Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Zetsche: Maybach "not significant or relevant," but a facelift is coming anyway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/zetsche-maybach-not-significant-or-relevant-but-a-facelift-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/zetsche-maybach-not-significant-or-relevant-but-a-facelift-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/zetsche-maybach-not-significant-or-relevant-but-a-facelift-i/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Maybach Zeppelin - click above for high-res gallery

Maybach's 2009 sales through the first eleven months of this year have declined about 20 percent. That's at the kinder end of the industry average, all the more impressive because the "cheapest" one starts at $358,000. The part that's not so kind is the actual number of sales: 88, versus 110 last year.

Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche has told Autocar that there's a facelifted Maybach on the way, but his comments sound like those of a player ready to get out of this game. With an aside that he thinks luxury buyers are becoming more discreet, he admitted that Maybach's addition to the company "is not significant or relevant" and "there are no plans in the long run." Correct us if we aren't remembering correctly, but last we checked Dr. Z wasn't the kind of guy to leave dead weight hanging around.

This is just speculation, but assuming he spoke of Rolls-Royce when he said "there are only two players in this market and we are one of them," (apparently Bentley's Mulsanne doesn't move his needle) perhaps Zetsche sees the top tier luxury race needing only one Maybach hit or a Rolls stumble to even up. Rolls sales have fallen 18 percent this year, but that's from 407 to 330. On the other hand, Zetsche's unwillingness to commit to saying a new Maybach is on the way makes us think you should get one while you can. Or not. Hat tip to Williem D!


Gallery: Maybach Zeppelin


[Source: Autocar]

Zetsche: Maybach "not significant or relevant," but a facelift is coming anyway originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dieter ZetscheDieterZetschemaybachmaybach 57Maybach 62Maybach landauletMaybach ZeppelinMaybach57Maybach62MaybachLandauletMaybachZeppelinzetscheTue, 15 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes Grand Prix searches for drivers while dispelling board's concerns]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mercedes-grand-prix-searches-for-drivers-while-dispelling-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mercedes-grand-prix-searches-for-drivers-while-dispelling-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mercedes-grand-prix-searches-for-drivers-while-dispelling-board/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The new Mercedes GP car rendered - Click above to view in high-resolution

With two manufacturers leaving the series, four new teams joining the grid and a giant game of musical chairs amongst the drivers ensuing, the off-season between the 2009 and 2010 Formula One World Championships is packing in as much action as the racing itself. But few developments have garnered as much attention as the coup orchestrated by Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, withdrawing from McLaren after fifteen years as its active partner in favor of a more conventional engine supplier role, while buying over 75% of the Brawn GP outfit to enter the sport as a full manufacturer team under the Mercedes Grand Prix banner.

The acquisition has drawn public criticism from Erich Klemm, employee representative on the Daimler board and chairman of its Corporate Works Council, who decried the move as an unnecessary cost when money is tight and other automakers are withdrawing from the series. Chairman Dieter Zetsche responded that the acquisition of the Brawn team will give the company more exposure for less cash: The deal reportedly cost the German automaker some $336 million, but its operating costs are expected to drop to about $74 million annually by 2011, analyzed as far less than what Mercedes was contributing annually to the McLaren budget.

Zetsche might have more trouble, however, explaining to the board how their star driver slipped through their fingers and defected to the team they just ditched. McLaren just announced the recruitment of Jenson Button to team up with Lewis Hamilton for a twin-champ "super team," and Rubens Barrichello is off to Williams next season, leaving the new Mercedes GP team looking for new drivers. Considering they're the reigning champions suddenly flush with cash, they shouldn't have much trouble, though.

Zetsche and Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug are reportedly keen to capitalize with an all-German line-up, fueling speculation that Michael Schumacher could rejoin Mercedes (whose junior driving program gave him his start) and Brawn (who orchestrated all seven of his world championships). Nico Rosberg is thought to already have signed on to switch places with Barrichello, while Nick Heidfeld has been linked with a switch from the departing BMW to its arch-rival Mercedes. Toyota's Timo Glock was also reportedly in the running, but the young German driver signed with newcomer Manor GP instead. Haug has indicated an announcement will come within the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned.

