Your Source For Finding Free Articles On All Your Favorite Topics. / en Sun, 8 Nov 2009 05:10:56 GMT /Article/Industry_experts_unsure_Chrysler_can_reach_market_share_projections_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5863 Sat, 7 Nov 2009 12:21:57 GMT Chrysler Group LLC's now-public five-year plan hinges on some targets that analysts say are unrealistic. The plan, unveiled Wednesday during an eight-hour session in Auburn Hills, may be a fair representation of what Chrysler needs to do to thrive and repay its loans, but some of the benchmarks, such as the projection of a 4 percent market share increase, are stopping many cold. "Is the plan outlandish or merely wildly ambitious?" said analyst Michelle Krebs of Edmunds.com, who described the overall... 669eb836f0546b5a4e5165922dfbd741 /Article/Chrysler_is_in_a_race_that_already_started_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5861 Sat, 7 Nov 2009 12:21:55 GMT Time is not on the side of Chrysler Group LLC. I say this not because CEO Sergio Marchionne doesn't have a track record of turning around businesses, because he does. Nor because the men and women of Chrysler can't deliver the upgraded cars and trucks promised at Wednesday's marathon confab. They can. Time is not on Chrysler's side because the clock clearly favors crosstown rivals Ford Motor Co. and, yes, General Motors Co. -- both of which have killer products in showrooms, right now, that deliver on... 432e3fc054abab8b3f4bafc8485760ca /Article/2009_SEMA_Auto_Show_Chrysler_Gives_TV_to_its_Passengers/5852 Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:37:26 GMT If you forgot your DVDs at home and have nothing to do in a long trip, you can still watch some TV shows, says Chrysler. The auto manufacturer is offering 20 channels such popular ones as CNBC, Comedy Central, Fox News, MSNBC, MTV, and Nickelodeon. The new feature is going to be presented at the 2009 SEMA Auto Show. It will be available on several 2008-2010 models: two minivans Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan; numerous SUV’s Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Journey, and... f5e596374afa8b8ac1c1e4b63ab3770a /Article/Chrysler_focused_on_boosting_quality_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5846 Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:37:24 GMT -- Chrysler Group LLC officials know quality sells, and they've set on an aggressive path to improve vehicle reliability to boost sales. To that end, they have instituted sweeping changes within the company to catch problems early and correct them faster than in the past. "We have one quality plan with specific goals," Doug Betts, Chrysler senior vice president for quality said Wednesday. He added that while Chrysler execs are unhappy finishing at or near the bottom of recent reliability studies, those... 67ad0745ecc62d0684c1b0ee7e30fc84 /Article/Chrysler_gives_cause_for_hope_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5847 Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:37:24 GMT Detroit's auto CEOs have their own style. Ford Motor Co.'s Alan Mulally never wears a suit. A sport coat and tie, but not a suit. Not even when he's meeting the president. General Motors Co.'s Fritz Henderson is almost always in a suit. He's a financial guy. Chrysler Group LLC's new CEO Sergio Marchionne is a sweater and slacks guy, which held true Wednesday when he and his team unveiled the company's business plan here to analysts, media and the world. The atmosphere was hectic, even frantic at times... 39fc6492ad159dbd98ead14d55b5a50f /Article/Chrysler_eyes_2011_for_profit_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5848 Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:37:24 GMT Fiat's retooling of Chrysler foresees the littlest of Detroit's Big Three making profits by 2011 and paying off its bailout loans by 2014, officials said during Wednesday's daylong debut of what a post-bankruptcy Chrysler will look like. The profit forecasts are based on big cuts in expenses that already are under way; economies of scale from sharing parts and vehicle platforms; and a volume increase that calls for doubling U.S. and worldwide sales in five years. It will be a big gain from the... 717062e07b262766c372e1a4fb65d67b /Article/Chrysler_brands_to_aim_appeal_at_specific_lifestyles_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5845 Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:37:22 GMT Chrysler Group LLC outlined new strategies for its four vehicle brands Wednesday, aimed at recapturing lost market share by bringing new buyers into showrooms. Dodge, which remains the nation's No. 3 brand by sales, will see its bad-boy image toned down, and its big trucks sold under a new standalone Ram brand. Dodge will get a "more mature" logo, and vehicles will focus on the "physics of fun," not macho design. The Ram brand will inherit the old Dodge logo and much of its swagger, but will concentrate... 