Nissan – Renault – Chrysler Merger?
We’ve been largely ignoring this possibility because, well, the GM – Chrysler merger thing is a much more appealing possibility, in that “how nuts do you have to be to be a top executive for a domestic car company” kinda way. But now that it’s OK to write news reports based entirely on anonymous sources, well, why not Chrysler – Nissan? I mean, Chrysler – Nissan – Renault? I mean, Carlos “The Jackal” Ghosn? And The Detroit News is there! “The Renault-Nissan alliance is proposing to acquire around 20 percent of Chrysler LLC and bring the Auburn Hills automaker into the French-Japanese automotive partnership, according to sources familiar with the situation… Sources familiar with the discussions said Carlos Ghosn, CEO of both Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co., sent a proposal in recent days that included revisions to a draft agreement prepared by Cerberus… The sources said Tokyo-based Nissan would acquire the stake because it has cash on hand, whereas Renault now has debts of more than $5 billion.” So, which company does Cerberus favor to gut Chrysler like a fish? Go ahead and jump.
“But another source close to the talks has told The Detroit News that Cerberus founder and CEO Stephen Feinberg favors a deal with GM, viewing it as the best solution for the embattled U.S. auto industry.” Huh? Feinbger is worried about the U.S. auto industry? Sure, and I’m concerned about an asteroid strike.
Anyway, the DetN’s source’s speculation raises an important question: would the Renault – Nissan – Chrysler deal be better for the American auto industry? The reporters certainly seem to think so. “By contrast, Detroit’s smallest automaker would remain largely intact as a partner in the Renault-Nissan alliance. It would participate in the joint purchasing, vehicle platform development and other programs, slashing its costs. But it would have its own management and retain its brands. There is little overlap among Renault, Nissan and Chrysler brands in most of the world.” Sure, makes sense to me. Full Chrysler Suicide Watch later today.
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- ToolGuy First picture: I realize that opinions vary on the height of modern trucks, but that entry door on the building is 80 inches tall and hits just below the headlights. Does anyone really believe this is reasonable?Second picture: I do not believe that is a good parking spot to be able to access the bed storage. More specifically, how do you plan to unload topsoil with the truck parked like that? Maybe you kids are taller than me.
- ToolGuy The other day I attempted to check the engine oil in one of my old embarrassing vehicles and I guess the red shop towel I used wasn't genuine Snap-on (lots of counterfeits floating around) plus my driveway isn't completely level and long story short, the engine seized 3 minutes later.No more used cars for me, and nothing but dealer service from here on in (the journalists were right).
- Doughboy Wow, Merc knocks it out of the park with their naming convention… again. /s
- Doughboy I’ve seen car bras before, but never car beards. ZZ Top would be proud.
- Bkojote Allright, actual person who knows trucks here, the article gets it a bit wrong.First off, the Maverick is not at all comparable to a Tacoma just because they're both Hybrids. Or lemme be blunt, the butch-est non-hybrid Maverick Tremor is suitable for 2/10 difficulty trails, a Trailhunter is for about 5/10 or maybe 6/10, just about the upper end of any stock vehicle you're buying from the factory. Aside from a Sasquatch Bronco or Rubicon Jeep Wrangler you're looking at something you're towing back if you want more capability (or perhaps something you /wish/ you were towing back.)Now, where the real world difference should play out is on the trail, where a lot of low speed crawling usually saps efficiency, especially when loaded to the gills. Real world MPG from a 4Runner is about 12-13mpg, So if this loaded-with-overlander-catalog Trailhunter is still pulling in the 20's - or even 18-19, that's a massive improvement.
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Further proof that, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." As with the U.S. federal government bailing out Chrysler before, another French carmaker (Peugeot) bought Chrysler Europe for $1 in the 1980s, resurrected Talbot, was unable to sell the damn thing and then did a, "Let's call the whole thing off." *Sigh*