[Source: F1 Live]

Mercedes Grand Prix searches for drivers while dispelling board's concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barrichellobuttonbutton mclarenButtonMclarendaimlerDieter ZetscheDieterZetscheerich klemmErichKlemmglockhamiltonhaugheidfeldheikki kovalainenHeikkiKovalainenjenson buttonJensonButtonlewis hamiltonLewisHamiltonmclarenmercedesmercedes gpmercedes grand prixmercedes-benzMercedesGpMercedesGrandPrixnick heidfeldNickHeidfeldnorbert haugNorbertHaugrubens barrichelloRubensBarrichellotimo glockTimoGlockzetscheWed, 18 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche dishes out advice for Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/daimler-ceo-dieter-zetsche-dishes-out-advice-for-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/daimler-ceo-dieter-zetsche-dishes-out-advice-for-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/daimler-ceo-dieter-zetsche-dishes-out-advice-for-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


It's said that certain cultures don't handle the concept of irony well. You know, irony - where the intended answer is the opposite of the actual answer. Case in point: Back when cab forward cars were all the rage and the once mighty Plymouth brand was put out to pasture, Chrysler looked as if it had a fighting chance at remaining solidly within the Big 3. The Dodge Ram was a gauntlet thrown, the V10 Viper had sports car fans atwitter and the Dodge Intrepid really was a smart, good looking car.

Chrysler, meet Daimler, your new "equal." And by equal we mean Daimler gets the all the profits and you get cast off, last-generation Mercedes platforms on which to underpin your new cars. In the case of the 300C/Charger/Magnum, this particular strategy worked, for a couple of years at least. In the case of the Crossfire, not even a little bit. And then under Daimler's watch - and specifically under the eyes of Dieter Zetsche, a.k.a. Dr. Z - Chrysler was piledriven through the mat. Have you driven a Dodge Journey lately?

Here's the irony - Dr. Z is handing out unsolicited advice to Fiat's Sergio Marchionne vis-a-vis Chrysler - and we just can't help but laugh. Zetsche claims, "I continue to be emotional about this company and am crossing my fingers for the very best future." And while we're 51% sure he's being sincere, where was that emotion when he green lit the Jeep Compass? Or the Chrysler Sebring? Or the Dodge Caliber? All cars that led directly to the bankruptcy of Chrysler. We could go on, but you get the idea. Our advice to Sergio? Do the opposite of whatever Zetsche is telling you.

[Source: USA Today | Source photo by TORSTEN SILZ/AFP/Getty Images]

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche dishes out advice for Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler's Dieter Zetsche has called 2009 a "Darwin year" for the car business, with the weak and the lame being pulled down by larger forces. Surprisingly, Porsche was one of those businesses that nearly went under, and it has been looking for help almost anywhere it could get it. Reuters says that Germany's Manager Magazin recently reported that Porsche and Daimler held talks in May regarding Daimler taking a stake in either Porsche or VW in order to help Porsche balance its books.

The article asserted that Zetsche and Porsche's Wendelin Wiedeking were looking at options including a cash exchange for a piece of Porsche, or a derivatives purchase from Porsche that would then be converted in VW shares. Spokesmen for both carmakers has since called the report "pure speculation" and are refusing to comment further. If such a scenario were explored, we know how it would help Porsche -- but what would it do for Daimler?

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Daimler, Porsche dismiss talks of stake as "speculation" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of the Maybach 62 Landaulet

Seemingly nothing - not the credit crunch, not miniscule sales, not its own lengthy, lugubrious looks - can kill the Maybach. People who have wondered how long Mercedes will keep dishing out tiny servings of the enormous cars can wonder no more: top guy Dieter Zetsche has said Maybach is here to stay, and that the brand "is not losing money."

