Chrysler CCV
Encyclopedia
The Chrysler
CCV (CCV stands for Composite Concept Vehicle) was a concept car designed by Bryan Nesbitt
to illustrate new means of construction suitable for developing nations.
The car is a tall, fairly roomy 4 door sedan, of modest dimensions. The designers at Chrysler
note they were inspired to create a modernised Citroën 2CV
.
The Chrysler CCV featured an injection-molded plastic body with a fabric roof and an air-cooled 2-cylinder engine driving the front wheels. It was designed to be cheap and easy to manufacture in countries with poor transportation and utilities infrastructure and minimal access to capital and skilled labor. The car's simplicity would have ensured longevity and reliability in harsh conditions, and made it easy for owners to do their own maintenance and repair work. Despite its lightweight construction, the CCV performed well in front and rear crash tests, although its lack of structural support in the doors and side pillars would have prevented sales in first world markets.
The CCV was initially developed in the mid-1990s, and earmarked for production, beginning with a joint venture operation in China. However, logistical problems with the injection molding process combined with the rationalization that occurred following Chrysler's 1998 takeover by Daimler-Benz
to effectively kill the project. Techniques developed to manufacture CCV bodyshells were ultimately utilized in the production of plastic hard tops for the Jeep Wrangler
.
Although the CCV project was essentially terminated in 1998, Chrysler Group continues to actively exhibit the several prototypes produced at a variety of venues, including at the Museum of Modern Art
in New York City
in 2000.
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
CCV (CCV stands for Composite Concept Vehicle) was a concept car designed by Bryan Nesbitt
Bryan Nesbitt
Bryan Nesbitt is an automobile designer and currently head of General Motors Corporation International Operations Design, based in Shanghai, China. Nesbitt is also brand chairman for Wuling and Baojun, two automakers with which G.M...
to illustrate new means of construction suitable for developing nations.
The car is a tall, fairly roomy 4 door sedan, of modest dimensions. The designers at Chrysler
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
note they were inspired to create a modernised Citroën 2CV
Citroën 2CV
The Citroën 2CV |tax horsepower]]”) was an economy car produced by the French automaker Citroën between 1948 and 1990. It was technologically advanced and innovative, but with uncompromisingly utilitarian unconventional looks, and deceptively simple Bauhaus inspired bodywork, that belied the sheer...
.
The Chrysler CCV featured an injection-molded plastic body with a fabric roof and an air-cooled 2-cylinder engine driving the front wheels. It was designed to be cheap and easy to manufacture in countries with poor transportation and utilities infrastructure and minimal access to capital and skilled labor. The car's simplicity would have ensured longevity and reliability in harsh conditions, and made it easy for owners to do their own maintenance and repair work. Despite its lightweight construction, the CCV performed well in front and rear crash tests, although its lack of structural support in the doors and side pillars would have prevented sales in first world markets.
The CCV was initially developed in the mid-1990s, and earmarked for production, beginning with a joint venture operation in China. However, logistical problems with the injection molding process combined with the rationalization that occurred following Chrysler's 1998 takeover by Daimler-Benz
Daimler-Benz
Daimler-Benz AG was a German manufacturer of automobiles, motor vehicles, and internal combustion engines; founded in 1926. An Agreement of Mutual Interest - which was valid until year 2000 - was signed on 1 May 1924 between Karl Benz's Benz & Cie., and Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft, which had...
to effectively kill the project. Techniques developed to manufacture CCV bodyshells were ultimately utilized in the production of plastic hard tops for the Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a subcompact four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle and an off-road vehicle manufactured by American automaker Chrysler, under its Jeep marque – and now in its fourth generation. It is a successor to the famous World War II 'Jeep' vehicle by way of the Willys civilian...
.
Although the CCV project was essentially terminated in 1998, Chrysler Group continues to actively exhibit the several prototypes produced at a variety of venues, including at the Museum of Modern Art
Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is an art museum in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, on 53rd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It has been important in developing and collecting modernist art, and is often identified as the most influential museum of modern art in the world...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
in 2000.