Distinguished members of MoparForums.com,

My name is Scott Vandekerckhove. I am a new member here at this forum and I am on a mission. A mission for all of you, to be exact.

Let me cut right to the chase, I work for Chrysler on the Auto Show/Specialty Event Circuit all across the country. I work under the title of “Product Specialist.” When I am not on the Auto Show floor, I am actively involved in grass roots marketing activities, most often in Dodge. In fact, it is likely that I have met several of the members here in person at some time or another.

The highlight of my work, thus far, was a nationwide tour showcasing the Dodge Challenger when it was launched back in 2008. Our exploits were chronicled on RedLetterDodge.com, Dodge’s official blog (I am sure you are aware of). To prove I am who I say I am, please view the following links as proof...

Challenger Trip publicized on Insideline.com...
http://www.insideline.com/dodge/chal...oad-trips.html

Dodge’s Official Flickr page with photos from the tour...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dodgech...7606825358516/

Sirius Radio Blog interview that featured me with the Challenger while in NYC...
http://siriusbuzz.com/dodge-challeng...d-whistles.php

Blog post from National Speed in Wilmington, NC...
http://www.nationalspeedinc.com/blog...-came-to-town/

With the Challenger currently in full swing, and an all new Charger fast on the horizon, things are really starting to heat up.

But without the loyal fan base of Mopar enthusiasts throughout the world, where would we be?

That said, I am trying to find out what exactly Mopar clubs want from Dodge? In particular, Charger and Challenger fans everywhere.

It could be any number of things:
-Is it a centralized Official website dedicated exclusively to the clubs?
-Is it a special event held exclusively for the clubs?
-Would you want more opportunities to interact with Dodge engineers and marketing reps? Focus groups?
-Or is it a vehicle giveaway that you desire?

Bottom line: What can be done to make a true impact on the clubs? Something specific and unique that you would all enjoy!

Also, what is the best way for us to communicate with all of you in mass? What is the quickest, most direct way of getting in contact with EVERYONE?!!!

This is your opportunity to voice your ideas. We want to hear what’s on your mind. Be inventive. Be honest. Be yourselves.

Feel free to email me directly at SRV@EVENTSOLUTIONS.NET

Thanks for listening. I truly look forward to hearing all you have to share. And, by all means, spread this around so that we get as much input as possible.


Sincerely,
Scott Vandekerckhove
srv@eventsolutions.net

 

I'm a Mopar guy as well as a car guy. I administrate another popular site that promotes events all over the country. (nearly 3000 were listed last year) I also shoot a local TV show (cable) and speak to many different car guys. I think something that would greatly impact the car guys on a club level is manufacturer participation. When a club is having an event, have the local dealer participate in that event. Bring the latest hod-rod offering and allow the car guys to drive the car. I'm talking about HONESTLY drive the car. not just around a parking lot but maybe set up an autocross course, or a drag race day. I'm not suggesting beating the cars but rather let the future owner feel what the car will be like when they actually have it parked in their own driveway or are cruising ti to work Monday morning. The old race addage was win on sunday sell on Moday. Well, lets cruise the cars on sunday and sell on Monday. Also, donations to clubs in the forms of manufacturers parts/performance discounts, again these need to be honest discounts, not the cursory 10 to 15 percent off list price. (those deals are all over the place) The Viper program was a "customer loyalty" type program where the previous owners had first dibs on a new model being offered. Mopar owners no matter how old should be entitled to a customer loyalty discount or privileges that a ford or chevy owner don't qualify for.

Get active in the car hobby, these are the guys that are spending the money, these car guys are loyal to the marque they own. A hobbyist will always find a way to enjoy what ever recreational activity they participate in.

Go out, get involved, and get your cars involved too.

 

Crazy4cars knows his stuff, so listen to him. I appreciate the Vanishing Point reference in your handle. People on forums like this are already huge advocates for Chrysler products. There are ALOT of Mopar or no car people here, just look at the tag lines. I know that they would all appreciate some form of support from the mothership in order to keep the projects and hobbies going. The best way to show this is a meaningful discount when we go and spend money with you.

 

i agree with crazyforcars. the range of people here are very broad from australia to kentucky. from 18 yrs old to 65+. from 100 point show car to budget daily driver. participation from the big guys would be paramount. we are fighting to keep this hobby/way of life alive as long as possible and with backing from you guys it will survive long after we are all gone. discounts, events, sincere honest interaction with the everyday person is worth more i think then a giveaway of anykind. in my honest opinion knowledge is much more of a gift then any new car.

 

I guess I'll be the guy to say it.......

BRING BACK THE REAL HEMI!

It has been said before and it will be said again, a lot of us on this forum are true Mopar people. We'd rather drive a beat up Mopar than a brand new C#&$Y or F*!d or some cheap I*%&#T. I'm with Crazy though about having local dealer more involved with shows and events.