We don't know how a division that moved just 146 cars last year, even if they start at $372,000, isn't losing money. But the $1.35 million Landaulet should help things, and to be to be fair, Zetsche has said before that Maybach's profitability or otherwise is not the issue - the car is a suitable competitor to Rolls-Royce and Bentley. And Daimler has demonstrated patience: it waded through the rough times with the smart car division for ten years, and now has black ink and a hot brand to show for it.

Gallery: Maybach 62 Landaulet


[Source: Automotive News via eGM Car Tech]

Thus sprache Zetsche: Maybach not going anywhere originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata means that the two British marques will have to look elsewhere for the parts normally supplied by Ford. Following the news that Daimler could be a supplier to both automakers comes word from Dr. Z himself that a deal is a distinct possibility.

Daimler holds a seven-percent stake in Tata Motors, which could make an easy case for Mercedes to supply Jag and L.R. with the necessary components to wean them off of Ford. Dieter Zetsche told Auto Motor und Sport that, "If Ratan Tata approaches us regarding the supply of components, we would be open to talks." AMG-powered XF, anyone?

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Jaguar and Land Rover could strike a deal with Daimler originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click on the image to view high-res shots of the Mercedes F700 concept

Massive amounts of money are being spent in the alternative energy sector of the automotive industry. Last year, Daimler spent $6 billion in research and development and another $2.7 billion on environmental protection. Expect those already rather large sums to increase in the coming years. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche says that the company will "increase these budgets even more and by 2010 we'll invest $21 billion in research and development." Daimler has invested heavily in hydrogen technology and holds twenty-five patents protecting new battery technology for automobile use. Further development will continue to cost a large chunk of change.

Of particular interest is the fact that Daimler intends "to offer at least one model in each of the Mercedes-Benz core model series that is a leader in fuel consumption," according to Zetsche. Despite looming legislation that will require more fuel efficient vehicles, Mercedes-Benz plans on continuing to offer vehicles that will meet the size, performance and luxury demands prospective buyers have come to expect from the premium German marque. Otherwise, it won't be $21 billion well spent.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2007: Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept


[Source: The Car Connection]

Daimler gets serious about R&D, will increase spending to $21 billion by 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatterydaimlerdaimler agDaimlerAgdieter zetschedieter-zetscheDieterZetschef700hydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellmercedesmercedes benzmercedes f700mercedes fuel cellmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMercedesF700MercedesFuelCellFri, 18 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler considers shutting down Maybach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/daimler-considers-shutting-down-maybach/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/daimler-considers-shutting-down-maybach/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/daimler-considers-shutting-down-maybach/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Daimler will take the next two years to decide whether to invest more in its failing Maybach flagship marque or else shut it down. This comes from the mouth of Daimler and Mercedes chief Dr. Dieter Zetsche, who inherited the problem-child brand from his predecessor, ex-CEO Juergen Schrempp.

After ditching Chrysler, another deal that was orchestrated by Schrempp, Dr. Z may be inclined to shut down Maybach, too. By all accounts the ultra-premium brand has not been a sales success, barely reaching ten percent of its original sales forecast. In speaking with TheCarConnection.com, however, Zetsche insisted that Maybach's profitability "does not matter" in the face of demonstrating Mercedes' capability of competing with archrival BMW's pinnacle Rolls-Royce (and Volkswagen's Bentley), but that may prove to be all talk if Maybach doesn't present a solid business case. Zetsche confirmed that there are currently no plans on the table for new Maybach products - cutting short speculation over a new baby Maybach positioned between the current 57 and the Mercedes S-Class - and that even the outrageously-priced 62 Landaulet was unlikely to make much headway in turning the brand's fortunes around. We guess P.Diddy and his crew will have to find another ride.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Daimler considers shutting down Maybach originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancel maybachCancelMaybachclose maybachCloseMaybachdieter zetscheDieterZetschemaybachno new maybachNoNewMaybachshut down maybachShutDownMaybachMon, 17 Mar 2008 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr. Z likes the idea of developing engines with BMW]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/08/dr-z-likes-the-idea-of-developing-engines-with-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/08/dr-z-likes-the-idea-of-developing-engines-with-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/08/dr-z-likes-the-idea-of-developing-engines-with-bmw/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Daimler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche offered a choice quote to his nation's leading weekly news mag, Der Spiegel, when he mentioned that the automaker would be open to developing an engine with the company's cross-town rival, BMW. Apparently, Daimler is in talks with several companies about joint projects, but as of now, nothing is set in stone.

