There had already been talks of the two automakers working together to produce a full size SUV for Chrysler...now it sounds like GM and Daimler are looking into GM buying Chrysler...Would that mean that the HHR and the PT would be relatives ???

 

Doesn't every one have an unmentionalbe cousin or uncle?

 

I don't know if this will be Good

 

If this were true maybe it should be a limited buyout - example aquisition of the Jeep Brand and the Viper. and dump the rest of the model lineup

 

jx, nice way to think about it...hahaha. We were talking about it at work and thought like Grumpee or that the lines might see "improvements a bit of thinning out but still separate in the marks like GM does with their other "brands"...This could be interesting with the GM move towards improved quality, which by the way is the new direction of many US based companies including our own (Caterpillar Inc.)...

 

I had heard roumer of this...

 

First off, it's not even a certainty yet, because a lot of analysts are saying GM does not have the spare cash to acquire the Chrysler group (the pricetag is estimated at $5 billion). You consider that it's not just the company they would have to acquire but the infrastructure as well, and then it becomes a logistical nightmare to integrate all of that infrastructure into the pre-existing GM network. Not to mention, there's the union to deal with as well, seeing as how both GM and Chrysler have expiring contracts: would they try to negotiate with the UAW as separate entities, or include both GM and Chrysler under one umbrella contract?

As far as what GM would do with the Chrysler brands, that's fairly easy:
1: Eliminate Buick as the entry-level luxury marque and replace it with Chrysler. Don't mess with the Chrysler look too much, but bolster what's pre-existing with some more powertrains. Maybe integrate some of the Buick models into Chrysler, some of the more popular names (Lacrosse, Enclave, Rendezvous). Eliminate redundant Chrysler models, i.e.: Pacifica, PT Cruiser.

2: Ditch the existing Jeep powertrains and swap them all with Chevy-derived ones.

3: Scale back Dodge's offerings. Viper, Ram pickups, Nitro, Sprinter and Caliber only. And ditch the crappy Caliber engine for one Ecotec or another.

4: Eliminate all mini-vans.

5: Engine tech goes both ways. Picture this: 8.0L Corvette. 'Nuff said.
My opinion only, please don't stone me.

 

It'll never happen.

 

GM needs to fix their own problems, even if that means not being the largest car manufacture in the world for a while. Scale back, regroup then reconquer.

 

My thoughts exactly! One ailing company buying another ailing company doesn't make alot of sense!