95542b923431fe24fb650eb07f6f5126 /Article/Chrysler_lays_out_lofty_revival_plan_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5843 Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:37:21 GMT -- Chrysler Group LLC Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne laid out an ambitious, detailed plan Wednesday to revive the struggling Auburn Hills automaker by replenishing its lineup with high-quality and attractive models to more than double sales within five years and start generating profit in 2011. His bold program for Chrysler, which resembles his turnaround plan for Fiat SpA's Fiat Auto a few years ago, focuses on rebuilding Chrysler's bruised brands. By offering Chrysler immediate and unfettered... 6f9b027b6704488e9d17f84cc16a28f1 /Article/Dodge_Jeep_Chrysler_get_makeover_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5841 Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:37:19 GMT Chrysler Group LLC wants to hit the restart button on its entire lineup, refreshing, redesigning or replacing every car and truck, swapping out engines and creating vehicles people want. By 2012, Chrysler will have overhauled or replaced its entire lineup. Good luck. Right now, Chrysler is dangling off a cliff. The automaker is growing smaller every month and sits at the bottom of most quality ratings. There may be reasons behind the poor quality of its vehicles, but consumers see them as excuses, and... fb1aba83548c7234e6429df485fa7ecf /Article/Chrysler_to_cut_prices_on_2010_pickups_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5811 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:46:47 GMT The redesigned 2010 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups will offer more content at a lower price, Chrysler Group LLC announced today. The big rig pickups will start at $28,165 for a regular cab models, $31,415 for Crew Cab models and $36,865 for Mega Cab models. For this model year, Ram will discontinue the Quad cab heavy duty trucks, replacing that with the larger Crew Cab model. All prices include $950 for shipping. The new Ram adopts the looks introduced in the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup last year... a25209b1bbdded059414ca4bb6c7ab56 /Article/Chrysler_has_deal_for_plant_in_Delaware_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5806 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:46:43 GMT Old Carco LLC, the estate of bankrupt Chrysler, is seeking court approval to sell the automaker's mothballed Newark, Del., SUV factory to the University of Delaware for $24.3 million. The request, filed in bankruptcy court Friday, follows 18 months of trying to sell the property, which covers 271 acres and includes a parts depot plus the plant that churned out Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs until it closed in December. Both sides are eager to complete the sale, and a hearing is set for Nov. 12... 23e3ef5a1ab894066dae5f7b18844fef /Article/Teamsters_protest_Chrysler_changes_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5784 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:02:17 GMT The International Brotherhood of Teamsters demonstrated Friday at Southfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep, one of 15 Michigan dealerships and 70 nationwide where the union staged protests as part of its campaign to protect the jobs of union car haulers. The union is angry with Chrysler Group LLC for shifting some work to nonunion companies to save money, and fears General Motors Co. may follow suit. The companies say they need to cut costs. [source] ed38bf9c92d459e17c42fc065f0c3b26 /Article/Dispute_between_Chrysler_Financial_GMAC_traps_Chrysler_dealers_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5779 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:02:14 GMT An undetermined number of Chrysler Group LLC dealers are at risk of closure within a month, caught in a dispute between their former finance company and their new lender. Imperiled dealers are those with mortgages and capital loans with former captive finance company Chrysler Financial but who need a line of credit from new lender GMAC Financial Services to buy vehicle stock with a wholesale or "floor plan" loan. They have temporary financing but face a mid-November deadline to secure permanent... c1375f928ec945551916454990e42de5 /Article/CAW_optimistic_on_Chrysler_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5780 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:02:14 GMT Leaders of the Canadian Auto Workers union left a six-hour meeting with Chrysler Group LLC executives with substantially more optimism about the future of the automaker than they had going in. "I left feeling pretty good, and, frankly, I went there pretty down," said CAW President Ken Lewenza, describing Thursday's meeting with Chrysler Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne, which stretched from a scheduled three hours into six and included an impromptu dinner. Lewenza said the five union leaders... 