Autoblog

Lee Iacocca's Ferrari F40 up for auction

Noah Joseph — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ferrari

Supercars play a volatile and ever-changing game of one-upmanship. With each new generation outperforming the last, it takes something truly special to endure the test of time. The Ferrari F40 is such an icon.

Built to celebrate Ferrari's fortieth anniversary, the F40 was the most extreme Ferrari ever produced to date, and the last to be ushered into production under the watchful eye of its founder Enzo Ferrari. Popular demand saw its original intended production run of 400 expand to over 1,300, but just 213 were made for the American market. This one is noteworthy.

This particular F40, you see, was built for Lee Iacocca during his tenure as chief executive at Chrysler. When the CEO of a major automaker orders a vehicle from another automaker, it says a lot. Even more so in this instance, because when this Ferrari was built, Iacocca's Chrysler also owned Lamborghini - Ferrari's longtime rival.

With fewer than 300 miles on the odometer and three owners in its twenty-one year history, this F40 is set to cross the auction block in one week at RM Auctions' event in Arizona. Follow the jump for the full listing, and check out the extensive image gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading Lee Iacocca's Ferrari F40 up for auction

Lee Iacocca's Ferrari F40 up for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1 of 45 Iacocca Mustang coupes shows up on Hardcore Pawn [UPDATE]

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford, Specialty

2009 Lee Iacocca Mustang - Click above to view video after the jump

Lots of strange stuff shows up in pawn shops, but rarely does something as rare and valuable as a 2009 Ford Mustang Lee Iacocca pass through the crosshairs. The guys at American Jewelery and Loan, subject of the TruTV show Hardcore Pawn, recently had the opportunity to get their hands on car number 11.

We aren't sure what inspired the couple who owned the car to sell it to a pawn shop (they did win the car at a casino, however), but they came away with a cool $66,000. We shudder to think what American Jewelery and Loan will try to hock it for. Click past the jump to watch how the deal went down.

UPDATE: Eagle-eyed reader Brad B. has discovered that American Jewelry and Loan, the Detroit pawn shop that purchased the car, has listed the Iacocca Mustang for a cool $175,000 on their website.

Continue reading 1 of 45 Iacocca Mustang coupes shows up on Hardcore Pawn [UPDATE]

1 of 45 Iacocca Mustang coupes shows up on Hardcore Pawn [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes Lee Iacocca and his special Mustang

Aaron Richardson — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford, Specialty

Jay Leno interviews Lee Iacocca - Click above to view video after the jump

Jay Leno's Garage managed to pull a very special interview this week with Lee Iacocca, the legendary American businessman credited with fathering the original Ford Mustang and with bringing Chrysler back from the brink in the 1980s. The interview rehashes Iacocca's success with the Mustang and direct involvement with the creation of Carroll Shelby's first cars in the '60s.

The video concludes with a walkaround and test drive of the Lee Iacocca 45th Anniversary Mustang, a (very) limited edition 400-horsepower supercharged tribute to the father of the Mustang. Leno even sneaks in a burnout in Lido's personal example. Check it out after the jump. Top tip, Brent!

Gallery: First Drive: Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Mustang

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes Lee Iacocca and his special Mustang

Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes Lee Iacocca and his special Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby tops Iacocca at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford, Luxury

2009 1/2 Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like the top-shelf, one-off 550-hp engine upgrade for that new Iacocca Mustang is worth about $362,000, at least to one buyer. The fifth of just 45 2009 1/2 Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustangs to be made crossed the block on Saturday at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Las Vegas with a winning bid of $320,000. After fees, the car's final selling price was a whopping $352,000. That's well above the $89,950 MSRP of the other 44 limited-edition, coachbuilt specials. We just wrote about the Iacocca 'Stang and said that the car's exclusive dealer, Galpin Motors of California, would offer engine upgrades for an undisclosed premium. We seriously doubt that the actual surcharge will come anywhere close to the premium secured on the Barrett-Jackson car.

So what made this particular Iacocca attractive enough to bring such a lofty price? Well, for one, it had that upgraded, supercharged 550-horsepower engine. Another reason this one sold for a price nearly four times higher than the base model was that it was sold at auction, with the bidders getting whipped into a typical Barrett-Jackson feeding frenzy. Finally, it was in Las Vegas, a city where fiscal responsibility takes a backseat to, well, pretty much everything. While we love the custom composite coachwork on this special fastback Mustang, and acknowledge that this one is unique with its supercharged engine, that price just seems completely insane. The Iacocca topped many impressive other rides that were up for grabs; follow the jump to read more results. Apparently, everything that happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas.

