Well, it happened to Chrysler (11)

mitt · April 30, 2009, 10:47:44 AM

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090430-718284.html

This should make negotiations at GM more interesting.

mitt

Grampa · April 30, 2009, 01:14:17 PM

Barry just bought a Fiat.

Drjones · April 30, 2009, 01:20:14 PM

Yep, there was $4 billion of tax payer money well make the beast with two backsing spent.

Fox · April 30, 2009, 01:25:35 PM

Quote from: Drjones on April 30, 2009, 01:20:14 PM
Yep, there was $4 billion of tax payer money well make the beast with two backsing spent.

+1

ptam · May 03, 2009, 08:59:16 AM

Yep, it is interesting to see how this all plays out. Especially with the UAW having 55% ownership.

I don't think GM will be very far behind.

Having spent a lot of time traveling and renting cars, I've had my fair share of different products. I'm often struck by how poor the domestic offerings have been when you compare them to their Asian counterparts. I recently had rented a Nissan Altima and a Pontiac G6 ... and I was struck by how nice the Alitma was for its price point, where as the fit and finish on the G6 just didn't compare. Things just felt cheap ... from the seat cushion bottom to the dash and door panel plastics.

My opinion is that both Chrysler and GM (and Ford to certain extent) were too truck / SUV heavy in their product portfolio, so when the market collapsed, their sedan offerings just weren't up to snuff. The both came a long way from where they were in the 90's, but the quality of their cars are now about par with what the Asian companies were offering in the late 80's and 90's and are still incompetitive.

red baron · May 03, 2009, 09:05:07 AM

Quote from: Drjones on April 30, 2009, 01:20:14 PM
Yep, there was $4 billion of tax payer money well make the beast with two backsing spent.

+11ty

IZ · May 03, 2009, 06:32:13 PM

Jeep is part of Chrysler, right?

I've been wanting a 4 door Wrangler for awhile now.

Would it be wise to buy one after this?

redxblack · May 03, 2009, 06:52:00 PM

I'll be in the market for a Fiat 500 when they arrive in 2 years.

Dannyboy · May 04, 2009, 05:02:54 AM

Quote from: redxblack on May 03, 2009, 06:52:00 PM
I'll be in the market for a Fiat 500 when they arrive in 2 years.

I want an Alfa Mito. Gonna be a while before they get here though...if ever.

Got Duc · May 04, 2009, 05:05:20 AM

Quote from: IZ on May 03, 2009, 06:32:13 PM
Jeep is part of Chrysler, right?

I've been wanting a 4 door Wrangler for awhile now.

Would it be wise to buy one after this?

I was thinking the same thing. But with the possiblity of lack of dealer support and or not being able to get OEM parts has me leary on buying a pre door closing jeep

mitt · May 04, 2009, 06:29:56 AM

Now it looks like Fiat is going to make a play at Chrysler, and parts of GM Europe, to make the largest auto company in the world

Where do those Italians get all the money (cough cough, wink wink).

mitt

the_Journeyman · May 04, 2009, 06:37:20 AM

I remember seeing something about Fiat not jumping in earlier citing "Union Concessions." Will the file for 11 make it easier for Chrysler to meet Fiat's desires for union concessions?

JM

ItsaDuc · May 04, 2009, 07:16:36 AM

Forgive me, I get pretty passionate about this subject since I live in SE Michigan and it certainly affects me and my family. No I dont work for the auto industry, but what they do affects me.

Yes I understand free market and the use of government money to help bail out the auto industry could be a bad idea...but keep in mind, this is supposed to be a "loan", unlike what any bank in America has received thus far that we all have paid into.

Much of what has been out in the media is true and yes auto workers "used" to make great money, they are what created the middle class back in the day. But those days are over, we know. What many people forget is the "legacy" cost of these companies and what they pay to the retired workers. The factories in the south for Honda and Toyota do not have these same costs and therefore cannot compare to what the big picture is in the pay scale.

While I understand that everyone has a opinion on the subject, I'm sure mine will offend many here. Keep in mind, if any of these companies die, you will be affected in some way, shape or form. These are the biggest employers in the nation and their reach is far. The trickle down effect will be huge. Tire suppliers, makers of plastics, steel, electronics, advertising, marketing, you name it, they will be affected. the layoffs will continue and more and more companies will fail.

Yes, the big 3 were too heavy with SUVs and trucks, but that's what everyone was buying. Look at your local grocery store and count them in the lot. I bet 80% of the people on this site has owned one in the past 10 years. As soon as we saw $4 gas prices is when the public said "give me a smaller car". The typical turn around time for the big 3 to get a car from design to the road is 2 years minimum. We only saw $4 gas prices 1.5 to 2 years ago. So guess what, the Fiat deal looks pretty good. They have all kinds of small cars Chrysler can sell. It will take a few years but it will happen.

I'm sorry if I offended anyone on this site, but I felt I needed to share my thoughts. We are seeing the worst economic times here and its grueling. I'd love to move, but guess what, my house has lost every shread of value, much like many of you in Cali, Arizona, Fla, NM.

Thank you for your time, now back to your regularly scheduled program.

Grampa · May 04, 2009, 07:17:06 AM

I see HEMI stickers on Rossi's bike

NAKID · May 04, 2009, 08:34:22 AM

Well, I work for one of the largest employers in the WORLD, the U.S. Military. I am fortunate enough to have job security.

P.S. I also own a full size truck (American) and a V8 SUV(German)

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Well, it happened to Chrysler (11)