LAS VEGAS, NV— 
The rescue call for a drowning Chrysler may be the last horn blast as bankruptcy appears imminent. While FIAT insists they are still talking, the reality of getting everyone to agree is highly unlikely. Fiat comes to the party with no cash investment or willingness to take over any Chrysler debt/liabilities. Wall Street’s major banks, survivors of their own disaster are reluctant to accept pennies on the dollar for the $6 billion in notes they’re holding, in the hopes the parts are worth more than the company as a whole. (Isn’t that ironic, as the same holds true for most Mopar units.) Lastly, the UAW must agree on another “new deal”, certain to cost the membership millions in pay, perks and pensions. If all three parties were to conceivably meet at the bargaining table, showing their hand would be as likely as a ban on shades and ball-caps at the World Series of Poker.
SO the betters are weighing heavy on the pre-arranged BK and disposal of the various entities known as Chrysler; Who and what will survive?
The dealership network, a fragmented patchwork of Alpha stores housing all three brands, and B/C stores with one or two nameplates, must find replacement product at a most auspicious time. Some dealers may elect to go 100% used cars until Fiat, PEAPOD, CHINA BYD or the CHERRY make a solid commitment to the U.S. market. Offering FIAT to the dealers, many of whom are holding big mortgages on new monuments Chrysler made them build for Alpha status, may be an olive branch, but will the dealers want the bill with car sales off 30% from last year, 50% from two years ago? Will the JEEP dealers get to keep their franchise, as part of a sell-off deal? Could Fiat pick-up Jeep for a few billion Euros and create a new package? The franchise agreements, governed by individual state law, may leave dealers holding the bag in this bankruptcy, with little room to negotiate for the remaining brands. Chrysler Financial and Chrysler Real Estate holdings could emerge unscathed, as will GEM and likely the new PEAPOD, made by GEM.
President Obama has promised the American car consumer that their car warranty and parts availability will remain intact, backed by the federal government. However, which models are likely to survive and which one’s make a good buy, is an important question?
DODGE: Any SRT model is sure to hold value, much like a SHELBY, VIPER or Alpina. For the stock models, I’d buy a Challenger, or Charger HEMI. Color is insignificant, but the price may go up as ‘09 production slows and 2010’s are questionable. Availability has certainly tightened on these two models over the past few weeks.
The one product Mercedes helped Chrysler deliver is the SPRINTER cargo box and Multi-passenger van. I hope Daimler finds a way to keep Sprinter in play without dumping it back into the mid-heavy truck market. Losing the local dealership service center would be a sad day for commercial fleet operators and small business owners who enjoyed the versatility of the odd-looking delivery model.
Chrysler had nothing memorable in the 2009 line-up, but if you can find a 2008 PT Cruiser, PT Convertible or Crossfire SRT-6, those cars should maintain their value as classic novelty cars, if you can hold them for 25 years or so.
The JEEP WRANGLER is the sweet spot in the entire Chrysler family. Born as the U.S. military’ SCOUT: the heritage of the 7-slot grill has only been enhanced with Rubicon off-road technology advancements and creature comfort power features. I say, “Look to Ford to make a bid for Jeep, keeping the Wrangler but dumping the rest of the play-list.”
I wish it wasn’t true, but even the Cummins diesel has lost it’s loyal followers over the past two years of 6.7 DPF problems. SO, with the same heavy heart, I have to say only a miracle can save Chysler from the itself and the inevitable. To Lee I., and Snoop Dog, I say, thanks for the Schnizzle in the Middle.
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Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com
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