Gallery: First Drive: Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Mustang

Continue reading Shelby tops Iacocca at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas

Shelby tops Iacocca at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive Drive: Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang is one sterling 'Stang

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, First Drives, Specialty

2009 1/2 Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the phone rings and the guy on the other end asks if we want to drive a new Ford Mustang, we have to take a moment before answering. While we always enjoy the chance to pilot a new vehicle, we have to carefully consider whether we want to subject you to yet another pony car review. As we've chronicled in the past, there have been dozens of Mustang variants over the past decade and we've covered just about all of them. But we know that just mentioning another Mustang can elicit apathy - if not downright scorn - from our readers. Sure, it's an iconic American vehicle, attainable and tunable, fast and fun, but does the world really need yet another special edition Mustang?

The answer to that question is 'yes,' as long as there's something new in the mix. So when the call came to drive a 2009 1/2 Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang, the invitation was irresistible. Built as a tribute to the Father of the Mustang, it's been a long time coming. The real question is whether this limited edition 'Stang will be distinctive enough to stand out among the hundreds of other variants since its birth in 1964. We stopped by the car's builder, Metalcrafters, in Fountain Valley, California to find out. Read on to find out what we think about Lido's tribute.

Gallery: First Drive: Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Mustang

Continue reading Exclusive Drive: Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang is one sterling 'Stang

Exclusive Drive: Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang is one sterling 'Stang originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pony Up: Iacocca Mustang priced from $89,950

Drew Phillips — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Design/Style

Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With its Metalcrafters-sculpted body, Lee Iacocca's Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang is one of the hottest pony cars on the market. Unfortunately, it's one of the most expensive too. I Legacy, the company in charge of building the car, recently announced that pricing for each of the 45 examples available will start at $89,950. That's about $10,000 more than the GT500KR or more than triple the base price of a 2010 Mustang GT. If you want items like the Ford Racing supercharger or the big brake kit, you're looking at nearly six figures.

Are we surprised? If anything, we're surprised the price tag isn't more. Creating custom coachwork for a vehicle isn't cheap, especially when the cost is only spread over 45 cars. Think about it - Jim Glickenhaus had to pay Pininfarina around $3 million to turn an Enzo into his one-off P4/5. Okay, so that might be comparing apples to oranges, but you get the point. Putting new skin on a car isn't cheap. At least one person agrees - the first example was sold at auction for $125,000 at the car's unveiling. Iacocca's Mustang might not be everyone's cup of tea, but we expect Galpin Ford, the sole dealer for the car, to find a home for the other 44 cars. Hit the jump for the press release to read more about the special 'Stang.

Gallery: Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang

[Source: I Legacy]

Continue reading Pony Up: Iacocca Mustang priced from $89,950

Pony Up: Iacocca Mustang priced from $89,950 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM to offer 60 day money back guarantee on all new vehicle purchases

Chris Shunk — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors wants to prove to you that their vehicles are up to snuff, and The New York Times is reporting that a new marketing initiative aims to get more customers behind the wheel of GM cars and trucks. The General's rumored Satisfaction Guaranteed program promises to give customers their money back within 60 days if they're not completely satisfied with their purchase. The new sales tool, which will reportedly begin Monday and run through November, may mark the first time a major automaker has backed their product with a money back guarantee. The new initiative will cover new Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC models.

New GM Chairman Edward Whitacre stars in the new commercials designed to promote the porgram, reportedly uttering confident proclamations like "We're putting our money where our mouth is" and "May the best car win." That sounds a lot like the old Chrysler spots featuring then chairman Lee Iacocca to us - GM can only hope that its new chairman can capture the attention of the car-buying public as well as ol' Lido did.

The idea for the new initiative was allegedly hatched by GM's new board as a way to stir up customers post-bankruptcy. Details of the impending program are sketchy at this point as the General has yet to publish a press release, but if the marketing initiative starts Monday, we'll know soon enough.

[Source: The New York Times | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

GM to offer 60 day money back guarantee on all new vehicle purchases originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Iacocca Mustang commercial debuts with Frank Sinatra, hand brake turns

Chris Shunk — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Ford

Click above to view the video after the jump

Lee Iacocca helped to create the Ford Mustang way back in 1964, and the original pony car has lived on, uninterrupted, ever since. The one-time Ford division president set out to celebrate the car's 45 year anniversary with a special edition model with the Iacocca name emblazoned on the boot, with only 45 units to be commissioned for sale. As usual, Iacocca did exactly what he said he would, with a unique-looking Stang variant complete with a fresh pony face, a head-turning fastback design, in-set headlamps and Ford Racing performance parts.