The idea of a co-developed engine between the two German heavyweights is an interesting idea, especially if both manufactures begin to focus their efforts on some form of innovative propulsion. More turbos? New fuels? Pixie-dust power? Who knows?

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Dr. Z likes the idea of developing engines with BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Sep 2007 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With the sale of Chrysler nearly complete, the folks in Stuttgart are looking for a new name to represent the automaker formerly known as Daimler Chrysler. Company executives would like to call the company Daimler AG, but others want the company name to once again include both 'Daimler' and 'Benz' to reflect both of the company's original founders, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz. CEO Dieter Zetsche has instead proposed changing the name of all manufacturing plants from Daimler to Mercedes as a compromise. We'd like to point out that none of luxury cars the company produces is called Daimler anyway, so why hold on to that part of the name? In any case, the final name will be decided at the October 4 shareholder meeting in Berlin.

[Source: Auto News - sub. req'd]

Daimler's new name to be picked on Oct. 4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It seems obvious now, but the sale of Chrysler leaves Mercedes Benz in a similar position as it's cross-country rival, BMW. Back when BMW bought the ailing MG-Rover marque, the results, to say the least, were less than positive. When the dust finally settled after the sale of Rover in 2000, the automaker had dropped billions of dollars into the company with little to show for the expenditure.

According to an article in Welt am Sonntag, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche was quoted as saying that, "there are no acquisition targets I can recognize that could strengthen Mercedes." Obviously, Dr. Z has learned from his own company's past missteps, and will lead Mercedes into the future without the help of new brands to bolster its catalogue of cars.

In the end, the acquisition of Chrysler did little to enhance either automaker's image. Whether it was quality, engineering prowess or long-term growth, the consolidation glut of the past 10 years may have finally come to an abrupt, if not entirely predictable, end. No surprise, as bigger has often proven to be not necessarily better when it comes to the automotive industry.

[Source: Reuters]

Mercedes relents: Will go it alone like BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2007 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Project X has now officially been renamed the Recovery and Transformation plan by the Chrysler Group, which plans to reduce its workforce by 13,000 people between now and 2009. About 11,000 employees will be hourly workers, while 2,000 will be salaried employees. In addition, total production capacity for the Chrysler Group will be reduced by 400,000 units per year, aided by the immediate elimination of shifts at its Newark Assembly Plant and Warren Truck Plant, along with cancelling a shift at its St. Louis South Assembly Plant in 2008. In 2009, the Newark Assembly Plant will be completely idled. There's also the standard restructuring moves you'd expect in the plan, like reducing the number of dealers, selling less to fleets, and offering retirement and attrition packages to current workers not affected by the layoffs.

Chrysler Group hopes the R&T plan will return the company to profitability as early as 2008. It's main weapon is cost reduction by the aforementioned layoffs and plant closings. The idea seems to be that if the company can reduce costs enough, its operating profit can offset the quarterly losses it will be facing in the near term.

It's not all slash and cut though, as Chrysler also announced a $3 billion investment in new engines, transmissions and axles that will focus on producing more fuel efficient power and drivetrains. One such product will be a dual-clutch transmission it's commissioned Getrag to produce and a new V6 engine dubbed "Phoenix". There's a slew of BLUETEC diesel vehicles on the horizon, and the 2008 Dodge Durango will host the company's first two-mode hybrid, as well.

One item of note in the press release issued is DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche's statement that, "we do not exclude any option in order to find the best solution for both the Chrysler Group and DaimlerChrysler," which some analysts have taken to mean that selling off the Chrysler Group wholesale is still on the table as a viable option.

