">Forum Views () 
">Forum Replies ()  
 
 
Read more with google mobile :
Problems of old Chrysler linger at 'new' Chrysler  
 
 
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
Navigation
Primary Navigation
 
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
 
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
 
Search
 
 
Search:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Problems of old Chrysler linger at 'new' Chrysler
 
 
 
 
 
 
 By TOM KRISHER,AP Auto Writer AP - Thursday, June 11
DETROIT - Chrysler may have been granted a fresh start, but it still faces old problems: how to sell enough cars and realign its fleet away from the trucks and SUVs consumers seem to no longer want or be able to afford.
ADVERTISEMENT
 
 
 
 
  
A 42-day stay in bankruptcy court cleansed the company of much of its debt and labor costs, but many analysts say Chrysler's immediate future is bleak. It lost $8 billion in 2008, and sales are down by almost half for the first five months of this year.
Chrysler has few new vehicles headed to its drastically reduced network of dealers. Its aging model lineup is still heavy with bigger vehicles, and its offerings in the growing small and midsize markets haven't caught on.
Meanwhile, small cars designed by new Italian parent Fiat Group SpA won't make it to U.S. shores until late next year and there are no guarantees they will entice great numbers of American drivers.
"The showroom is not going to look terribly different over the next 18 months," said Aaron Bragman, an analyst for the consulting firm IHS Global Insight. "They're going to try and maintain market share in a down market with products, many of which haven't been redesigned in several years."
Bragman said Chrysler faces tremendous competition, especially from new cars in the works at General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co.
Even if the new Chrysler Group LLC can survive, the super-small Fiat cars that were popular in Europe, like the 500 and Grand Punto, could be out of step with Americans who like bigger cars and are used to lower gas prices.
During Fiat's last run at the U.S. market, in the 1970s and '80s, reliability problems led people to suggest the name stood for "fix it again, Tony."
"Fiat is really not a known commodity in the U.S. market," said David Koehler, a clinical marketing professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. "It doesn't resonate with the target market."
The new Chrysler began operations Wednesday morning after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of lower court decisions that allowed the transfer of most of the old Chrysler's assets to Fiat.
Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne was named chief executive of the new company, and Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli said farewell to employees and ended his tumultuous 20-month reign.
Marchionne quickly shook up the management, replacing Chrysler's chiefs of marketing, finance and product development and cutting layers to make the company more focused on individual brands, such as Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge.
Jim Press, who was Toyota Motor Corp.'s top U.S. executive until he joined Chrysler in 2007, was named deputy CEO and will probably run the company when Marchionne is in Italy.
In an e-mail to Chrysler's 54,000 workers, Marchionne acknowledged the company's problems and said he was determined to repair them. Five years ago, he wrote, he stepped into a similar situation at Fiat, perceived at the time as a failing bureaucracy that made poor cars.
"Through hard work and tough choices, we have remade Fiat into a profitable company that produces some of the most popular, reliable and environmentally friendly cars in the world," he wrote. "We can and will accomplish the same results here."
Marchionne's more immediate problem is weak offerings in the market for small and midsize cars. Its smallest vehicles, the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass and Patriot, sell far less than the Toyota Corolla, the nation's top-selling small car.
Work is already under way to convert Chrysler factories to produce small Italian-designed cars. Neither Chrysler nor Fiat would say which models would come first or how many would be imported to the U.S.
"The need is now, but unfortunately, it'll be at least a two- to three-year process," said Michael Robinet, vice president of CSM Worldwide, a Detroit-area auto industry consulting firm.
Chrysler plans to roll out new versions of its popular Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV and Chrysler 300 large sedan by the end of next year, along with a rechargeable electric vehicle. But Bragman said those were probably delayed in the bankruptcy process, making the next 18 months look iffy.
The good news for Chrysler is that it has cut its expenses enough that it can break even with lower sales, said Gary Dilts, senior vice president of global automotive operations for J.D. Power and Associates.
He said much of the drop in sales this year for Chrysler came from cuts in its sales to rental car companies. Chrysler actually made small gains in market share in sales to individuals in the first five months of 2009.
The struggling company has offered the heftiest rebates and other incentives to buyers recently. But it remains to be seen whether Chrysler can produce amazing cars, not just amazing deals.
The U.S. government has committed roughly $8 billion more to help Chrysler as it leaves Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and the Obama administration acknowledges Chrysler will probably lose money until Fiat rides to the rescue. But the government believes the company will be viable in the long term because of Fiat's management expertise.
Aside from the electric vehicle, Chrysler's upcoming new models are not particularly fuel-efficient, and they could suffer if gas prices keep climbing. Those same gas prices could help Chrysler benefit from Fiat's small-car technology.
Marchionne has said Fiat could start selling a successful, North America-made remake of the 500 minicar as soon as next year. Fiat also plans to relaunch the sporty Alfa Romeo brand in North America.
The new Alfa 149 midsize five-door hatchback, to be unveiled next year, would be built in North America as a successor to the larger Alfa 159, Marchionne has said.
But Toyota and Honda remain the champs of midsize cars, and Fiat still has to prove itself to American drivers.
"A lot of us have residual memories of Fiat that are less than stellar," Dilts said. "But I think the product looks good. They've got some great small engine capabilities. With a little bit of pressure on gasoline, I think they're going to give Fiat a look."
___
AP Business Writer Colleen Barry in Milan, Italy, contributed to this report.
 