To market his newest treasure, Iacocca bankrolled a 45th anniversary Mustang music video, with Frank Sinatra pumping the tunes and southern California providing the scenery. Hit the jump to watch some high-end shots of Iacocca's Mustang rolling through LA, along with liberal use of the hand brake and some random shots of young women openly admiring the silver Stang's lines. At the end, the window rolls down and you know who appears behind the wheel. Thanks for the tip, Richard!

Gallery: Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang - Live

[Source: Auto-Focus]

Continue reading VIDEO: Iacocca Mustang commercial debuts with Frank Sinatra, hand brake turns

VIDEO: Iacocca Mustang commercial debuts with Frank Sinatra, hand brake turns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live Reveal: Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, Specialty, Design/Style

Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang - click above image for high-res gallery

Last night, Lee Iacocca himself drew back the curtain hiding his 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang. The pictures don't lie: this silver beast is every bit as menacing and low in the flesh as it it appears on screen.

Of the recent crop of modified Mustangs, Iacocca's so-called "I Legacy" is probably the simplest design. Being based on the more linear 2009 model year pony car, Lido's details don't make it look like a 'Stang with a body kit - they change the entire look of the car.

From the side view, the new front clip makes it appear that the coupe has no front overhang. What remains is completely dominated by a massive front bumper and deep dam, topped by the sunken lights. In back, the fastback's ridges run all the way to the trailing edge, at which point everything disappears into the bluff, gruff backside.

The economy of design doesn't leave much cause for hemming and hawing; it's a muscle car in the old world tradition of long lines and only slightly finessed planes - you get it or you don't. The first example was auctioned last night for nearly $125,000, and with just 44 others to follow it, chances are that enough people will get it. Now if only it came with that Sinatra theme music...

You can check out live pics of the Iacocca Mustang in our exclusive hi-res gallery below.

Gallery: Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang - Live

Live Reveal: Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang introduced by Lee himself

Drew Phillips — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Ford, Specialty

2009 1/2 Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

If anyone deserves to have his own special edition Ford Mustang, it's Lee Iacocca. The former president of the Ford division, Iacocca is known as the father of the Mustang and recruited Carroll Shelby to create special versions of the horse in his own image. Now, 45 years after the original Mustang debuted, Iacocca has built his very own version.

Known as the 2009 1/2 Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang, this coach-built pony car features a special body designed by Michael Leone and built by the legendary Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters. The car features a reworked front end including sunken headlights and a prominent fastback look with the slope of the roof reaching all the way to the rear of the car. Inside, Iacocca's Mustang gets Diamond Design leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with "I" logos, and Iacocca-badged aluminum door sill plates. Finishing off the look of the car are 20-inch Iacocca Design wheels wrapped with Goodyear Eagle tires.

Performance enhancements come courtesy of the Ford Racing parts bin, all of which retain the factory warranty and include a cold-air intake system and the Ford Racing Handling Pack with new shocks and springs. Customers can also opt for a supercharger system that boosts the 4.6-liter V8 to 400 horsepower as well as a 14-inch front brake system.

Production of the Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang will be limited to a scant 45 units, available exclusively at Galpin Ford in Southern California. Follow the jump for the official press release and a full list of specifications.

Update - we've added additional photographs to the gallery.

Gallery: Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang

[Source: I Legacy | Photography by Joey Julius, NGEN Media]

Continue reading Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang introduced by Lee himself

Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang introduced by Lee himself originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Iacocca leads retiree volunteer army offering free help to Chrysler

Chris Shunk — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Fiat

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]

REPORT: Iacocca leads retiree volunteer army offering free help to Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Calling All Cars: Chrysler reportedly repo'ing Iacocca's company rides

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Chrysler, Earnings/Financials, Humor

Found in the "What have you done for me lately?" bin, Chrysler is apparently asking former CEO Lee Iacocca for the keys to his company cars. According to a FOX report, as part of their Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, Chrysler isn't allowed to provide vehicles to former execs, even if those execs once famously saved the company from bankruptcy. Therefore, poor Lido is being asked to return his minivan and Chrysler 300, or pay fair market value to keep them.

Maybe the government should step in and allow Iacocca to keep the cars in exchange for some help in getting Chrysler out of its most recent financial mess. After all, Lee has some experience in this matter. He used (just) $1.5 billion in government loans back in 1979 to save Chrysler from the brink. He even repaid those loans seven years early in 1983, capping one of the most legendary turnarounds in U.S. business history. That's right, he repaid the loans. What a concept. Where Have All the Leaders Gone, indeed. You can see the letter sent by Chrysler, after the jump.