In the NH area, there is one local dealer that does sponsor quiet a ew events at the local drag strip among other sporting events and charities. It would be nice to see a actual Chrysler rep at some of these. I'm not saying all of them but maybe two or three of the larger events.

 

Parts Dept at local dealerships who go out of the way to find parts to keep our cars going is a plus. If I need a dealer only part I always go to M&L Motors in Lexington,NC the Parts Dept is great and the people go out of their way to help.

Here in Winston-Salem the only Chrysler dealer here their parts Dept won't talk to a person about parts for a older car and the people are rude and hang up. They don't seem to care that we need parts and a lot of support they get are from members who buy new cars from them. I do not deal with North Point Chrysler Jeep for that reason.

The Car Show point was already brought up and I agree more could be done there.

 

I like to see more reproduction parts. I like to see Chrysler support that more and come out to the local shows bringing some of the new hot rods and showing off some new parts for those old Mopars.

I hate when I see a Chevy or Ford parts vender offering the correct parts to save just about if not all from their car line.

If Dodge brought out the cars and stuff for the new models (hot rod add on) with new reproduction parts that would boost the hobby.

Also bring forms to fill out and mail in or email what parts we would like reproduced. We all need parts and not all of us own a Charger or Challenger new or old.

HELP GIVE US GOOD REPRODUCTION PARTS FOR OUR CLASSIC AND MUSCLE MOPARS.

 

It would be nice to see the "company" reward repeat customers and look after the customers that spend their hard earned on Mopar products for years and years. With customer service going the way of the dodo it would be nice to see a company step up.
And I agree with Tim, How about a 2012 Road Runner with a Hemi or some aluminum 440 stuffed into it.

 

I think you need to keep focus on the people who keep you alive, most of the people who have a mopar muscle car also have dodge daily drivers in the garage as well. i think that 37k is ridiculous for a new chally. it knocks most of us out of the market right there. 700 a month for 5 years for a car you wont ddrive in the winter is stupidity. you want to sell cars and stay in buisness, then keep them at a real price, 25k is a fair price and very comparable to the market in 70. in 70 you got a chally for 3600.00 a grocery boy caould till get one. i dont care what g.m. and ford are pricing their pony caras at, were talking about you making a real car at a real price where the average guy making 20 a year or less can still have one , and dont give me the carp about ohh, well thast why we hacve the calibur, and the avenger, what would you rather drive??? Get my point. For the last 5 years all the big three have come out with nice offerings, but you have to make 45k a year to buy one. If you think im being rude, than that shows me the truth has hit home, I really dont think im the only guy who feels this way here. How about a 2 door charger, while were on this point. if you made it a 2 door, and at 25k for the 6,1, I think your only prob would be not making enough of them. I work for G.M. and am telling you id buy a 2 door charger. Id buy a chaly. but only at 25k. just food for thought.

 

Mopar fans abroad,

I hope this note finds all of you well. With Christmas now behind us, I also hope that it was an enjoyable holiday for you and your families.

I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you. Thank you for contributing such valuable information to my forum post request. Thank you for taking time out of your busy days to share your thoughts. And thank you so much for your honesty.

I asked you all to be inventive. I asked you all to be yourselves. And you have all delivered in spades with the most raw, thought-provoking, and intense responses imaginable. I have even had the opportunity to speak with some of you on the phone. This has already far exceeded my expectations.

The outpouring of posts and emails is simply overwhelming. Literally hundreds of responses sit in front of me; printed out stacking nearly two inches in height. I have a lot of material to draw from. And please rest assured that not a single word of this will be wasted.

After reading many of the posts, however, I must address one concern of mine; that being your concern over my motivations and genuineness when it comes to this task.

First of all, I have been, and continue to be a devout fan and owner of Chrysler products. My very first vehicle was 1996 Plymouth Neon Sport Coupe. After that was a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Classic 4x4, followed by a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x2, and a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4. Currently, I drive a 2008 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab Laramie 4X4. So I drive the vehicles that I promote.

Furthermore, I have spent the last 4 years of my life proudly representing Chrysler on the Auto Show/Specialty Event circuit as a Product Specialist and continue to do so with great pride. In this position, I have had the pleasure to travel the country representing the greatest car company and car culture on Earth…Chrysler and their fans. For me, this has been the most rewarding experience of my life.

Last of all, I have spent nearly another 4 years actively working on Chrysler’s National Press Fleet here at ESI. In this time, I have had the distinct luxury to drive Chrysler products day-in and day-out; logging tens of thousands of miles behind the wheel. I deliver the cars to journalists; help out on new vehicle launches to the media; road test and detail the vehicles before loans; and inform the public about these cars. It has been a wild ride!

I have immense passion for all things Chrysler. I take, very seriously, the things I have been asked to research here and do so with absolutely no ill will whatsoever.

