Motor City Challenge: “Failure Is Not An Option”

Motor City Challenge: “Failure Is Not An Option”

GM Entering Bankruptcy and Chrysler Poised to Exit

Reading the Wall Street Journal or watching the nightly news makes it seem inevitable that GM will enter bankruptcy soon.  This is not an unexpected event as reported in the Tribune over the past months.  Chrysler appears to be on the verge of coming out of bankruptcy, and this is one fast trip in and out!  GM is too complex for a speedy journey like Chrysler.

Deadly Symbolic and Deadly Serious

In some ways this is symbolic and in some ways it is deadly serious.  Looking at the deadly serious side GM absolutely must be re-cast properly for the good of the US and all of North America if you take the proposition that GM is worth saving and the Tribune takes that position.  However, re-casting GM is not simple from the business plan side of the equation and it is imperative that the new business plan must “hold water” otherwise the entire Government assistance plan is flawed.  The New GM absolutely must have a viable business plan.  … Continue Reading

Chrysler Chaos

Chrysler Will Survive

It has been a long slide but Chrysler has now started Bankruptcy Reorganization.  There are three stories here: A) past, B) present and C) future.  Each story is different but with a common thread. 

Every Car Guy has an opinion but right now politicians, governments, business executives and selected experts are establishing a new direction and putting into place a new company.  Everyone has apprehension about the future of Chrysler.  Only after the current state of chaos is over will the Car Guy and Gal be able to assess a rebuilt Chrysler.  A lot of people want success.  Success for the Car Guy is defined as Product Available.  If you like Chrysler you want Great Product; No More and No Less.  Great Product wins in the marketplace.

Present Chrysler — The Storied Phoenix

Fiat will control the ultimate future and product destination for Chrysler.  Control could be viewed in two ways, one good and one skeptical.  Given Fiat’s successes in Europe, especially with the 500 (a Mini derivative) the product side for cars is promising since Chrysler cars are dismal according to the Automotive Press.  Ram trucks and Jeep are successful and these should not see any significant change other than a gradual morphing of powertrain and body style to reflect contemporary trends.

Unions, Governments, Legacy Costs, Dealers, and Suppliers will all have a say in the re-birth of Chrysler.  Each group has their own turf to defend.  … Continue Reading

GM Is In Auto Industry Chaos

GM Is In Auto Industry Chaos

We have continued to follow the saga of GM and Chrysler as they attempt to find direction and a method to be successful automobile manufacturers. 

Success for 2009 is defined many ways but this article will focus on two of paramount importance to the Car Guy – Product & Dealers.  One success track is providing Washington a written game plan on how they will be successful.  When the plan is approved, and funded, then each plan will have to be implemented.  Plan implementation represents a several year commitment and then Proof Is In the Pudding will tell the world, and Washington, if the plan works.  This is definitely not going to be a quick process. … Continue Reading