Outlined below is the text and scanned image of a letter from DaimlerChrysler Corporation Historical Collection. It is from Bruce Thomas a corporate historian to a man named Nathan Breece. The letter written in 2004 outlines the historical impact of the Dodge A100 not only to Chrysler but also to the compact truck and van market as a whole. It also offers a behind the scenes look at the development and engineering of the A100.
December 8, 2004
Nathan Breece
Baltimore MD
RE: Information Request – Control #007021
Dear Mr. Breece,
The 1964-1970 A100 compact van, wagon and pickup are perhaps more historically significant than most people realize.
The 1964 Dodge A100 when introduced, had more options, more power and most importantly had durability, particularly from a structural standpoint than the competition and literally took the market by storm. This was not accidental and Dodge Truck production and market share increased substantially.
It was very fortunate that the A100 was so well received because Chrysler management had decreed in the early 1960’s that if Dodge Truck did not improve sales and production the Corporation would drop out of the truck market entirely.
In 1961 the entire truck Division was put on maintenance of product program wherein no new models were planned. The only work was on field complaints on existing products. Exploratory work did occur on possible new products and the compact truck market was studied. It looked like a winner if the right product was offered and preliminary work on the A100 commenced. Durability testing of the existing compacts at the Chrysler Proving Grounds at Chelsea, Michigan uncovered serious durability and performance problems on all the vehicles tested. After serious debates at a high level it was decided that if Dodge went ahead with the program the structural durability problems and performance problems would be solved even if major costs were incurred.
The decision to proceed was made and the durability and performance levels of previous Dodge Trucks adhered to with a superior vehicle being put on the market for the 1964 model year. It is interesting to note that the pickup version never achieved the success of the vans and wagons and was dropped when the B van and wagons debuted in 1970.
During the A100 production run Dodge kept offering new options, usually before the completion. Such items as power steering, automatic transmissions, V8’s, air conditioning, longer wheel base, etc., and kept Dodge the major player in the compact van and wagon sector.
The Walter P. Chrysler Museum usually features an A100 van as part of the Dodge Truck disaply.
Hope this helps answer your questions.
Regards,
Bruce R. Thomas
Corporate Historian
Displayed below is a scanned copy of the letter
Let us know what you think about this letter below…
Be the first to comment