Check out the Chrysler Group's full press release after the jump for all the nitty gritty details, and let us know in the comments whether or not you think the Recovery and Transformation plan has what it takes to turn Chrysler around.

[Source: Chrysler Group]

Continue reading Chrysler Group announces Recovery and Transformation plan

Chrysler Group announces Recovery and Transformation plan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Feb 2007 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We have more details on the rumored restructuring plan that the Chrysler Group is expected to announce on February 14th. First, it's dubbed internally as "Project X", which must mean it involves chimpanzees and large doses of radiation. In addition to radiated chimps (we're kidding, click the link for the punchline), Automotive News is reporting that the plan will likely involve cutting 10,000 factory jobs and closing the Newark Assembly Plant that builds the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen, as well as the an engine plant in Detroit that we believe makes the 4.7L V8 motor for Jeep and Dodge. The ultimate goal is reportedly to make the Chrysler Group smaller, more efficient and more closely alligned with Daimler-Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz. The restructuring plan sounds similar to those currently being implemented by General Motors and Ford, though smaller in scale. For its part, Ford learned a valuable lesson not cutting deep enough the first time around, so we're eager to see if the Chrysler Group comes back for a second round of cuts, as well.

[Source: Automotive News]

Chrysler's "Project X" calls for 10,000 jobs cuts, two closed plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler Group CEO Tom LaSorda travelled to DaimlerChrysler's headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, last Wednesday to present a restructuring plan to the company's management board. The Detroit News reports that the plan will involve job cuts and and the closing of at least two plants in the U.S. The plan will be reviewed by the DCX management board and likely announced in February when the company reveals its performance numbers for 2006, which analysts expect to be billions in the red.

Just like Ford with its Way Forward restructuring plan, Chrysler needs to trim down the production side of its business to meet lower demand for its vehicles that led to a loss of $1.5 billion in Q3 of 2006. In addition to shrinking its production capacity, any analyst will tell you that Chrysler also needs more small cars in its lineup, which at the moment is overrun with trucks, minivans and SUVs.

Though the Chrysler Group is still run by Tom LaSorda, many are speculating that Dieter Zetsche wants to bring back his guy pal Wolfgang Bernhard, current head of the Volkswagen brand, to run the stumbling automaker. Other initiatives that are already happening include bringing in executives from Mercedes-Benz to the Chrysler Group reduce the cost of each vehicle it produces by $1,000. Clearly DaimlerChrysler is putting effort into fixing what's broken at the Chrysler Group, though some analysts speculate that the restructuring plan announced in February will be its last attempt before selling off the automaker it had "merged" with back in 1998.

Chrysler to present restructuring plan in February originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Dec 2006 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieter zetscheDieterZetscherestructuringrestructuring planRestructuringPlantom lasordaTomLasordaturn aroundTurnAroundTue, 26 Dec 2006 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz helping Chrysler cut $1,000 per vehicle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/20/mercedes-benz-helping-chrysler-cut-1-000-per-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/20/mercedes-benz-helping-chrysler-cut-1-000-per-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/20/mercedes-benz-helping-chrysler-cut-1-000-per-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Chrysler Group is looking for advice from other DaimlerChrysler divisions on how to cut the cost of each vehicle it produces around $1,000 on average. DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche told CNBC in Paris that executives from Mercedes-Benz in particular were helping put together a plan to make the cost cutting happen. The group advising Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda also includes execs from the company's commercial vehicle operations and some outside consultants.

There are more than a few ways to cut down the cost of the vehicle. Chrysler could close some plants and reduce its excess capacity, a strategy adopted by Ford in its Way Forward plan. Rumors that a Chrysler plant in Newark, Delaware producing the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen could close are out there, which makes sense in light of the automaker's admission it will lose $1.5 billion this quarter because it didn't anticipate the SUV's fall from grace. Chrysler's health care costs for its U.S. workers also adds $1,400 to the price of every vehicle, but the United Auto Workers has already closed the door on giving the automaker any concessions. So where is Chrysler going to scare up a grand per vehicle? Other possibilities include reducing its white-collar workforce, investing in more efficient production techniques, and the last resort, skimping on the cars and trucks it sells by reducing the level of standard equipment offered while holding the price and using less expensive materials.

