Stellantis Boss Admits Old Chrysler Cabins Felt Like Cheap Water Pistols

Ralph Gilles, the design boss at Stellantis, has spoken candidly about the poor quality of Chrysler‘s interiors in the pre-bankruptcy era, describing them as ‘water-pistol grade’. Gilles, a veteran of the company, credited the 2008 Audi A4’s cabin for inspiring a complete design rethink. He recalled being frustrated with the cheap feel of Chrysler’s cabins compared to the competition, but this frustration eventually led to a shift in quality, as seen in vehicles like the 2009 Ram 1500. Today, Stellantis prioritizes user experience, with a team of over 180 UX designers working on elements like infotainment systems. Gilles noted that the challenge now is not making interiors better, but knowing when to stop, as the company has been exceeding the competitive set. The improvement in interior quality is evident in vehicles like the Jeep Wagoneer, a far cry from the subpar cabins of the past, such as the second-gen Sebring, which was criticized for its hard, grey plastics and lack of design flair.