63c0e8d68822fab1e744f3a3bce529bf /Article/GMAC_Most_Chrysler_dealers_to_qualify_for_new_loans_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5776 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:02:10 GMT GMAC Financial Services President Bill Muir said Sunday that the number of Chrysler dealers expected to close because they don't qualify for new loans through the lender is likely to be small. GMAC was designated the new finance company for Chrysler Group LLC dealers after the automaker filed for bankruptcy. The Detroit News reported Saturday that some dealers said they had been told by GMAC and Chrysler officials that hundreds of dealers were at risk of not being able to finance with GMAC. The U.S... eadbc673f08467d9635f9f675e16eafc /Article/Fiat_chief_to_reveal_Chrysler_plan_in_Nov_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5758 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:17:58 GMT -- 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... 652664f17e428f2cdd688e1d7ec9c4bc /Article/Senate_leader_urges_GM_Chrysler_dealership_talks_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5755 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:17:57 GMT -- 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... faa2a802d8073aed3b779b550ef86d34 /Article/Chrysler_delays_return_of_second_shift_at_Illinois_plant_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5730 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:26:10 GMT Chrysler Group LLC is delaying the return of the second shift of workers at its Belvidere, Ill., plant by more than a month. "Continued stresses on the automotive supplier base," is the explanation the automaker gave Monday in announcing the 850 affected workers will be recalled in mid-November. The original plan was to increase production starting Oct. 5, adding 10,000 Dodge Caliber compact vehicles to help replenish supplies after the fuel-efficient hatchback proved popular during the "cash for... abb0e222c2d817c505c9fc3f9fe60a4e /Article/Chrysler_buys_out_engine_plant_in_Dundee_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5709 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:05:08 GMT Chrysler Group LLC, the automaker run by Fiat SpA since exiting bankruptcy in June, said Thursday it bought out Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. stakes in a Michigan engine factory. The U.S. carmaker took full ownership of the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance plant in Dundee, effective Aug. 31, said a statement. Financial terms weren't disclosed. The venture, formed in 2003, has been making four-cylinder engines used in Chrysler vehicles. Buying out the two partners clears the way for... 4e500ed5aa25a8ccd1c6e55df03674b7 /Article/Old_Chrysler_s_costs_outstrip_assets_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5687 Mon, 7 Sep 2009 18:08:12 GMT The portion of Chrysler LLC that remains in bankruptcy had costs of $10.2 billion in June, which is more than the amount the company was left with to cover the costs of liquidation. The June operating report for Old Carco LLC, the name for the bankrupt pieces of the automaker, was filed with the New York bankruptcy court Friday. Chrysler LLC filed for bankruptcy April 30, and the choice assets were sold to a new entity, Chrysler Group LLC, which was formed in partnership with Fiat SpA on June 10. Former... c365169c6bf0d6744024dcdef099b638 /Article/Old_Chrysler_defaults_on_loan_payment_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5683 Mon, 7 Sep 2009 18:08:10 GMT The portion of Chrysler LLC that remains in bankruptcy had costs of $10.2 billion in June, which is more money than the company was left with to cover the costs of liquidation. Insufficient funds could explain why Old Carco LLC, which holds Chrysler assets still in bankruptcy, could not repay $3.34 billion in financing from the U.S. and Canadian governments to finish its bankruptcy, and an additional $29 million in interest on that loan. Failure to make a payment due June 30 resulted in a notice of... 5b9b62c77b0d7765c10001787d8f7d2d /Article/United_Way_to_get_525_000_from_Chrysler_PAC_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5662 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:03:56 GMT Money in Chrysler's dormant political action committee fund totaling $525,000 will be donated to the United Way, The Detroit News has learned. And any voluntary contributions