REPORT: Iacocca leads retiree volunteer army offering free help to Chrysler
Lee Iacocca loves him some Chrysler. He cared enough about the Pentastar to rescue the automaker from bankruptcy back in 1979, and now in retirement as the honorary chairman of the National Chrysler Retirement Association, he's offering his support for his former employer post-bankruptcy. Iacocca, along with 19,000 Chrysler retirees, took out a full page ad in the Detroit News offering any means of support necessary to help the new Chrysler succeed. The ad offered help in "any way capacity you might require," and added, "just put us to work." It also showed the retirees' approval for the Fiat alliance; something that didn't come as easily when Daimler became Chrysler's overlord.
The heart-felt advert may have had an ulterior agenda, though. The open letter said that it hoped there were "some exceptions that we hope will be reevaluated," which is likely a reference to the axing of executive retirement packages. For many current and former Chrysler employees, Iacocca is an icon for what Chrysler can do if it gets its priorities straight. We're hoping Fiat takes him up on his offer, because if you can find a better executive willing to work for free, take him.
[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Paul Hawthorne/Getty]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
WetheSheeple 1:33PM (6/12/2009)
Love or hate Chrysler, you have to admire what Lee did to turn the company around back then. If only he were 25 yrs younger, I think he would have been the best choice to turn them around again. I really admire Mr. Lee Iacocca for his dedicaton to the American manufacturing base.
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TruthKid 5:40PM (6/12/2009)
I doubt he could repeat his miraculous turnaround in the current market. The Japanese offerings in America are almost irrationally favored here in the states. I say irrational because people don't realize some of the competitive products GM has due to a lack of advertising, too many brands, etc. With the current situation, all the hope rests on Ford's shoulders to redeem the American auto industry. It's going to take time for the animosity to die down against Chrysler and GM, even if they paid back the loans tomorrow, it's popular to bash them. So those who insist on buying domestics are going to look at Ford's offerings, and with the Fusion Hybrid, Taurus SHO, and Fiesta all in the lineup, it seems Ford is in an outstanding position. So more or less I'd say Lacocca's best efforts would be to get rid of the post-bailout hatred and return Chrysler to its pre-bailout hatred. It's a damn shame because I was always a Mopar fan, and there just doesn't seem to be enough known about the future lineup to indicate Chrysler has a hope of returning to greatness.
Saxxon 6:08PM (6/12/2009)
He should be the head chairman of the Obama auto task force, instead of the idiots in Washington. At least he knows SOMETHING ABOUT CARS.
Alex 1:42PM (6/12/2009)
Lee Iacocca is the brightest star that was ever part of the Chrysler constellation. It would be stupid to ignore his offer. His public approval alone would help turn the public's opinion of Chrysler.
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Frank 1:56PM (6/12/2009)
Yea, I'd take Lee up on his offer. Especially if it included help from former Chrysler folks like Tom Gale, John Herlitz, Francois Caistang, Thomas Stallkamp, Dennis Pawley, and Glenn Gardner.
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AZZO45b 2:14PM (6/12/2009)
Frank: John Herlitz passed away more than a year ago.
Frank 2:23PM (6/12/2009)
Well, they good get a medium and do a seance... :-)
But, oh snap! I forgot about that. RIP John.
John 2:22PM (6/12/2009)
Even in his 80's he's a better choice than a 31 year old not-quite lawyer who's never worked in the industry. Somebody in government, please get a clue, and ask for his help.
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paul34 2:30PM (6/12/2009)
If you ask, you gotta pay. And with these pay caps, who could ever blame a truly talented executive like Iacocca for not working in an official capacity? All pay caps do is to ensure no truly talented individuals ever get on board the sinking ship.
Richard 4:57PM (6/12/2009)
Paul,
Pay Caps ensure jobs for idiots in government. Used to be that they said: "If you can't do it, teach it." Now, you can just go get a government job.
TruthKid 5:25PM (6/12/2009)
@Richard
As a man who's paycheck comes from the federal gov't, I would appreciate it if you were to stay in your lane and respectfully stfu.
Steve Lopez 2:00PM (6/12/2009)
You said exactly what I wanted to say.
Thank you!
I could only imagine the backlash that is coming shortly.
Thanks again!!!!
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bcm_shop@verizon.net 2:44PM (6/12/2009)
Chrysler Imperials based on a stretched K-car platform. The Dodge Dynasty. And he hated the LH cars. Iaccocca was a wizard in some ways, but it's hard to see how the 31-year-old non-car guy everyone's dissing could do a worse job with product.
zamafir 2:53PM (6/12/2009)
I concur, nostalgia's a funny thing. The man worked wonders in the past, but the market is totally different today, and so is the man.
AZZO45b 2:16PM (6/12/2009)
Hey AutoBlog... its NCRO (National Chrysler Retirement Organization) not Association. Google & general FACT-CHECKING are your friends!!!
http://www.ncro.org/
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Frode 2:33PM (6/12/2009)
Of course, if Iacocca had handed the reins to Bob Lutz instead of Bob Eaton, Chrysler might have managed to avoid bankruptcy (and Daimler).
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Jared 2:51PM (6/12/2009)
That was possibly Iacocca's biggest mistake.
Who 'Dis? Who 'Dat? 2:30PM (6/12/2009)
Now that the tie-up between Fiat and Chrysler has been completed, does anyone know if the new firm, Chrysler Group LLC, will become a seperate publicly traded company, or traded as part of Fiat Spa?
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Shamdiddly 2:30PM (6/12/2009)
That's one hell of a gin blossom.
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Gasp 7:32PM (6/12/2009)
Iacocca? I don't think his idea of quality cars would float in todays world. He said if you can find a better car, buy it. Well, America did. I admit, the Omni and K cars were good ideas, but the horrors that came after were just bad taste. He loved over stuffed tacky styling. Chrysler was the king of looking the other way as their cars rolled down the road with paint peeling off and blue smoke clouds following. How many miles are on your New Yorker? don't know, the speedometer doesn't work, fifth one and it failed again...but thats ok, the tranny's going out again so well just park it.
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