I ask you to please view this as the start of a dialogue; a way to express your feelings. I also ask for your patience as I explore your thoughts in mass quantities. I am currently working on this project alone until my team mate comes in on Monday. We are also working on other facets of this project. We love this! This is what we live for!

Some of you have asked if I will be at Auto Shows coming up. The answer is yes. I am currently scheduled to be at both Detroit and Washington D.C. Auto Shows in January. I will most likely be in Chicago as well come February. Beyond that, my schedule has not been finalized. If you are going to be at one of the aforementioned shows, stop by, ask for me, and we can chat there as well if you choose.

Please keep the thoughts coming. If possible, please send them directly to my email address of SRV@EVENTSOLUTIONS.NET. My messages get sent directly to my phone and it streamlines the information to one source. I am often on the road and away from my office and computer for long periods of time.

Rest assured, as well, that I am not compiling a huge email list solely to blast you with frivolous marketing SPAM. That CANNOT and WILL NOT happen here!

Just the facts; that is all I desire.

Thank you all again!

Sincerely,
Scott Vandekerckhove
SRV@EVENTSOLUTIONS.NET

 

The cars being built isn't what we want with the exception of the Chally. I would like to see Chrysler line include more cars like the Rapid Transit System of old. All being 2 Door models like a Dodge Demon or a Plymouth Duster with a 360/5 Speed for 10-15,000 or a Plymouth Road Runner that really started the Muscle car movement for Chrysler with a 360/6 speed as a base up to a Hemi 15,000-20,000 Including the Charger.

What was Great about Chrysler back in the day was great variety for all people no matter the income. Different colors (exterior and interiors).I don't need power windows,AM/FM CD players isn't needed or ac,rear window defost, Bring back steel wheels with poverty caps.There is so much back in the history of Chrysler Just take a look back.

I am sending this to your Email too.

 

Hello to the Mopar Community abroad.

I wanted to give you all a brief update on our quest for capturing your feedback towards the Dodge brand; specifically Challenger and Charger.

Your responses have been overwhelming, to say the very least. The passion displayed by forums all across the net is most impressive.

Due to the sheer quantity of responses, it has been nearly impossible to respond to each individual post. For that reason alone, we let the messages collect in mass and have just finished combing through them. Not a single word was passed over. In fact, responses still continue to surface.

The fan base has spoken very clearly as to what they truly desire. Glaring patterns have been established amongst the hundreds of replies we received.

That said, it is now our job to report your intelligence back to those who asked for it. All we ask for now is your patience.

This may be our last update for a little while, but that is not a bad thing. Organizing this material and presenting it takes careful planning. We are as eager as you all are to share this invaluable information.

And, by all means, if you have further input, share it! Email me directly at SRV@EVENTSOLUTIONS.NET. The offer to speak in person also stands as I will be at Auto Shows in Detroit, Washington D.C., Chicago, and beyond.

Thanks again for all your thoughts, and have a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,
Scott Vandekerckhove
SRV@EVENTSOLUTIONS.NET

 

i agree with all posts all are great ideas from the cars being much cheaper to chrysler dealers and vendors showing more support. my idea would be to bring back lower end 2 dr. sports cars drop the prices of the "hemi" cars and richen up the misizers. i can tell you as a nineteen year old in a bad economy driving a 1990 dodge daytona it feels good 2 pull up to a tiburon or a suped up civic and then watch em eat the exhaust smoke from my burnt valve seals. my point is that bringing back a car like the daytona or laser or just any 2 dr sports car would entice buyers like me to buy new or used cars like that. a car where i can say yea thats my girl she may not be a beamer or a fancy lil acura but when i push on that gas and feel that engine rumble thats when you know you wouldnt trade your car for any in the world. ahhh i love my daytona MOPAR rules all

 

Mopar loyalty is 10X more than frd and cheb. I am owner of an early challenger and an 02 Dakota R/t. The black paint is already rotting off the Dak (fairly pissed about that) and no the clear coat was not buffed thru. That said and as discusted as i am about the paint, my first choice for another vehicle would still be from Chrysler...
New is good but there still needs to be the connection (feeling) of the old. Sponsership is good, connection is better. Several months ago I attended the Anaheim car show with (sorry moparites) the Camaro5 forum. They were provided exclusive parking. and we personally met Scott Settlemire. The man credited with bringing to fruition both the original and new Camaro. He left the convention center with the Camaro5 group and went with them and autographed their cars. The convention crew needed to walk behind all these forum members with a shovel to clean up the droppings. Back to MOPAR. Provide Sponsership, History, personel behind the sceen information that only Mopar fans would be interested, anectdotes, where company came from and where it is going. Always with the old/vs new connection.

 

i agree with all that i said. im a young gun and i think getting involved more will bring more of the youth to it to help keep the hobby going. It would be great also if they would bring back the duster(make it dodge or call it a dart) like a retro version like they did with the challenger. stick a srt in it or even the 318. It would also be alot better if there would be more reproduction parts available.