The Detroit News has an interesting look at the mission ahead for incoming DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche. Zetsche said his goal is to see that DaimlerChrysler makes the most exciting, high-quality vehicles at the lowest possible cost. “This is very basic, but I believe it’s what we need.” To do that, no brand can be neglected, and Mercedes and the Chrysler Group will have to work closer together. When things went wrong at Mercedes, there was no such unity. “There were two centers of consciousness — one being Daimler and the other Mercedes. In the past, we saw a lot of infighting and friction,” Zetsche said. “Our intention is to have just one company.” Chrysler already turned to Mercedes for help with the 300 platform. Now, the companies are set to codevelop a small car platform that will underpin the next A-Class and new Chrysler models — a project that would have been unthinkable a few years ago.
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04/03, 11:29 AM
posted by:
moody
The link to the image is broken.
04/03, 12:28 PM
posted by:
Rohit
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTT???
This has to be a joke. April Fools was 2 days ago? Geez, at the time Toyota is working to separate Lexus more, this guy wants to merge Mercedes and Chrysler? Do you even understand your brands???
04/03, 12:49 PM
posted by:
Icheb
Rohit:
He said “one COMPANY”, not “one BRAND”. You can reduce unnecessary losses by combining the efforts of both companies and still have different brands.
04/03, 1:22 PM
posted by:
Jerry Mahoney
Great.. another one of my comments take down.
04/03, 3:57 PM
posted by:
Jason
Camry = $20k. Lexus ES = $35k.
Nissan has like 2 FWD car, 1 RWD car and 1 truck platform.
Platforms are such basic systems, it doesn’t determine the luxury level of the finished car. People pay different prices depending on what skin (what’s the price difference between the same sofa covered in cloth or leather?), multimedia, and excessive techno gimmicks are riding on top of the platform.
Sharing platforms increases resources for the company to improve quality and good design. I would feel more comfortable if the vehicle I am sitting in is critiqued by both Germans and Americans, so its upper ball joint does not self-destruct while I am cruising at 75 mph on the highway.