Chrysler Suicide Watch 38: Nissan Comes a-Courtin’
By Frank WilliamsAugust 8, 2008 - 202 views
Chrysler doesn't do well outside it own backyard, or play well with others. The American automaker's attempts to expand globally in the early ‘60s ended with Chrysler selling their European operations (Rootes Group, Simca and Barreiros) to PSA Peugeot Citroën. In the 70's, Chrysler off-loaded their Australian subsidiary to Mitsubishi. ChryCo's last U.S. partnership with a Japanese manufacturer (Mitsubishi again) ended on less than cordial terms. The "merger of equals" with Germany's Mercedes-Benz almost [may actually have] killed it. So why would Chrysler entertain the idea of another off-shore partnership? And why would Nissan ever want to partner with an automaker as moribund as Chrysler?
Chrysler Suicide Watch 38: Nissan Comes a-Courtin’ editorial continued »
Posted in Chrysler Suicide Watch | Editorials | 5 comments 
Chrysler Suicide Watch 37: No Lease on Life
By Ken EliasJuly 26, 2008 - 366 views
Chrysler Financial has pulled the plug on new vehicle leases. Given ongoing bankruptcy rumors, the automaker’s co-Prez immediately manned the PR barricades. Jim Press reassured the world that Chrysler is simply diverting lease subsidies into “traditional financing.” That way, “many customers” could enjoy “about” the same monthly payment that they “would have had” in a lease. Meanwhile, ChryCo spokeswoman Shawn Morgan sang the same old song. "Despite the challenges, Chrysler continues to meet or exceed its plan on all financial metrics." C’mon, really?
Chrysler Suicide Watch 37: No Lease on Life editorial continued »
Posted in Chrysler Suicide Watch | Editorials | 35 comments
Chrysler Suicide Watch 36: Ghosn Fishing
By Michael MartineckJuly 11, 2008 - 32 views
The breakup of Chrysler has begun. It’s been done quietly, in the open, but under obnubilating nomenclature. That last phrase says it all. Why lie when you can make the truth so damn confusing? While Cerberus denies imminent sell-off, a cadre of automotive executives has Chrysler on a hook, passing around a felt tip pen. In fact, a pre-break up party is the only way of explaining some of the crazy-ass deals the three-headed dog has been fetching lately.
Chrysler Suicide Watch 36: Ghosn Fishing editorial continued »
Posted in Chrysler Suicide Watch | Editorials | 34 comments
Chrysler Suicide Watch 35: Reason to Be Cheerful
By Robert FaragoJune 20, 2008 - 349 views
(The following email was sent to Chrysler employees today. It was released to the media with a note which read "'This information should help you cover Chrysler. We also sent it to our employees to help them as ambassadors of the company - Nancy." We leave it to you, our Best and Brightest, to make what you will of it.)
Keeping Track of the Facts on Chrysler LLC
By Nancy Rae
Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications
As the industry goes through a period of great change and a slowing economy, we all face difficult questions about the status of the industry and our company. Following are a number of the leading subjects that come up in the media and in our daily conversations, as well as information you need to know and share:
Chrysler Suicide Watch 35: Reason to Be Cheerful editorial continued »
Posted in Chrysler Suicide Watch | Editorials | 52 comments
Chrysler Suicide Watch 34: End Game
By Robert FaragoJune 10, 2008 - 602 views
Back when Cerberus bought Chrysler from Daimler, the new owner’s spinmeisters were highly animated. “We’re quicker than quick,” they proclaimed. “Our private equity owners don’t answer to The Street. We can make decisions-- and get things done-- fast.” The party line was designed to counter fears that Cerberus had bought-in simply strip-and-flip Chrysler. Uh-uh. They were going to restructure the ailing American automaker. Right now. And then… nothing. As Billy Preston said, nothing from nothing leaves nothing.
Chrysler Suicide Watch 34: End Game editorial continued »
Posted in Chrysler Suicide Watch | Editorials | 50 comments
Chrysler Suicide Watch 32: Slumlords
By Andrew DedererMarch 25, 2008 - 20,662 views
It’s getting close to the first anniversary of Chrysler going to the dog. While there’ve been job cuts and “market adjustments,” the shoes are still hanging. Chrysler is still a long way from being profitable. But it appears to be an equally long way from breakup. What exactly is planned? The truth may be that Cerberus isn't “planning” so much as “waiting.”
Chrysler Suicide Watch 32: Slumlords editorial continued »
Posted in Chrysler Suicide Watch | Editorials | 28 comments
Chrysler Suicide Watch 31: False Dawn
By Robert FaragoFebruary 11, 2008 - 26,018 views
“It’s a New Day.” Unless you’re terminally ill or the guest of a terrorist cell, this observation won’t come as much of a surprise or, in itself, cause much delight. And yet that’s the tagline for the [now] combined Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands. In an explanatory TV ad, an animated child tells viewers that the American automaker will [now] listen to YOU and build cars the cars YOU want. The ad is an excellent example of what Adolph Hitler called The Big Lie: a falsehood so "colossal" that no one would believe that someone "could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously". To wit: if any single automaker ISN’T building the cars YOU want, it’s Chrysler.
Chrysler Suicide Watch 31: False Dawn editorial continued »
Posted in Chrysler Suicide Watch | Editorials | 35 comments
Chrysler Suicide Watch 30: The Early Attempts, Pt. 2
By Paul NiedermeyerDecember 28, 2007 - 33,951 views
Chrysler’s near-death experience in 1980 had a salutary effect on the company’s culture. Headcount was slashed by over 50 percent. By necessity, the old ways of doing business were consigned to the crusher. “New Chrysler’s” execs, managers, marketers, designers, engineers, union workers and suppliers all had to work together to find creative ways of doing more with less. With Lee Iaccoca at the helm, it was a seminal moment in Chrysler’s history: an opportunity for the once great American car company to thoroughly reinvent itself.
Chrysler Suicide Watch 30: The Early Attempts, Pt. 2 editorial continued »
Posted in Chrysler Suicide Watch | Editorials | 39 comments
Chrysler Suicide Watch 29: The Early Attempts, Pt. 1
By Paul NiedermeyerDecember 27, 2007 - 27,765 views
Suicidal tendencies can be pathological, inevitably recurring. Chrysler’s current self-destructive phase, as chronicled by TTAC, is hardly its first. From its very beginnings, the patient has suffered from symptoms of bi-polar syndrome. Chrysler’s biography is a nothing less than a roller coaster ride of giddy highs punctuated by disastrous crashes and self mutilation.
Chrysler Suicide Watch 29: The Early Attempts, Pt. 1 editorial continued »
Posted in Chrysler Suicide Watch | Editorials | 22 comments
Chrysler Suicide Watch 28: The End of the Beginning of the End
By Robert FaragoDecember 21, 2007 - 42,943 views
"Are we bankrupt? Technically, no. Operationally, yes. The only thing that keeps us from going into bankruptcy is the $10 billion investors entrusted us with." Another milestone: Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli used the “b word’ in public. What’s more, Boot ‘em Bob told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that he’s on a leash so short he can feel the hot breath of his Cerberusian owners tickling his neck hairs. Why’s that then? Because all Hell's about to break loose.
Chrysler Suicide Watch 28: The End of the Beginning of the End editorial continued »
Posted in Chrysler Suicide Watch | Editorials | 53 comments
POWERED