made by the more than 1,300 employee participants since June 10 when a new company, Chrysler Group LLC, was formed in alliance with Fiat SpA, will be refunded, employees learned this week in a letter from John Bozzella, senior vice president responsible for external affairs and public policy. These additional contributions beyond... f4414d45e4c497afd0e179c70957d474 /Article/Chrysler_Fiat_to_share_Frankfurt_Auto_Show_spotlight_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5648 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:30:16 GMT Chrysler Group LLC and Fiat SpA will offer the public a family portrait of sorts at next month's Frankfurt auto show. To mark the alliance of the two automakers, cemented on June 10 after Chrysler LLC exited bankruptcy, the brands of both companies will share a display hall at the Frankfurt show, which opens to the press on Sept. 15. That means Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep, for the first time, will be in the same building with members of the Fiat Group, including Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Lancia, Ferrari... e2583b8b1bb0a544cf300e75154bbe63 /Article/Nissan_Chrysler_cancel_deal_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5642 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:30:12 GMT Nissan Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC have dropped their plans to produce vehicles for each other. The two automakers agreed early last year to pool their volumes in the full-size pickup and subcompact segments, but doubts about the projects arose after Chrysler teamed up with Italy's Fiat SpA. "For the past several months, teams from both companies have been studying the viability of the projects in light of significant changes in business conditions since the projects were announced," the two... 047c475e72beda12eacee3a97681624a /Article/Chrysler_Town_and_Country_is_made_for_vacations_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5639 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:30:06 GMT -- The best way to go up north is in a minivan. Sure, there may be cooler cars, faster SUVs and much more stylish vehicles, but a minivan gets the job done like no other. And the king of Michigan minivans is the 2009 Chrysler Town and Country -- it's an anointment by default since Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. dumped their minivan business. A Town and Country makes any trip into Michigan's hinterlands easier because it basically becomes a giant cargo hauler. It's the Pods of vehicles. The Stow... 860ba931df124826b02b0c640ec66387 /Article/Choice_of_Chrysler_Mexico_plant_acceptable_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5624 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:50:16 GMT Chrysler Group LLC's decision to build the Fiat 500 in Mexico may avoid stiff opposition because its overall product plan will include assembling other new vehicles in the United States and Canada. The Mexican choice is more palatable to union members because when Chrysler reveals its full product plans this fall, there will be products for plants in all three countries. General Motors Co. faced a backlash when it considered importing small cars from China, prompting its decision to build small vehicles... 19f95019a9663d0cfc4f22fce0b14982 /Article/Ford_unveils_programs_to_woo_GM_Chrysler_buyers_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5508 Mon, 25 May 2009 05:23:16 GMT As Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corp. move to dismantle brands and close dealerships, other automakers are moving in to pick up the pieces. Analysts said it will take a couple more months to fully gauge consumer reaction to these moves, but Haig Stoddard of IHS Global Insight said one thing is already clear: "Ford is likely to be the big volume winner." While Chrysler touts the benefits of "quick-rinse" bankruptcy -- something GM is expected to soon enter into as well -- Ford Motor Co. is in the... 5fe47659562b4909ccbb704cae418faf /Article/Obama_sets_GM_Chrysler_talks_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5350 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:58:37 GMT WASHIINGTON -- The Obama administration's auto team will hold face-to-face talks with top executives from both General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC this week, even as the automakers face down a March 31 deadline to win key concessions from the UAW and bondholders. GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner, Chief Operating Officer Fritz Henderson and Chief Financial Officer Ray Young are to have a lengthy meeting Thursday with key members of the administration's auto restructuring team, people familiar with the... ea981c3dc606d10117ece67dda99fa22 /Article/Beijing_Auto_mum_on_report_it_may_bid_for_Chrysler_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5339 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:09:05 GMT SHANGHAI -- Staff at Chinese car maker Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp. refused comment Monday on a report that the company might bid for assets of Chrysler LLC. The state-run newspaper China Business News, citing an unnamed Beijing Auto executive, said the Chinese automaker wanted to acquire Chrysler assets using a similar approach to that taken by Nanjing Automobile Group Corp.'s when it bought defunct automaker MG Rover Group. The aim, China Business News said, was to acquire production... 