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According to Fortune’s Alex Taylor the idea of General Motors
purchasing Chrysler is ridiculous saying that GM’s number one problem
is overcapacity and Chrysler has too much of what GM has already like
car brands, workers, assembly plants, retirees, dealers, liabilities,
and car models. General Motors is already finding it hard to manage all
of these and adding Chrysler brands plus all of its liabilities will be
like committing suicide. It is no secret that General Motors has
been trying to slim down for more than a decade now and acquiring
Chrysler could only ruin its diet. Plus try to name one automotive
takeover that actually worked out. Can’t think of one, can you? That’s
because there is none. There hasn’t been a successful automotive
takeover in the modern memory but in terms of failures you may be able
to name a few like Ford-Jaguar, Renault-American Motors,
Studebaker-Packard and others. Mr. Taylor also added that takeovers
always look good in papers but crumple in execution. And just
think. Why didn’t Carlos Ghosn push through with the Renault-Nissan
merger? Simple, because he knew that whole deal is not worth it the
effort. The idea behind GM purchasing Chrysler to remain as world’s
number is simply preposterous and excuse the term—stupid. For one GM
needs to strengthen up not expand. But if Chrysler is to be
broken up and sold by parts now that’s a different story since General
Motors might actually get some very good deals out of it like for
instance the Jeep® brand despite the effort of Chrysler to weaken the
value of this American icon by producing vehicles that are challenged
in quality and functionality the Jeep name still ring a bell with
buyers. That’s because the Jeep brand has already established a
reputation for quality and that goes beyond its line of auto parts like
the popular Jeep blower motor. GM has already tried to rival Jeep
with its Hummer only to end up as a subset of the whole off-roading
culture which Jeep dominates. If GM can take their hands on the Jeep®
and leave their Hummer to the X-games people it might do them some good. The
modern diesel engines that Chrysler is offering are also a good catch
since they are certified top-class. They are no longer smoky and smelly
plus they provide excellent mileage. It is not a secret also that
diesel engines are the closest solution to the alternative energy
problem. And the mere fact that Chrysler has access to Daimler’s diesel
technology makes it even more advantageous for GM. The Dakota
midsize pickup of Chrysler is not only sturdy but has ample rooms for
improvement unlike the small pickups of GM, the Chevy Colorado and GMC
Canyon. The Chrysler Technology Center is another good buy. It
was one of Lee Iacocca’s good ideas wherein he consolidated all of
Chrysler’s engineering and researched facilities under one roof and
used the new building as a recruiting tool. In case GM bought it they
use it instead of their rundown engineering complex in Warren Michigan
which they could sell the land and have it converted into a golf course
or something. The Chrysler Group has also some brilliant people which GM can employ to add to their team. The main point of the matter is Chrysler would only become beneficial to GM if it is bought in parts but not in its entirety.
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