Chrysler vehicles could be attrition fodder if GM merger goes through
The other day, our friends at Autoblog did a little thought experiment about which vehicle models would survive if the much-talked-about merger between GM and Chrysler comes to pass. The post didn't focus on the greener side of things, but we already know that the big Chrysler SUVs aren't long for this world and that Chrysler already wants a little of the Volt advertising attention. So, what might happen should these two companies become one?
Lots of job cuts, to be sure, but when it comes to the excess vehicle models in the line-ups, Grant Thornton of the consulting firm Grant Thornton LLP, told Automotive News (subs req'd) that of the 26 or so current Chrysler models, only seven are "core" and would survive the merger: the Dodge Ram pickup; Chrysler and Dodge minivans; and several Jeep models, including the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. None of those are exactly eco-friendly, but AN writes that GM's plug-in hybrid knowledge is a vital addition to the potential merged company (file under: no kidding), while Chrysler's cash is appealing to GM (again, no kidding). What do you see surviving should a new GMrysler company take shape?
[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
gorr 7:35PM (10/31/2008)
I'll put the hemi engine in the corvette and camaro. Then i'll check if chrsler have some patents of something from mercedes.
Reply
asus 5:08PM (11/01/2008)
If they merge, they should kill everything on the chysler side except for the minivans, and the jeep grand cherokee and wrangler - maybe keep the 300 but rebrand it a cadillac DTS. On the GM side, they should kill everything except the caddilac models, and one of the lower brands, ie - the chevy brand. In the lower brand they should keep the malibu, the small car - but make it better, and some of the trucks. They should take one of the smaller/sportier saturns/pontiacs and keep it, as well as getting rid of the impala and replacing it with the buik lucerne. GM really doesn't need Chevy, Saturn, Buik and pontiac selling the same cars only rebadged. Oh and I guess they could keep the 'vette but the camaro is ugly to they should get rid of it.
While the US autos are at it, ford should kill Mercury and just sell Fords and Lincolns. They should put their toyota liscenced hybrid powertain in the fusion/MKZ to get the mpg up above so they can compete with the imports.
Anyhow thats what I'd do...
Reply
Mike G 6:16PM (11/01/2008)
My best guess is they're going to continue to make subpar product that most consumers don't want. Then they'll fire more blue collar workers because "consumer demand is down". Eventually most new models will be outsourced to China and then shipped here and profits will revive. After this stops working GM will buy Ford and repeat. The only sure thing is that most of the white collar executives at GM will retire on big yachts with loads of money.
Reply
Ian 9:29PM (11/01/2008)
Jeep is the only Chrysler marque I expect to see alive after this. It is the only part of Chrysler which is stronger than its GM equivalent.
The best parts of GM and Dodge trucks might be the next generation of American Leyland trucks.
How are Chrysler's minivan transmissions these days? If they're anything like they used to be, GM transmissions might be a good thing for them. Chrysler has more name recognition in minivans...but that may not be a good thing.
Yeah, I think that's all GM gets out of this deal...cash and a bigger parts bin. They're also getting more employee and retiree liabilities, and more dealers to appease/go to court against when they have to kill off brands.
Reply