Chrysler closing west coast design center

Word just came down from on high that Chrysler will be closing its Pacifica Advanced Product Design Center in Carlsbad, California. We received word about the shuttering of Chrysler's West Coast design operations about 20 minutes ago, on a Friday night, so we're assuming that the Pentastar people were trying to fly this one under the wire.

Regardless, the full release is available after the jump and, much like Nissan's recent departure from the land of fake-bakes and palm trees, it might not bode well for the future of Chrysler's stylist offerings, but it speak volumes about Cerberus' ongoing efforts to downsize the automaker's overhead. As always, we'll have to wait and see.

[Source: Chrysler]

PRESS RELEASE

Increasingly, we are leveraging resources worldwide, forming new joint ventures and alliances and consolidating operations in order to better achieve global balance and manage fixed costs. These moves are designed to help Chrysler become a more globally focused manufacturer, with design, engineering, sourcing and a local presence to serve local customers.

As such, we are closing the Pacifica Advance Product Design Center, consolidating the Advance Design function in Auburn Hills. Advance Design remains an integral part of our future design efforts, led by Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President -- Design.

These changes set the stage for Chrysler's future global growth efforts, which also include our intent to establish global expertise in design, engineering and sourcing through centers of excellence. These actions will help the Company meet its long-term globalization goals.