The Garfield Heights Rad Air recently saw a Chrysler Crossfire in the auto shop and we learned a little bit of automotive trivia. So we decided to quiz our Facebook followers with the following question: Which 2004 model year Chrysler was the first true collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler?
In 1998, Daimler-Benz (the parent company of Mercedes-Benz) took over Chrysler Corporation. The takeover left a bad taste in the mouths of American Chrysler executives and the merger did not initially lead to any collaborative work between the two companies. However, Chrysler then got access to Mercedes-Benz parts and technology after the merger which allowed them to design the popular Crossfire. The Crossfire was designed in 2001 and went into production in 2003 for the 2004 model year. The cars were built in Germany and were imported to the United States.
The Crossfire shares 80% of its components with other Mercedes-Benz models, however the interior is more representative of Chrysler. The materials used and fonts used in dashboard components are reminiscent of Chrysler heritage.
Our Facebook friend Bobbie Jo answered correctly and took home 4 tickets to Pumpkin Village at Mapleside Farms in Brunswick, Ohio! Follow us on Facebook for fun facts, trivia questions and auto repair news!