If Chrysler succeeds, the profit it makes per vehicle would rise from $144 to a margin just below that of Toyota or Honda, the industry leaders in bucks made per vehicle.

[Source: Automotive News]

Mercedes-Benz helping Chrysler cut $1,000 per vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslercostcost cuttingCostCuttingcostsdieter zetscheDieterZetschetom lesordaTomLesordaFri, 20 Oct 2006 16:08:00 EST<![CDATA[UAW denies health care talks with Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/12/uaw-denies-health-care-talks-with-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/12/uaw-denies-health-care-talks-with-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/12/uaw-denies-health-care-talks-with-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The UAW on Wednesday jumped on rumors that it had reopened talks with Chrysler. According to a piece in The Detroit News, UAW spokesman Roger Kerson said there was no meeting over one of the biggest sticking points, health care, as was rumored elsewhere. Although the UAW has reached health care agreements with GM and Ford this year, they broke off talks with Chrysler over this issue in September, likely because Chrysler wasn't in as dire of straights as Ford and GM. Chrysler spokesman Mike Aberlich said they are still communicating with the UAW on this issue but stated "we're not in negotiations."

Just prior to halting talks, Chrysler was set to announce a $600 million third quarter loss. Chrysler has since refigured the loss at $1.5 billion. The automaker has about 50,000 active UAW employees and spends about $2.3 billion on health care for them and another 100,000 hourly retirees. That cost rose about 10% from last year's $2.1 billion. Although Chrysler claims it could save about $340 million a year by renegotiating along the same lines as GM and Ford did, the issue is still officially off the table.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, who also sits on DaimlerChrysler's supervisory board, upheld his decision in an interview with The Detroit News this week. "People say, 'Well, Chrysler has projected a loss,' " Gettelfinger said. "But this is one quarter, and we're going to work our way through the situation there no different than we did at Ford and General Motors." Even after 12 straight profitable quarters, DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche has criticized the union for its hard-line stance on this issue. "It's a very strange position that we should lose $10 billion before we can have the same as Ford and GM," he said.

[Source: The Detroit News]

UAW denies health care talks with Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Oct 2006 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dieter ZetscheDieterZetscheFordGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorshealth careHealthCareMike AberlichMikeAberlichRoger KersonRogerKersonRon GettelfingerRonGettelfingerThe Detroit NewsTheDetroitNewsUAWunionThu, 12 Oct 2006 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler: Dr. Z is here to stay]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/17/chrysler-dr-z-is-here-to-stay/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/17/chrysler-dr-z-is-here-to-stay/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/17/chrysler-dr-z-is-here-to-stay/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chrysler confirmed Wednesday that the controversial "Ask Dr. Z" ad campaign will continue through the end of the year. Steve Miller of Brandweek reports that the current TV and radio spots, which haven't exactly received widespread acclaim, will continue at least through September 5, after which the camapign moves into a new phase. According to a Chrysler marketing communications representative, "Dr. Z could be used to promote some of our upcoming products, like the Aspen and the Nitro."

The $100 million campaign, which also covers the Chrysler Group's "Dream Car Sweepstakes" giveaway, has been criticized for its largely unsuccessful attempt to turn one of the auto industry's most respected executives into a standup comedian and comic book character.

Meanwhile, Chrysler Group sales remain on life-support.

