Following an earlier report that Cerberus Capital Management was preparing to sell Chrysler , new details have emerged that shed some light in Renault’s part in the possible acquisition. Renault is already tied to Chrysler though a deal with Nissan , but the breakup of Chrysler could result in Renault having an even closer with the Michigan automaker.
If Cerberus were to breakup Chrysler, General Motors has already laid claim to the company’s minivan and Mexico truck operations, leaving plenty of other assets to scour through. According to Reuters, Renault would be interested in re-acquiring Chrysler Jeep brand. Renault was a major investor in AMC, which sold Jeep to Chrysler in 1987.
If Renault were to buy Chrysler ’s Jeep unit, it would instantly give the French automaker a wealth of SUV platforms, as well as access to underutilized North American production plants. The acquisition of Jeep would also give Renault a solid launching pad for a reintroduction to the U.S. market, a move a Renault executive said was a possibility at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.
Given Jeep’s iconic place in the market, the acquisition of the off-road brand would seem like a smart move for Renault – even if SUV sales are down. And with only three of Chrysler’s many units accounted for, we’re sure we haven’t heard the last on the breakup of Chrysler.