[Source: FOX Business]

Continue reading Calling All Cars: Chrysler reportedly repo'ing Iacocca's company rides

Calling All Cars: Chrysler reportedly repo'ing Iacocca's company rides originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iacocca and Davis, Jr. -supported consortium seeks $50M to rehab Detroit 3's image

Dan Roth — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Celebrities, Carsumer Advocacy

Automotive journalism legend David E. Davis, Jr., may find himself heading a new magazine if an independent effort to spiff up Detroit's image can find a footing. New York's Kelmenson, Davis (yes, that Davis) & Associates is trying to turn up $50 million to create a non-profit entity to spread the word about the great strides domestic automakers have made lately. The concept, which would be outwardly similar to the "Got Milk" campaign, was developed by Tony Kuhn, an executive partner at KDA.

The $50 million would fund a marketing effort aimed at convincing Americans to take another look at General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. The advertising would be augmented by a cable TV documentary and a Davis-helmed "American Drive" magazine. Former Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca thinks it's a dandy idea, and has even lobbied on Kelmenson's behalf to auto executives. While they're flattered by the attention and support the idea, honchos at General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford have passed on bankrolling it. While we're not able to throw any money at it, either, Detroit's perception versus reality gap is a palpable problem, and it would be nice to see some of the buying public receive a more up-to-date education.

[Source: AdAge]

Iacocca and Davis, Jr. -supported consortium seeks $50M to rehab Detroit 3's image originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lee Iacocca in favor of keeping Detroit 3 CEOs

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler, Ford, GM

If there's anyone out there who's qualified to opine on what it takes to turn around a struggling automaker, it's Lee Iacocca. Those old enough to remember life in the late '70s can recall Iacocca's first stint at the head of Chrysler, way before the automaker was ever purchased by Daimler and its subsequent sale to Cerberus. The situation in which the beleaguered automakers currently find themselves bears a striking similarity to that of Chrysler's in 1979, except that Chrysler was the only one of the Big 3 that needed Federal help back then and the total loan offered to Chrysler was just $1.5 billion.

Today Lee Iacocaa has finally offered his take on what should happen to Detroit's current execs. "Having been there, I do not agree with the sentiment now coming out of Congress that the management should be changed as a condition of granting loans to the Detroit automakers. You don't change coaches in the middle of a game, especially when things are so volatile." He adds, "They're by far the best shot we have for success."

To many, Iacocca is the man most responsible for righting the ship at Chrysler back in the early '80s, creating the venerable K-car and fast-tracking the first minivan, so his opinions should carry a bit more weight than others. But is he right?

[Source: AP via Google]

Lee Iacocca in favor of keeping Detroit 3 CEOs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iacocca FTW! Chrysler to honor former exec with rally

John Neff — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler

Lee Iacocca is a smart man. Father of both the Mustang and the minivan, the well revered auto exec was Chrysler's savior in the '80s. As such, the current Chrysler LLC will be holding a rally to honor its former patriarch on June 26th at its headquarters in Auburn Hills, MI. The rally will be attended by employees and Iacocca himself (no word on whether his BFF Snoop Dogg will make an appearance). Today's Chrysler, of course, bears little resemblance to the strong automaker helmed by Iacocca in the '80s. During the '90s, Chrysler followed its Big 3 brothers down a path of big pickups and SUVs for which now they are all paying dearly, and Iacocca made no bones about his feelings toward Daimler after the German automaker cut and ran away from their "merger of equals", saying in an interview with BusinessWeek last year that "Daimler screwed Chrysler royally." We can't help but wonder how the 84-year-old would run his old automaker today if given the reigns, but chances are he wouldn't want them if they were offered.

[Source: The Detroit News, Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty]

Iacocca FTW! Chrysler to honor former exec with rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tell us what you really think: Lee Iacocca slams Daimler

John Neff — Fri, 18 May 2007 16:12:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Daimler

There aren't that many people in the world who have a stronger emotional connection to Chrysler Corp. than Lee Iacocca, father of the minivan and savior for Chrysler during the early '80s. In an article featured in BusinessWeek, Iacocca reveals his feelings and thoughts about Daimler AG's sale of Chrysler to Cerberus Capital Managment, a private equity firm.

In no uncertain terms, Iacocca comes right out and says, "Daimler screwed Chrysler royally." He argues that Chrysler was healthy, even powerful, before the merger, and has been left half dead by Daimler, which retreats back across the Atlantic to Germany as we speak (our eloquent prose, not his). Nevertheless, Chrysler's ex-CEO is optimistic about his old employer's fate, and makes a case for Cerberus being exactly the right kind of private equity firm to buy Chrysler.

