REPORT: GM merger would eliminate Chrysler vehicles
Click above to begin GM/Chrysler Battle Royale
Earlier this week we published a Battle Royale between General Motors and Chrysler in order to determine in a fun way which vehicles from each automaker that compete directly in the marketplace would survive if the two merged. Out of 12 matchups, GM vehicles won eight and Chrysler four. A new report by consulting firm Grant Thornton LLP largely confirms that our experiment was spot on. The report says that if a GM/Chrysler merger happens, only the Dodge Ram, Chrysler and Dodge minivans and a few Jeep models will survive. We had the Ram and Wrangler as survivors on our list, though perhaps we were too generous giving the dated Dodge Dakota and slow-selling Jeep Patriot stays of execution. Either way, the point is that Chrysler's model lineup across all three brands would largely be wiped out if a merger with GM happens, as well as the plants that build those models and the workers who do the building.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Brent 8:18PM (10/30/2008)
I agree.
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The Luigiian 8:09PM (10/30/2008)
This in itself isn't shocking.
What is surprising is that these two are actually discussing this merger in the first place. Even now, it's a bit hard to believe that of all the companies to join, it would be Chrysler and GM.
Also: This means that the Dodge Challenger will again be a rare vehicle, perhaps rarer than the original version it's designed to emulate.
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Gabagool 8:11PM (10/30/2008)
"This means that the Dodge Challenger will again be a rare vehicle,"---Collectible?
B 11:38PM (10/30/2008)
I wouldnt mind that, keeps the resale value high!
Kattleox 9:16AM (10/31/2008)
Forget the challenger, I'm worried about the Viper! You can't just "kill" the most ridiculously overpowered car in the world, can you?
I'm actually sad after reading that. ;_;
AZZO45b 9:08PM (10/31/2008)
Cerberus has been trying to sell Viper, Ex Viper engineers/ executives are on the sell team.
MoonRover 8:09PM (10/30/2008)
I just read a report a minute ago that said that would not happen. The report also stated that if GM and Chrysler did not merge, Chrysler was gone. This report came out this evening. GM would keep Ram, Jeep, Town and Country, and five others, I cannot remember which. Somebody is wrong, I cannot believe GM would benefit by disposing of all the Chrysler products.
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fixitfixitstop 12:23AM (10/31/2008)
It doesn't matter which models would be saved when this is all speculative talk.
Ford Wannup 8:55AM (10/31/2008)
Is it time yet for Jim Press to ask: "What the HELL was I thinking?"
Gabagool 8:09PM (10/30/2008)
John why don't you guys put a poll so people can vote. I say kill Durango, Kill Silverado and replace it with RAM (rebadged it and sell as completely redesigned, totally, 100% new Silverado)
Keep the muscle (300C and Charger) keep the Jeep get rid of Hummer.
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The Luigiian 8:13PM (10/30/2008)
I'm gonna come in under the wire and say I think you're right regarding the Silverado. It would clearly differentiate between the lighter, less work-friendly Chevy and the tougher, heavier-duty Sierra.
Also because I personally like the looks of the Ram more than the Chevy.
Brent 8:19PM (10/30/2008)
I like your suggestions. GM having different trucks would be interesting.
MoonRover 8:19PM (10/30/2008)
Gabagool,
Yep,. rebadge the Ram and call it Silverado, when donkeys fly, you have just made the most absurd post of the decade on Autoblog. Where do you pull these ideas from Gabagool,..........oh sorry I should have known.
Gabagool 8:22PM (10/30/2008)
Moon, RAM is a new Truck, how much GM would save by not developing a whole new vehicle. Also i have yet to see a negative review of Ram.
Torrent 8:24PM (10/30/2008)
I think both the Silverado and Ram's names should stay- as they're both wayyyy too iconic to kill (so is Hummer, so I think they should combine Jeep and Hummer into Jummer lol).
MoonRover 8:27PM (10/30/2008)
Gabagool,
Don't you think buyers would know they had a rebadged Dodge Ram,........Chevy truck buyers are second to no other in buyer loyalty, Chevy looks like Chevy and Ram looks like Ram and never the two shall cross. GM will keep both, it will mean at least 300,000 in sales. To eliminate either would be a gross misstate, and a giant loss in sales.
montoym 8:40PM (10/30/2008)
The SIlverado is one model year old, hardly considered old. The Ram was just the last of the 3 to be redesigned. They needed it badly as well. It has finally come up to the level of the competition(F-150 and Silverado).
Count me as one definitely against GM killing the SIlverado in favor of the Ram.
The Silverado has routinely been the 2nd best-selling truck in the country(after the F-150) and if you include the Sierra sales, it's the best-selling platform. There's absolutley no reason to get rid of it.
If this merger does go through, GM should just sell the Ram platform to Nissan since they were planning to base the next Titan on the Ram plaform anyhow.
That would be the best option for both parties if the Ram in fact has to go. GM would get money from the sale and Nissan could continue with their plans and would actually have a truck of their own rather than a rebadged Ram.
Jimbo 9:26PM (10/30/2008)
I think GM will just sell the Ram and its factories to Nissan, who will then either keep the Ram name or rebadge it as the new Titan. GM and Nissan have both been in talks to buy Chrysler assets and Chrysler is already under contract to produce the next Titan based on the Ram. It would only make sense for GM to sell the Ram to Nissan.
MM 9:39PM (10/30/2008)
Keep Jeep and Hummer, group them together and then sell them off to Tata or Mahandra. GM will benefit from the New Ram if it could utilize the mechanics for the Tahoe and Suburban like it does with the Silverado, otherwise its too expensive to keep. I see value in the RWD sedan segment especially for the police and municipal vehicle market that GM so badly neglected 18 years ago.
Clearly the minivan market and the small car platforms will be of value to GM as well.
Perry 2:04AM (10/31/2008)
Rebadge the silverado as a ram?
Now your talking like general motors. Its not what they should do but it is what they probably will do.