Daimler Suit Imperils New Chrysler Launches

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

The Detroit News reports that nastiness between Chrysler and its former overlords at Daimler could prevent the much-needed (by ChryCo) launches of new versions of the 300/Charger and Grand Cherokee/Durango. Apparently production of these new products can’t take place until Daimler and Chrysler agree to terms for Daimler-supplied components. Chrysler needs to resolve its legal differences with Daimler within 20 days in order to prevent delays to the roll-out of the Grand Cherokee/Durango. If the conflict continues, Chrysler admits it won’t be able to find a new supplier until January 2011. The Grand Cherokee/Durango and 300/Charger are planned to be Chrysler’s only 2010 debuts.

Daimler-Chrysler legal disputes have covered the supply of axles, torque converters, diesel engines and steering columns, but since Chrysler has declined to purchase the agreed-upon number of diesel engines for Europe, the other parts contracts have been held hostage. Chrysler wants the court to stipulate that all past agreements remain in effect and no more money is owed, and has said it will seek an injunction if Daimler stops shipping parts. On the other hand, “Chrysler has too much at stake to take a chance,” say spokesfolks for the New Chrysler. “These are important vehicle programs at a critical point in their launch cycle. We can’t afford any delays.”

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Dmrdano Dmrdano on Oct 06, 2009

    I like Chrysler and hope for nothing but the best for them, even if they speak with an accent. I do not like bankruptcy law, but no on one either side of the aisle will move to change it. The left likes the lawyer lobby. And the right - I find it ironic that my friends on the right (I am probably right-er than most of them) get a lot of their radio/TV ad revenue from companies pitching to get you out of credit card debt (which you knowingly incurred) or unpaid taxes (if it is the law, you've got to pay them); or to help you sue a drug maker or asbestos manufacturer. This is off-topic, sorry.

  • Autojunkie Autojunkie on Oct 06, 2009

    windswords That is a rendering of the new 300. It's going to be pretty much what you see there. I know this becasue I saw it right before I was laid off. BTW - I'm still a huge supporter of Chrysler too. So yeah... We take a lot of bashing on here...

  • Eric Ethier Eric Ethier on Oct 06, 2009

    Yea, it's a pretty accurate rendering, and for the record I like what they changed. Mainlt that they kept the high beltline but delivered a larger greenhouse. It's shorter that the current version as well. 300C is one of my favourite cars ever made... well in 2005 at least. I was obsessed... I want this car to bring my obsession back. New GC looks sweet too. I hope products keep the build/design quality that the Ram has... now THAT is a good product.

  • Th009 Th009 on Oct 27, 2009

    @iNeon: "Without the Daimler bits, we’d have FWD, RWD and AWD LH-derived cars." Ooooooh, the 1986 Renault 21 platform. Now that would be good indeed! For all of you who have so much hate for Daimler, you should recognize that Daimler shareholders are just as unhappy with the outcome of that marriage as you are: it did not work out for anyone. Blame the matchmakers on this one ...

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