[Source: Brandweek]

Chrysler: Dr. Z is here to stay originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Aug 2006 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask dr.zAskDr.zdieter zetschedoctor zdr zdream car sweepstakeszetscheThu, 17 Aug 2006 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Wanna win a Dodge Challenger?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/wanna-win-a-dodge-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/wanna-win-a-dodge-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/wanna-win-a-dodge-challenger/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Chrysler launches "Ask Dr. Z" Dream Car Sweepstakes

click on above image for high resolution version

Or new Chrysler Sebring? Or Jeep Wrangler Unlimited? Chrysler has announced the kickoff of its "Ask Dr. Z" Dream Car Sweepstakes that will run between August 15 and September 4. Entering involves visiting a Dodge, Chrysler or Jeep dealership and picking up an entry code that you then plug into the "Ask Dr. Z" website. A total of nice vehicles will be given away, three of each model.

Though many pundits have already called Chrysler's "Ask Dr. Z" campaign a failure because of the automaker's disappointing sales figures for July, Chrysler is quick to point out that traffic to its websites are up and Web leads have increased by 27 percent. Its own research reveals that 83 percent of in-market consumers find DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche credible and believable. A contest involving the giveaway of three Dodge Challengers seems to us a surefire way to increase the site's web traffic tenfold and drive people into dealerships, even if only to pick up an entry code.

[Source: The Chrysler Group]

Wanna win a Dodge Challenger? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ask Dr. ZAskDr.ZChallengerDieter ZetscheDieterZetscheSebringWranglerWrangler UnlimitedWranglerUnlimitedTue, 15 Aug 2006 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA["Ask Dr. Z" national ad campaign for Chrysler starts tomorrow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/ask-dr-z-national-ad-campaign-for-chrysler-starts-tomorrow/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/ask-dr-z-national-ad-campaign-for-chrysler-starts-tomorrow/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/ask-dr-z-national-ad-campaign-for-chrysler-starts-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Along with the announcement of its summer sales incentives today, Chrysler also unveiled its "Ask Dr. Z" national ad campaign that features the company's Chairman, Dieter Zetsche, as the spokesperson. The ads mark the first time DaimlerChrysler will be communicating what it believes are the benefits of the merger between Daimler-Benz and Chrysler that formed it. That means highlighting the level of both American and German engineering and design in each Chrysler product.

While we think it's fair to say the press knows Dr. Zetsche is a likeable guy, it's unclear how the Chairman's handlebar mustache and German accent will play in Peoria. We'll find out soon enough, as the campaign kicks off tomorrow with 60- and 30-second "tri-brand" commercials, newspaper and magazine ads, internet advertising, and a www.AskDrZ.com url that will be plastered on the hood and side of Dodge Charger NASCAR race cars in the coming weeks.

A full press release can be found after the jump...

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading "Ask Dr. Z" national ad campaign for Chrysler starts tomorrow

"Ask Dr. Z" national ad campaign for Chrysler starts tomorrow originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jun 2006 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisingAsk Dr. ZAskDr.ZCEOChairmanDieter ZetscheDieterZetschespokespersonFri, 30 Jun 2006 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[SMART coming to the U.S., Penske to distribute]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/28/smart-coming-to-the-u-s-penske-to-distribute/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/28/smart-coming-to-the-u-s-penske-to-distribute/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/28/smart-coming-to-the-u-s-penske-to-distribute/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dieter Zetsche came to Detroit today to announce some pretty big news... not so much that SMART is coming to the U.S. (that was the worst kept secret of June 2006), but rather that Roger Penske and UnitedAuto Group Inc. will be the one doing the honors.

The SMART ForTwo will be offered in the States starting in 2008, giving DaimlerChrysler enough time to get the vehicle's safety ratings up to snuff. The automaker expects to unload 20,000 units a year -- an aggressive goal given the fact that SMART currently sells 40,000 units in 36 countries per year. The car will go head-to-head with BMW's MINI brand, which will be redesigned for the 2007 model year.

Penske owns UnitedAuto Group Inc., the second-largest dealer group in the United States.

[Source: Reuters, Automotive News]

 

SMART coming to the U.S., Penske to distribute originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jun 2006 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwdaimlerchryslerdieter zetscheDieterZetschefortwominipenskesmartWed, 28 Jun 2006 12:15:00 EST