Engineering A New Generation of Small Cars: Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare

Chrysler Corporation used a mini-systems approach in the design and manufacture of a new generation of small cars, not merely new models. These cars are the Plymouth Volare and Dodge Aspen. A new generation of cars is defined as a full line of vehicles - 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, and 4-door station wagon - which offer customers new values for this size car, especially in the areas of rideability, handling, fuel efficiency, visibility, roominess, comfort, quietness and amenities. In addition, a new generation of cars means an adaptable and cost-efficient product that, because of its design and manufacturing flexibility, can serve as a model for the resizing and redesign of the corporation's complete line of cars in the last half of this decade. The enormous complexities involved in this development, including intensive simplification and standardization programs, can best be guided and managed as system, rather than by analyzing the many pieces of the task and attempting to optimize the individual elements. This approach is the only presently known way of stopping costs from escalating. Engineers by training, if not also by instinct, understand the necessity for a systems approach better than other professionals and are in position to assume a leadership role in establishing and constantly refining a systems approach that is corporate-wide and is effective in coping with the unpredictable worldwide market conditions we face in the years ahead.