 
 
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
 
 
     
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
 
Related Articles: World
U.S. checks civilian death reports in Afghan strikeReuters - 1 hour 40 minutes ago
Analysis: Netanyahu cornered by hawks and ObamaAP - 2 hours 11 minutes ago
U.S. Feds say they lifting curbs on "shoe-bomber"Reuters - 2 hours 26 minutes ago
Ill. gov's wife disappointed in husband's friendsAP - 2 hours 33 minutes ago
Peru suspends decrees that fueled Amazon violenceAFP - 2 hours 42 minutes ago
 
 
 
 
Most Popular – World
 
 
 
 
 
 Viewed
 
 
 
 
Ramsay eats humble pie after mum scolds him
 
 
German retail giant goes bust, 43,000 jobs at risk
 
 
Carradine may have died from sex act: Thai police
 
 
Dumped mattress lands cash in trash in Israel
 
 
President Obama's French food tested by 'taster'
 
 
View Complete List »
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy 
- Terms of Service 
- Community 
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy 
- Help
        
    
   
 
Other News on Thursday, 11 June 2009 Iraq: 5 US contractors to be released in Baghdad  
US-TECH Summary  
U.S. asking about book deal, Google says  
Nechemia Meyers, veteran journalist, dies at 79  
US trade deficit widens  
WHO may be poised to declare flu pandemic
| International
|  
Dumped mattress lands cash in trash in Israel  
French court curbs disputed Internet piracy rules  
Key events in Iran since revolution  
Symantec, McAfee in settlement over subscriptions  
Citigroup sets exchange, giving US govt big stake  
Iran's election system  
US Supreme Court clears way for Chrysler-Fiat deal  
Iranian candidates' views on key issues  
Irish abuse victims march, church repentant
| International
|  
Iran cleric warns Khamenei over Ahmadinejad slur  
Russia ready for nuclear-free world, Putin says
| International
|  
Report says climate change is adding to migration  
Sri Lanka bars entry to Canadian lawmaker  
SKorea pinpoints 20 illegal NKorean bank accounts  
Japan sets 2020 climate target  
Aid workers among 11 dead in Pakistani hotel blast  
Digital downloads spell end for video game stores?
| Technology
|  
Teens in Holocaust museum heard shots, evacuated  
Japan unveils new emissions cut target  
Gay couples forced to flee US over immigration law  
U.S. asking about book deal, Google says
| Technology
|  
North Korea faces new sanctions  
'Slumdog' child star gets new home  
News Corp. forms diversity council after cartoon  
Myanmar's Suu Kyi tells lawyers to push appeal  
Two shot at U.S. Holocaust Museum  
Ore. lawmaker wants charges for killing unborn  
Symantec, McAfee in settlement over subscriptions
| Technology
|  
Crews recovering bodies from NC Slim Jim plant  
Administration jawbones corporate boards on pay  
Boy unlikely to return quickly from Brazil to US  
Abortion foes interested in buying Kansas clinic  
China bans imports of some Renault models  
Philippines scales down economic forecast for 2009  
Pakistani stocks end lower after suicide attack  
Jonny Lee Miller joins Sienna Miller on Broadway  
Brad Pitt buys painting at top modern art fair  
Chef Ramsay apologizes in Australia TV row
| Entertainment
|  
Luxury groups use movies, dinners to boost image  
Back to the future for new 'Futurama' episodes  
Luxury groups use movies, dinners to boost image
| Entertainment
|  
Little Big Town forges ahead despite adversity  
Denzel Washington takes humble turn in Pelham
| Entertainment
|  
Father's gerbil obsession gives writer a voice
| Entertainment
|  
Tornatore's 'Baaria' to open Venice Film Fest  
Cuban art market shows signs of vitality
| Entertainment
|  
Britney Spears' `Circus' tour to return to US  
Acts flock to Edinburgh Fringe despite recession  
Tornatore to open Venice film festival  
Ahmadinejad's economic record may sway Iran vote
| International
|  
Obama envoy says Palestine state only option  
Facebook to let users add names to profile addresses  
Full climate deal 'unlikely' in Copenhagen  
U.N. moves to punish Pyongyang as rival Koreas meet
| International
|  
Craigslist revenue to hit 100 mln dollars: media group  
Iran's Islamic guardians warn reformist wave  
U.S. checks civilian death reports in Afghan strike
| International
|  
French Court Rules Internet Piracy Law Is Unconstitutional  
