The Brother That Helped Save Chrysler cont'd
J: Hey Ralph, tell the readers of jeffcars.com , how and at what age did you become interested in the field of automotive design?
RG: Ever since I was a kid, I would modify pictures of cars in ads or books. The vehicles of the 1980's were, for the most part, in a dire state so my curiosity and love of vehicles helped me to sketch and change things -- at least where I could.
J: When you were charged with the task of designing the 300, were you expecting the vehicle to be a home run and revolutionize the Chrysler group?
RG: There was a very talented team that spent years honing and refining what the 300 would ultimately become. Our motto and mantra is to never let up, never accept tepid designs and to make bold decisions based on "educated risks." The 300 was one of those risks - understanding that rear wheel drive creates a certain proportion that does not exist on front wheel drive; that cars that look purely and unapologetically American are respected and finally, that bold design that creates extreme love reactions and extreme hate reaction can cause a strong passion that makes a difference in the industry. We're proud of the reaction but we are never satisfied. More to come, is all I can say!
J: At a time when the domestic automakers are suffering with what some critics and industry analyst are calling stodgy designs and financial woes, as a person of color, how does it feel knowing that your design influence with the Chrysler 300 has helped to revive the Chrysler group?
G: I am honored and humbled to have been told by so many young people and people of all colors that I'm an inspiration to them. I sometimes don't know how to react to it because really, I'm just doing something I love and feel passionate about.
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