4e3d3254f5bb9a1707576a4c832d0ee2 /Article/Chrysler_takes_steps_in_quality_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5340 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:09:05 GMT The first thing Doug Betts did when he arrived at Chrysler LLC in October 2007 to oversee quality was define the term so everyone would be on the same page to fix problems. The Auburn Hills automaker had not scored well in quality surveys, which has been costly in terms of lost sales. Betts noted similarities to problems he encountered as a troubleshooter at Nissan Motor Co. following poor product launches in 2003. Months of brainstorming at Nissan became Chrysler's gain, as Betts said he knew within... ddb9132975a1165cd803b8835dc9308c /Article/Canada_wants_Chrysler_to_flesh_out_plans_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5341 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:09:05 GMT OTTAWA -- The Canadian government needs to get a better idea from Chrysler Canada about the implications for this country of the company's financial restructuring plan, said Industry Minister Tony Clement. In an interview Sunday on CTV's "Question Period," Clement said he is especially interested in finding out what product lines Chrysler LLC has in mind for its plants in Windsor and Brampton, Ontario. Chrysler provided only a sketchy outline of its latest proposals Friday, sending a brief letter to the... 2afdf6ab84d2e8dd0082885719b2e3cb /Article/Canada_official_seeks_more_detail_on_Chrysler_plan_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5343 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:09:05 GMT OTTAWA -- The Canadian government needs to get a better idea from Chrysler Canada about the implications for this country of the company's financial restructuring plan, says Industry Minister Tony Clement. In an interview Sunday on CTV's "Question Period," Clement said he's especially interested in finding out what product lines the Chrysler LLC Chrysler has in mind for its plants in Windsor and Brampton, Ontario. Chrysler provided only a sketchy outline of its latest proposals Friday, sending a brief... 2978367714456faeabdfb78ea444b2e5 /Article/GM_Chrysler_rush_plans_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5299 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:02:47 GMT General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC are scrambling to finish key negotiations and fine-tune restructuring plans that will dramatically transform companies pushed to the brink of bankruptcy late last year. The automakers have had more than two months to slash costs and prove they can repay up to $17.4 billion in federal loans, despite the worst U.S. auto sales market since the 1980s. Preparations are expected to continue through the weekend to meet Tuesday's deadline to submit plans to the U.S... d4efadb5ac6ade9ee4b7acec1748deac /Article/GM_Chrysler_labor_talks_slow_as_deadline_nears_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5301 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:02:47 GMT DETROIT -- Concession talks between the United Auto Workers and the Detroit Three shifted into an odd phase Saturday as negotiations broke off with General Motors Corp., slowed at Chrysler LLC and picked up speed at Ford Motor Co., financially the healthiest of the three, according to people briefed on the bargaining. The developments come as GM and Chrysler race toward a Tuesday deadline to submit plans to show the government how they will become viable and repay billions in loans that are keeping them... a3a3fa43850a3dc8e2788c1eee6b9011 /Article/GM_Chrysler_credit_union_car_buying_program_shows_results_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5264 Thu, 5 Feb 2009 07:31:57 GMT Credit unions closed about 25,000 vehicle sales for General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC in less than a month through their "Invest in America" campaign. The campaign with GM and Chrysler is proving successful since its nationwide launch Jan. 7, said David Adams, president of CUcorp, the marketing company for about 7,800 credit unions across the country. The program