Lots of little industry news tidbits in the roundup below including a GM executive resignation, Daimler’s declaration of independence and a possible alliance between Chrysler Finance and GMAC
Automotive News reported today GM Vice President of Marketing Mike Jackson has resigned from the automaker. His responsibilities will be assumed by Mark LaNeve for the “foreseeable future” said the spokeswoman. LaNeve is GM’s vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing.
Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler, told The Wall Street Journal Thursday the German automaker wouldn’t be looking for anymore foreign partners or mergers and the automaker would do its best to avoid being purchased by another automaker or investment firm.
According to Automotive News Chrysler is pushing ahead with its global expansion plans after its divorce with Daimler. Plans include building a new axle plant in Marysville, Michigan; reducing the number of platforms the automaker uses from 12 to 7; outsource more components and content to low cost countries.
GM CEO Rick Wagoner didn’t rule out a possible alliance between GMAC and Chrysler Financial when asked about it Thursday, Automotive News reported. Private equity firm Cerberus is part of the group which owns 51 percent of GMAC and just Monday announced it was buying Chrysler Group from Daimler. Wagoner told the luncheon he was speaking at there are many potential synergies between the two financial arms.