Thanks for the tip, Alison!

[Source: BusinessWeek]

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Cerberus buying Chrysler for $7.4 billion
LaSorda speaks: We're not breaking up the band!
Jeep employees pissed about Chrysler sale
Chrysler Corp. gives CAW written guarantee jobs are safe
Wolfgang Bernhard will not be a part of the Chrysler deal. Yet!

Continue reading Tell us what you really think: Lee Iacocca slams Daimler

Tell us what you really think: Lee Iacocca slams Daimler originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2007 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Where is he now? Lee Iacocca rolls the dice in Nevada

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

It's been a while since we mentioned Lee Iacocca. But he is in the news once again and we feel obliged to pass along the latest chapter in this automotive icon's professional life. While one of his former employers was busy announcing a record $12 billion loss, Lee was meeting with the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC). It seems Lido is getting into the gambling game.

Apparently Iacocca owns 12% of Full House Resorts, Inc., and Full House was just approved by the NGC to purchase Stockman's Casino in Fallon, Nevada. Iacocca told the Detroit Free Press that running a casino is similar to running an auto company. "Set your priorities, get good people around you and take care of the customers."

And Lee should know, too. Besides being the former President of Ford, CEO of Chrysler, head of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, and author, he's been an actor, appearing in Miami Vice and some of the funniest fish-out-of-water ads we've ever seen with Snoop Dogg.

[Source: Freep]

Where is he now? Lee Iacocca rolls the dice in Nevada originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flop of 2006: Chrysler dealers cry all the way to the sales bank

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Daimler, Earnings/Financials

So what would you consider the biggest automotive flop of 2006? The Chrysler Sebring? McDonald's Hummer Happy Meals? Schumacher leaving F1 without a ring for every finger? Well, Automotive News thinks it was Chrysler's refusal to face the music and scale back production. Even when faced with a huge loss and plummeting demand for SUVs and trucks.

They remind us that Lee Iacocca had been cautioning Chrysler about creating a sales bank 25 years ago. Not only did they ignore the advice, but Chrysler's management team kept building as many of the vehicles as they could. In the process, the company racked up a $1.48 billion loss in the third quarter of 2006.

More info post jump.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req]

Continue reading Flop of 2006: Chrysler dealers cry all the way to the sales bank

Flop of 2006: Chrysler dealers cry all the way to the sales bank originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iacocca to pen new book, address auto industry

Eric Bryant — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Daimler

Retired Chrysler chairman (and Snoop Dogg homey) Lee Iacocca will be releasing a book in approximately one year, tentatively titled "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?". It's said to cover several topics, among them the state of the American auto industry and the threat that the US manufacturing economy faces from China and India.

Iacocca is said to be writing the book because he "flunked retirement" and "there is too much to be done to sit on the sidelines." The octogenarian has not been quiet since leaving Chrysler in 1992, having attempted a $20B buyout of the automaker in 1995 (with Kirk Kerkorian and current GM board member Jerry York), along with campaigning for George W. Bush in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004.

[Source: Houston Chronicle]

Iacocca to pen new book, address auto industry originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jun 2006 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette Z06 big winner as Spike TV's AutoRox rocks Vegas

Chris Paukert — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

We've been too busy throwing down new posts to attend Spike TV's second annual AutoRox awards, but apparently that didn't stop the cable network from going on with the show at Fremont Experience in Las Vegas. Hosted by rapper/actor Ice Cube and featuring a variety of performances and celebrities, the show is America's only nationwide televised automobile awards ceremony. Chevrolet's Corvette Z06 came away the big winner, netting the night's top honor for "Car of the Year," as well as taking home the "Best Sports Car" and "Deal of the Year" awards.

Other big winners included former Chrysler Chairman and CEO Lee Iacocca, who took home the "Icon Award". Sadly, Snoop Dogg was apparently unable to deliver the award to his golfing buddy, so 24's Kiefer Sutherland stepped in on his behalf.

Other winners include:

BEST TRUCK - Honda Ridgeline
BEST LUXURY CAR - Audi A8
BEST SUV - Land Rover Range Rover Sport
HOTTEST EXOTIC - Bugatti Veyron
BEST TUNER - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
BEST CONCEPT CAR - Chevrolet Camaro
BEST MUSCLE CAR (viewers' choice) - Dodge Charger SRT8

Catch the delayed broadcast on Tuesday, April 18th on Spike TV, when it airs from 10pm-11:30pm Eastern.

[Source: Spike TV via PRNewswire.com]

Corvette Z06 big winner as Spike TV's AutoRox rocks Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Apr 2006 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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