Bearish Bob Spreads The Joy
When we heard that "Bearish" Bob Nardelli got the top spot in Auburn Hills by boldly predicting that Chrysler was in deep shit, we reckoned that the former Home Depot CEO would be soon bordering on clinical depression. Well, more evidence has emerged that Nardelli "gets it" that Chrysler is swirling down the sales toilet, this time in the form of an email circulated to the Pentastar legions. The Detroit News reports that Nardelli's email "warned of worsening U.S. automotive sales and encouraged employees to stay focused." So what strategy did the bearish vicar (oh dear) offer to his troops to get them through the hard times? Little more than a Bush-esque "stay the course," as it turns out. Acknowledging Chrysler's overdependence on tanking pickup and SUV sales are a problem, Nardelli says that "further action" would be taken only (when) if sales continue to dip. Nardelli did justify his hefty salary by saying he predicted the current unpleasantness way back in November of last year. Then again, Chrysler doesn't pay Nardelli to be a fortune-teller; his job is to actually turn the company around. Or something.
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I think you guys are misinterpreting Nardelli's "stay the course". I don't think he means no product updates. I could be wrong though.
Just a few minutes ago, Allpar published some spyshots of the 2009 Sebring. Timely :-). Most noticeable change to the front end is the removal of the strakes on the hood. Allpar reports that it appears that other changes were made to improve looks and aerodynamics (for mileage). Add this to the supposed upgraded interior, and simplification in terms of number of options, and it appears Chrysler is trying to do what it says it can do as a private company. A refresh 2 years in is virutally unheard of. In this case it is especially good since the car so desperately needed it. http://www.allpar.com/cars/chrysler/sebring.html
I'd personally be surprised if they don't come up with a number of lower-priced Jeep products. The Patriot has been a success, even given its marginal execution. You'd think that Cerberus would add to the Wrangler lineup, if only to bolster the value of the brand to Nissan...er...the customer, of course.
"Then again, Chrysler doesn't pay Nardelli to be a fortune-teller; his job is to actually turn the company around. Or something." He wants to turn Chrysler around, but he doesn't have jack shit to work with.