made $80 billion available in low-cost auto loans to new and current credit union members, on top of discounts on new vehicles. The... 4663a3e16712f5a7353a93ca18bd2faa /Article/GM_Chrysler_offer_new_buyouts_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5245 Tue, 3 Feb 2009 07:09:25 GMT Cash-strapped automakers General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC are offering another round of buyouts and early retirement packages to hourly workers in a move designed to help shed higher-paid employees in keeping with conditions of a $17.4 billion federal loan package. GM sent an e-mail to local United Auto Workers officials this afternoon outlining its latest offer. That offer includes a $25,000 voucher to buy a new GM vehicle and $20,000 cash to retirement-eligible workers and any UAW worker, said a... cf00ada839ae08eac819cb65001bb90c /Article/Chrysler_GM_offer_new_UAW_buyouts_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5237 Tue, 3 Feb 2009 07:09:21 GMT General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC are offering another round of buyout and early retirement packages to their 89,000 combined hourly workers -- a move that will help the automakers shed higher-paid employees to meet conditions for more competitive wages in return for federal assistance. Details on the offers came a day before automakers announce January auto sales, and as GM and Chrysler try to cut costs and trim debt to comply with the requirements of their federal loan packages. The United Auto... 8afbec5c0150cb1a2f1fb8eacbf4ce16 /Article/Chrysler_Fiat_meetings_called_positive_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5194 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:55:58 GMT Fiat SpA management spent time at Chrysler LLC in Auburn Hills over the weekend as the two automakers hammer out details of a proposed partnership, one of many ways Chrysler is working to show its viability in compliance with the conditions of $7 billion in requested government loans. Fiat chief executive Sergio Marchionne traveled from Italy for an informal meeting described as "positive" by Chrysler Chairman Robert Nardelli in a letter to employees Monday that provided updates on cost-cutting by all... ccfba2924e16ab28ff45462f127f2e0b /Article/Chrysler_plans_road_show_to_urge_dealers_to_order_vehicles_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5179 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 06:38:15 GMT NEW ORLEANS -- Chrysler LLC plans a major sales push and cost-cutting campaign to strengthen its ability to survive ahead of a March 31 deadline to show the government it has a viable future, company executives told dealers Sunday. Chrysler Vice Chairman and President Jim Press, along with other executives, urged dealers gathered at the National Automobile Dealers Association annual convention to order their normal allocations of vehicles for February and March -- despite a sales slump that is squeezing... b5bffd0272c9d7d6fbd7a5a6557d4c14 /Article/GM_Saturn_could_survive_Chrysler_We_ll_be_viable_by_spring_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5182 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 06:38:15 GMT 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... 11f6bc3b350a1776621f45c5c3b4f697 /Article/GM_Chrysler_press_dealers_to_order_cars_in_coming_months_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5176 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 06:38:13 GMT General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC on Sunday urged dealers to keep ordering new cars and trucks in coming months despite an industrywide sales slump that has kept vehicles piling up on dealer lots. During a meeting at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention, Chrysler told dealers it will launch a major push to get retailers across the country to order vehicles, and consumers to buy them, ahead of a March 31 deadline to convince the government the automaker can survive. Chrysler and GM... e1e0827ac93a982ec6b81ff7c22e961e /Article/Gettelfinger_Deadline_for_GM_Chrysler_restructuring_plans_may_be_unattainable_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5160 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:04:53 GMT WASHINGTON -- United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger said Monday that a Feb. 17 deadline for General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC to complete restructuring plans may be "unattainable." Last month, the U.S. Treasury Department agreed to loan the two cash-strapped automakers up to $17.4 billion to keep them afloat, contingent on the companies' filing detailed restructuring plans by Feb. 17 that include sacrifices from the UAW and bondholders, among others "Honestly, most people that have looked... edb3a0be57852442f32f1bb35362c7e4 /Article/Reports_Chrysler_Fiat_discuss_partnership_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5159 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:04:52 GMT AUBURN HILLS -- Fiat SpA is holding discussions with Chrysler LLC about taking a stake in the U.S. carmaker and creating a partnership that would allow the Italian automaker to build and sell its small cars in the United States, two publications reported Monday. Unnamed officials familiar with the discussions told The Wall Street Journal and Automotive News that Chrysler would have access to Turin-based Fiat's engine and transmission technology as part of a potential deal. Chrysler spokeswoman Lori... 370f8ab508e108e22588ec6361d22c85 /Article/Fiat_in_talks_to_buy_big_stake_in_Chrysler_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5155 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:04:50 GMT After several attempts, Chrysler LLC may have found a partner. Italy's Fiat SpA could take a big stake in the Auburn Hills automaker in exchange for providing small-car platforms and engines under discussions taking place. Such a deal would allow cash-strapped Chrysler to quickly add small vehicles to its lineup and at little cost, while providing Fiat with an inexpensive ticket back into the U.S. auto market, people familiar with the situation said. They said the talks are at an advanced stage, with... 9211e7fae21e165735c9e422def676df /Article/Chrysler_Financial_gets_1_5B_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5146 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:47:00 GMT Chrysler LLC's financial arm won a $1.5 billion loan from the U.S. Treasury Department Friday, money that should help the automaker boost sales by making it easier for consumers to finance new cars and trucks. Chrysler Financial LLC got the first $100 million on Friday and became the latest automotive company to receive money from the $700 billion Wall Street rescue fund. Chrysler responded by unveiling a new incentive program to get customers into showrooms. The offer, effective immediately, includes... 474ba91ec6cbb107dacf6a726aa7e3f5 /Article/Chrysler_extends_shutdown_for_three_plants_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5127 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:07:15 GMT Chrysler LLC is extending the shutdown of three of its plants for an additional week, citing continued slow sales due to the financial crisis and downturn in the auto industry. The automaker closed all 30 North American plants Dec. 19 for one month to reduce inventory. Workers at 23 of them will be back on the job beginning next week. Three plants will be down an additional week. They include: Sterling Heights Assembly Plant Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, Belvidere, Ill. Dodge Caliber and Jeep... e0f8956a477950dca634b0005e11f02f /Article/Chrysler_extends_plant_shutdowns_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5122 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:07:14 GMT Chrysler LLC is extending the shutdown of five plants, including three in Michigan, for another week, citing continued slow sales due to the financial crisis and industry downturn. The automaker closed all 30 North American plants Dec. 19 for one month to reduce inventory. Workers at 23 of them will be back on the job next week. Down an additional week are: Sterling Heights Assembly Plant Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger; Belvidere, Ill. Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot and Compass; and the plant in... 9794ab4aae14d66e95c407d8f6c5949d /Article/2009_Detroit_Auto_Show_Chrysler_Limited_Presentation/5101 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:34:17 GMT        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... 58b1ba31b153e1bbca11f08c6ef07090 /Article/Chrysler_starts_to_seek_concessions_necessary_for_recovery_plan_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5095 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:34:13 GMT DETROIT -- Chrysler LLC will meet with many of its stakeholders over the next two weeks to seek concessions to meet the targets outlined in the automaker's recovery plan. Chairman Robert Nardelli told reporters at the North American International Auto Show on Sunday that a range of concessions is being sought, but he would not be specific about the company's requests. Chrysler received $4 billion from the government in emergency loans last month that require the automaker to dramatically restructure... 84aaf046851331a13967fe519433366b /Article/Chrysler_wants_3B_more_in_bailout_aid_detnews_com_The_Detroit_News/5091 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:34:09 GMT 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... 6d6dc44492d812894d1d1e8366b29602