Chrysler and Mahindra possibly seeking partnership
Outside of China, the biggest potential market for vehicles is in India, and Tata's recent bid for Jaguar and Land Rover proves that Indian automakers will be a force with which to be reckoned in the future. Chrysler recognizes this and in order to expand its own global reach might be looking to get into bed with one of India's up-and-comers.Reports are beginning to surface that Chrysler may be considering a joint venture with India's Mahindra & Mahindra and in the process might gain an equity stake in the automaker. The news comes soon after a report that Mahindra might be pulling out of a joint venture with Nissan-Renault to build a $1 billion plant in India. If Chrysler can shore up ties with Mahindra while simultaneously pursuing its new ventures with Russia's Gaz, its dwindling market share here in the U.S. may be less of an issue.
[Source: AutoObserver]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
J. D. Billiford 5:45PM (1/08/2008)
>>> As the old saying goes, "Good business is where you find it."
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Punisher Bass 5:54PM (1/08/2008)
Am I the only one who thinks that logo looks way too much like the Olds logo before they were killed?
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Neurowave 5:55PM (1/08/2008)
Chrysler and Oldsmobile?!
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Mercury Fan Forever 6:34PM (1/08/2008)
Oldsmobile Lives!!!! or at least their logo.
VP 6:02PM (1/08/2008)
Damon, do you have any updates on Mahindra's plan to start selling SUV's here in the US starting in 2009? Our local Ford dealer (the biggest in atlanta) already even signed up for it!! This could be an interesting relationship with Pentastar.
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Dev 7:08AM (1/09/2008)
Have you seen the SUV (and a double cab truck based on the same)they plan to launch? It sells in India under the name of Scorpio. The car is cramped even to Indian standards. Don't expect much!
N Evans 8:07PM (1/08/2008)
Chrysler's "dwindling market share" you say? It's amusing the choice of words on this blog.
According to Edmund's, Chrysler’s market share decreased 0.1 percent from 12.9 percent to 12.8 percent in 2007, while Ford’s fell 1.8 percent and GM’s fell 0.9 percent.
One-tenth of a percent. If Chrysler's decrease is described as "dwindling," then one can only wonder how this blog would describe Ford's and GM's larger decreases. An honest analysis of the numbers would indicate that Chrysler's market share withstood the onslaught of competition better than Ford and GM.
However, one can't expect your carefully chosen words to report -- I'm sorry -- "blog" positive information for Chrysler given your most recent blogs on the company. What's the deal? What's your real beef? Does the negative approach suit your agenda better?
Edmund's also reports that Honda’s market share increased 0.6 percent, Nissan’s increased 0.5 percent and Toyota’s increased 1 percent. Wouldn't an honest analysis indicate that, while Chrysler's market share did decrease 0.1 percent, the increase in market share by foreign-based brands came more at the expense of Ford and GM?
I have a feeling that Chrysler's financial ($) problems, which particularly concerns controlling costs (but doesn't seem to be reported that way) has tainted your analysis and the analysis of even some of those who consider themselves true journalists of their true market share performance.
Numbers don't lie. And they do reveal when you're being presented with misleading information.
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Frank 8:10PM (1/08/2008)
+1 Evans, +1.
Trideep Gogoi 9:16PM (1/08/2008)
I dont think they mean now as in he past year. I think its about the downward trend for the past decade. And unless Chrysler pulls a civic out of its ass I think the "trend" will continue. This is what makes it dangerous. Honda might have market share in the past year but they have been on an upward "trend" for a decade and all things considered they are headed upwards. Its basic econ man. Pay more attention in class.
That was a joke.
I think this is a good thing. the US is not the end of the world as the rest of the world grows and more importanty grows without prejudices about american cars they have a golden opportunity to grow. Just like How GM managed to Revitalize Buick in China even though in the US no one other than someone who cares about social security cares about the brand.
Trideep Gogoi 9:17PM (1/08/2008)
I meant "Honda might have LOST market share in the past year"
N Evans 10:55PM (1/08/2008)
Again, Trideep, this analysis is so subjective. From which "decade" did you start this trend analysis and why? Why did you choose a decade instead of a 5-year period or a 15-year period? And how did you come to interpret that the blogger's use of the term "dwindling" meant the same period of time that you decided to use?
Additionally, if you go to BlueOvalNews at the link below, it will show that Chrysler's market share has grown from 12.2% in 1990 to 13.6% in 2005 and, according to Edmunds, stands at 12.8% in 2007. Following your logic, this is a 0.6% increase in market share over the past 17 years (if BlueOvalNews' data is correct). Now, this increase may not be in line with the overall growth and decrease in total auto sales from year to year during the same period, but it is a growth all the same. You may not see it that way, but I'd hardly refer to it as "dwindling."
Yes, GM's, Ford's and Chrysler's total market share is decreasing but, individually, it is not quite the same story.
I assume this link is affiliated in some way with Ford ("Blue Oval").
http://www.blueovalnews.com/plugins/p2_news/printarticle.php?p2_articleid=161
Avinash machado 5:34AM (1/09/2008)
Mahindra started out by assembling Willy's Jeeps in India way back in the 1940's. In fact it still builds derivatives of the old Willy's models along with its more modern products. Considering that Chrysler owns Jeep now, Mahindra has now completed a full circle.
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