New Chrysler exec has clients, quality in mind
Just hours after news of Chrysler's sale broke last summer, then-Nissan quality executive Doug Betts' phone was ringing. Cerberus Capital Management LP was on the line. Even before the private-equity firm purchased the Auburn Hills automaker, it recognized that Chrysler had a serious quality problem and pegged Betts, Nissan Americas' senior vice president for total customer satisfaction, to fix it. A reluctant Betts accepted the job only after learning it would not be an isolated quality executive, but...

400 Chrysler tech jobs go
At least 400 people will lose their jobs at Chrysler LLC as the automaker outsources computer technology work -- part of an effort to streamline its information technology department and a long-range plan to cut costs. The transition will start immediately, though some workers may not depart until the third quarter. Chrysler has finalized contracts with India-based Tata Consultancy Services and Virginia-based Computer Sciences Corp. to take over maintenance and support operations from internal...

Fiat chief to reveal Chrysler plan in Nov. | detnews.com | The Detroit News
-- Sergio Marchionne, chief executive of Fiat SpA and Chrysler Group LLC, told reporters here that he would present a restructuring plan for the U.S. automaker in November. Marchionne, who spoke briefly with reporters during a tour of the Frankfurt Motor Show, did not elaborate. Asked about Fiat's goal to create a group with sales of between 5 million and 6 million vehicles, Marchionne said that could be achieved with Chrysler once the economy and car markets stabilize Fiat owns 20 percent of Chrysler...

Senate leader urges GM, Chrysler dealership talks | detnews.com | The Detroit News
-- A key Senate leader is urging General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC to negotiate a compromise with groups representing more than 2,000 dealerships that are slated to close as the automakers restructure. Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, on Monday sent letters to GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne urging them to reach a deal on the dealership issue "at the negotiating table." The House passed a spending bill in July that seeks...

2009 Detroit Auto Show: Chrysler Limited Presentation
       Chrysler is having hard times and to avoid unnecessary expenses the auto manufacturer is planning very limited program for the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Many of the things are going to be cancelled and as the company’s spokesman wrote at the corporate blog, it will be “less glitz and no giveaways”.First of all Chrysler gave up the free tickets for its executives to attend the black-tie charity preview at the show and free media lunches. There...

GM: Saturn could survive; Chrysler: We'll be viable by spring | detnews.com | The Detroit News
NEW ORLEANS -- General Motors Corp. said today the Saturn brand could survive a broad restructuring plan being developed that involves selling, shrinking or killing half of its eight brands. All possibilities are being considered but the options will be narrowed next month when the cash-strapped automaker submits a restructuring plan to Congress, said Mark LaNeve, GM's vice president for North America sales, service and marketing, while talking to reporters during the National Automobile Dealers...

Chrysler wants $3B more in bailout aid | detnews.com | The Detroit News
DETROIT -- Chrysler LLC is seeking $3 billion in additional government aid and its finance arm is in advanced talks with the U.S. Treasury to obtain a multi-billion cash infusion that could be finalized by Friday, officials said. Chrysler is the only one among Detroit's Big Three automakers seeking immediate additional aid. General Motors Corp. said it had no plans to seek more aid beyond the $13.4 billion the U.S. Treasury Department is loaning it from the $700 billion Wall Street rescue fund, known as...

Chrysler's new technology for 2009 includes UConnect SYNC-killer, in-car WiFi and a swivel screen
Chrysler just issued a press release detailing all the new technology that will soon be available in many of its 2009 model year vehicles, and the highlight would have to be the UConnect communications system that looks to compete with some aspects of Ford's Microsoft-powered SYNC system. UConnect appears to be a fancy name for Bluetooth phone integration coupled with voice recognition technology. In addition to pairing up your phone and downloading your address book, you can also input navigation...

Nissan and Chrysler sign truck and car deal
After months of speculation Nissan and Chrysler have announced a new partnership, which will see the two carmakers build vehicles for each other for sale in the U.S., Europe and other markets by 2010. Nissan will produce a unique version of its Versa compact pictured for Chrysler, which plans to sell the car in North America, Europe and other global markets by the end of the decade. Chrysler will supply Nissan with a full-size pickup that’s set to go on sale in North America in 2011. The Chrysler...

Chrysler, Nissan building vehicles for each other
Chrysler LLC will produce a full-size pickup for Nissan Motor Co. as part of an expanded product-cooperation agreement between the two companies, Nissan said Monday. The Japanese automaker will in turn manufacture an all-new, fuel-efficient small car based on a Chrysler concept and design. This model will be sold in North America, Europe and other global markets in 2010 and manufactured at Nissan's Oppama Plant in Japan. In January, the two automakers announced that Nissan would supply Chrysler with a...