Wolfgang Bernhard to become chairman of Chrysler Group

According to a German magazine referenced by Automotive News, Wolfgang Bernhard is expected to be announced as the Chrysler Group's chairman-in-waiting, pending DaimlerChrysler's sale of the automaker to Cerberus Capital Management. Currently Bernhard is an acting advisor, a consultant if you will, for Cerberus, and spends his days at Chrysler's Auburn Hills headquarters, presumably gathering info for Cerberus on what aspects of the business need the German exec's magic touch the most. When the sale happens and Bernhard officially moves in, the speculation is that current CEO Tom LaSorda will remain in his position and likely report to Bernhard.

Bernhard was formerly VW's brand chief, and before that he worked for Chrysler immediately following the "merger of equals" that resulted in DaimlerChrysler. Other former Chrysler execs are also advising Cerberus at the moment according to Automotive News, including the company's well respected former design chief Tom Gale. Hopefully the news of Bernhard's official return, when it comes, will portend the return of other key Chrysler execs that can aid the company's turnaround efforts.

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

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