Microsoft will soon unveil free anti-virus software  
Car bomb in Iraq kills about 30 people  
G8 off track on increased aid to Africa: report
| International
|  
Live Nation And Ticketmaster Planned Merger Referred To U.K. Competition Commission  
Top French legal body blocks Internet piracy law  
Suu Kyi says junta's charges are political: lawyer
| International
|  
Iran Guards warn of "velvet revolution"  
Russell Crowe And Director Scott Ridley's On-Set Fighting Causes "Robin Hood" Delays  
China Internet filter challenged in rights uproar
| International
|  
Brandy's Mother's Lawsuit Against The Kardashians Dismissed  
Iraq gives $2.5 million for Fulbrights  
Miss California USA Carrie Prejean Loses Crown  
Jon Voight Calls President Barack Obama A "False Prophet"  
Israeli woman mistakenly junks $1 million mattress  
Respected Singer And Songwriter Kenny Rankin Dies At Age 69  
Danny Gans' Cause Of Death: Toxic Reaction To Pain Medication  
WITNESS: Third time lucky in crime-ridden Johannesburg
| International
|  
British Pop Star Rachel Stevens Followed And Robbed At Home  
SAG Agrees To New Contract With Producers  
Philippine troops clash with Italian's kidnappers  
China's first Gay Pride event  
US nominee seeks re-engagement with Asia  
Thai Buddhist killed in new southern violence  
Myanmar's Suu Kyi hits out over guarded home  
Digital downloads spell end for videogame stores?
| Technology
|  
U.N. moves to punish Pyongyang as rival Koreas meet  
China Internet filter challenged in rights uproar
| Technology
|  
Hard fighting in southern Philippine kidnap island  
Questions over future of Guantanamo Uighurs  
U.S. Feds say they lifting curbs on "shoe-bomber"  
Palm names Rubinstein CEO days after Pre launch
| Technology
|  
Ill. gov's wife disappointed in husband's friends  
Two Koreas resume talks amid low expectations  
US cuts aid to Nicaragua  
Japan's first lunar probe ends mission  
1 dies in propane explosion at Minn. farm supplier  
Problems of old Chrysler linger at 'new' Chrysler  
New Orleans mayor out of quarantine in China  
Gunman shoots, kills guard at Holocaust Museum  
Police: Car hits Philly crowd, killing 3 children  
AP NewsAlert  
Shooting suspect's history of seething anger  
Actor Johnny Palermo dies in car accident  
New Zealand central bank keeps rate steady, kiwi jumps  
Taiwan invited to light up Chinese cities  
South Korea warns of inflation, bond futures dive  
Pakistani c.bank sells 6.5 bln rupees of T-bills  
SKorean-led consortium to buy AIG headquarters  
China's May exports plunge by record 26.4 percent  
China imports, exports sharply down in May: govt  
China's investment rose 32.9 pct in January-May  
Indian stars in Macau for 'Bollywood Oscars'  
Chinese exports plunge 26.4 percent in May  
Celebrity birthdays for the week of June 14-20  
China's May exports plunge 26.4 percent  
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary  
Michael Jackson concerts face legal challenge
| Entertainment
|  
Knightley, Farrell take "London Boulevard"  
Van Morrison's career almost over before it began
| Entertainment
|  
FCC expects few problems during digital switchover  
Film, TV music composers urge copyright law change
| Entertainment
|  
Actor Johnny Palermo dies in car accident  
American Idol singer Iraheta wins record deal
| Entertainment
|  
"American Idol" singer Iraheta wins record deal  
Actor Johnny Palermo dies in car accident
| Entertainment
|  
MTV's 'Real World' going to Washington  
Knightley, Farrell take London Boulevard
| Entertainment
|  
List of top 15 cable shows in Nielsen ratings  
FCC expects few problems during digital switchover
| Entertainment
|  
Review: Coppola's `Tetro' sumptuous, self-serious  
WHO declares first 21st century flu pandemic
| International
|  
Air France 'not convinced' speed probes caused crash  
Egypt's Mubarak says Obama has new approach to Islam  
Luanda is world's most expensive expat city: survey  
Reformists hope Iran vote will unseat Ahmadinejad
| International
|  
Six arrested in suspected plot to attack G8: report  
HP to sell Symantec backup service on consumer PCs  
Obama proposes law to curb corporate bonuses  
Iraq says frees 3 of 5 arrested U.S. contractors  
Air France chief questions sensor role in crash
| International
|  
Blasts rock flashpoint Georgian town  
