Chrysler Titan Remembered

FCA USA LLC took some time recently to honor a great former CEO, John Riccardo, after his passing.Riccardo was 91, and according to all of his friends and family, he lived his life to the fullest. Nicknamed “The Flamethrower,” Riccardo was instrumental in making a number policy changes that helped bring Chrysler business steadily throughout the 20th century. His methods would go on to influence all of the major US brands and beyond.

It’s thanks to his expertise and insight that today we are able to appreciate the power of models like the 2016 Chrysler 300. Riccardo was never one to shy away from a fight, and his company prospered for it. According to the Detroit Free Press, former Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca described him thusly, “He blew himself out of the water to bring Chrysler back to life,” Iacocca wrote of Riccardo in his 1984 biography, Iacocca. “And that is the test of a real hero.”

Riccardo was certainly known as his own person within the auto industry and outside. The Detroit Free Press shared a moment from the past where he was questioned about his passions: “Brevity is the most important thing for me at this time,” Riccardo said in response to questions at a press conference in January 1970 to introduce the new Chrysler management team.

These are powerful recollections of an equally powerful person. Without Riccardo’s influence, Chrysler vehicles would be very different today! We want to honor his passions and efforts by inviting everyone to come visit us at Champion Dodge California. We’ve got a wealth of new and pre-owned Chrysler and Dodge models just for you at our Chrysler dealership serving Torrance! Feel free to test drive them as you see fit! Don’t be shy, come visit us today!