TO THE EDITOR:
Recent articles on the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA merger to form Stellantis were very informative and, at the same time, created an obituary for the name and brand Chrysler.
I grew up in my father’s Chrysler-Plymouth store (founded in 1942) and worked in the Dodge field organization from 1962 to late 1971, ending up as assistant regional manager in Denver.
In late ’71, I rejoined Dad, John Sr., and prior to his death in 1981 began buying him out. I owned and managed Fenzel Motor Sales until 2018.
During the 75 years we were in business, we won many distinguished dealer awards for both sales and service plus trips around the USA and the world.
The inspiration for our accomplishments was the legacy of W.P. Chrysler and then the leadership of Lee Iacocca. We stressed engineering, innovation and wartime can-do. We, and Iacocca, were guided by the spirit of the Kansas country boy who began his automotive quest in a small garage in Oelwein, Iowa, while working as a railroad mechanic.
I would venture to say that Walter Chrysler stood right up alongside the greatest of world and American automotive geniuses, such as Henry Ford, etc., in terms of accomplishment, innovation and business moxie.
It is my sincere desire that the new leadership stress and recognize what made Chrysler great: American engineering, excellence, performance and business accomplishment. May they maintain the name of Chrysler, and may God bless them in their efforts.
JOHN FENZEL, Sleepy Hollow, Ill.