Digital downloads spell end for videogame stores?  
Al Qaeda says short of food and arms in Afghanistan  
Earth-Venus smash-up possible in 3.5 billion years: study  
U.S. skeptical Netanyahu will back down: diplomats
| International
|  
Libya's Kadhafi to address Rome parliament  
China internet filter challenged in rights uproar  
Analysis: Netanyahu cornered by hawks and Obama  
Thousands march in Dublin for child abuse victims  
Pakistan kills scores of Taliban in new combat zones
| International
|  
France steps up hunt for plane's black boxes  
Watchdogs urge Iraq to end media harassment  
Chrysler, Fiat merge into new world auto giant  
Gaddafi complains not rewarded for renouncing WMD
| International
|  
Solana sees chance for reviving Mideast peace talks  
Afghans urge Europeans to share burden with U.S.
| International
|  
Iran gears up for tight presidential race  
NATO backs Kosovo force cut, studies more
| International
|  
EU envoy urges commitment to Palestinian state  
Global fighter aircraft market heats up
| International
|  
Taiwan 96-year-old grad student: All-nighters work  
Car lands on tracks, struck by Chicago train  
HP to sell Symantec backup service on consumer PCs
| Technology
|  
Pakistan kills scores of Taliban in new combat zones  
Analysis: UN could hit North Korean arms exports  
Report: Timorese women dying from secret abortions  
Microsoft to unveil free anti-virus software
| Technology
|  
Florida woman rescues good ol' boys from gators  
China says Japan's emissions cut target inadequate  
Aboriginal kids get free laptops to fight illiteracy
| Technology
|  
President pitches health care reform in Green Bay  
Obama seeks closer ties with Kyrgyzstan  
Calif. towns challenge feds on military recruiting  
China demands U.S. send Guantanamo Uighurs back  
1 year after Iowa floods, many still wait for help  
Mayor of Chinese boomtown Shenzhen fired  
Guard killed in Washington Holocaust museum attack  
North Korea demands pay rise for factory park workers  
Obama sends message to Kyrgyzstan leader  
Native Hawaiian bill gets new airing  
China's May trade plunges but investment up  
Taiwan dollar slips on fund outflows and c.bank  
China exports dive in May amid robust investment  
Cathay's cargo, passenger traffic drops in May  
China shares slip on worse-than-expected trade  
Pakistan's May remittances rise 23.25 pct  
Maya Rudolph puts the `big ol' belly' back on  
Asia stocks mixed as Nikkei retreats from 10,000  
Bangladesh to unveil ambitious budget  
Egypt to publish Israeli novels for first time  
Fans yawn at A-Rod tell-all  
Carrie Prejean fired as Miss California
| Entertainment
|  
Tokyo shares close notch under 10,000  
Malawi court to rule on Madonna adoption bid Friday
| Entertainment
|  
Pete Doherty in drink-driving and drugs arrest
| Entertainment
|  
Retail Sales In May Rise Again By 0.5% Led By Gas Station Purchases  
Developing: United States, WHO Declare Swine Flu Pandemic  
Federal Government To Unveil $1 Billion Package For Pulp Manufacturers  
Limbaugh, Gingrich, Cheney Speak For Republicans In New Poll  
Iraqi Judge Releases Three Of Five U.S. Contractors Accused Of Murder In Baghdad  
Poll Finds Florida Republicans Want Governor To Secure Senate Seat  
New Orleans Mayor Ends Flu Quarantine In China  
U.S. Transferring 17 Gitmo Detainees To Palau  
"Web 2.0" Named 1 Millionth New Word  
Update: Holocaust Museum Guard Dies After Shooting  
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro  
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found  
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever  
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production  
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time  
AMD to Start Production of piledriver  
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs  
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia  
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air  
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch  
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent  
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up  
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform  
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis  
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets  
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights