vehicle and to contact Landmark Dodge Chrysler Jeep on Mt. Zion Road in Morroow GA. And that my warranty should cover whatever repairs and problems. The following day I had the vehicle towed again to Landmark Dodge. I was then instructed that I would be contacted by the auto technician with the status of the vehicle. After a week I received a phone call at work from the automotive techinician who stated that my entire engine had blown a head. I stated to the technician as to what happened to create the problem. He, stated that there was a leaking in the water pump and this water made it's way into to engine therefore, creating this problem. I then contacted the Dealership to state this same information. Again, I was told that my Warranty should cover this problem. To make a long story short Mr. Howard, this problem still exist and there has been not been any speedy resolution. The Wynn's Warranty Company is saying that it was a neglect on my part and the Dealership do not want to take any responsibility or accountability. I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place and don't know what to do or whom to talk too. I've also financed this vehicle, so I'm also making payments. PlEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

By Benita L. Arnold @ 05/02/08 12:18:52 PMreport abuse

The automobile warrenties are no more than a tool to get customers to bring their vehicles back to the dealership so they can rip them off again.

By Roger @ 05/02/08 09:33:49 AMreport abuse

Why single out Chrysler?

The reason Chrysler was singled out is "they're privately held and don't report losses like other automakers".

By Captain Obvious @ 05/02/08 07:51:41 AMreport abuse

Chrysler issue

I really love Clark Howard's show, and I've learned a lot through the years from listening to him, but I have to say I think Chrysler has a right to be upset. If indeed Clark Howard didn't have any inside information regarding Chrysler's future (and I believe him when he says he didn't), I think powerful statements such as this one should be kept more generic. Couldn't this issue apply to any automaker? From what I understand, they're ALL dealing with reduced sales; why single out Chrysler? Clark Howard has a great reputation and a LOT of clout. I'm sure he didn't mean to make this a self-fulfilling prophecy, but he shouldn't underestimate his impact. Thank you.

By Shilo @ 05/02/08 01:20:36 AMreport abuse

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May 01, 2008 -- Chrysler responds to Clark's comments

What others are saying