The former Honeywell executive, hired by Stellantis in September, is ready for a rebuild. She’s been talking with prospective customers about their needs and said they want EVs laced with a hefty mix of technologies that enable them to easily carry on their digital lives in their vehicles.
This crowd, she said, would appreciate systems that point out nearby charging stations along their routes when they’re running low on power.
Feuell said a lot of Pacifica hybrid owners are in that group of tech-minded buyers, an encouraging sign that shows Chrysler has the ability to attract these people with the right products. The contingent Feuell wants to reach aligns closely with Tesla buyers — younger and raising families on household incomes surpassing $100,000.
The brand’s research indicates it’s heading in the right direction, she said. A study on brand positioning themes with younger buyers who didn’t know much about Chrysler found they would be receptive to the Airflow after seeing images of it.
The company says the concept, which allows passengers to participate in video meetings, will have 350 to 400 miles of electric range and be based on the STLA Large platform. The Airflow has Level 3 autonomous capabilities through the STLA AutoDrive system, developed in partnership with BMW, that can be upgraded over the air.
It isn’t clear how close the Airflow is to the electric crossover Chrysler plans to launch by 2025.
AutoForecast Solutions believes Chrysler’s crossover will be built alongside the electrified, next-generation Dodge Challenger and Charger muscle cars that will reside on the same platform. The firm predicts that these models will be produced at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, the current home of the Jeep Cherokee.
Feuell said the production site for Chrysler’s first EV hasn’t been finalized.
