Seems like the Daimler (i.e., Mercedes) side of the DaimlerChrysler conglomerate is doing a lot better than the other half of the partnership, because there is word floating about that Chrysler is available for sale, and General Motors is seriously interested in buying. Largely conjecture at this point, but this news comes from the well-respected Automotive News trade publication (via Leftlane News).
This news comes hot on the heels of Chrysler meta-announcing the unveiling of the production-ready Dodge Challenger at next year's Chicago Auto Show. If GM were to buy out the Chrysler Group in its entirety, which is the current rumor according to "sources in Germany and America", then they would effectively take ownership of the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep brands. This is quite a different proposition than what we had heard earlier about a a possible "alliance" and/or "merger." By outright buying Chrysler, GM becomes an even bigger giant and can more easily keep Toyota as the number one automaker worldwide.
Chrysler Group lost $1.3 billion in 2006 and "No option is being excluded in the interest of arriving at the best possible solution for the Chrysler Group and DaimlerChrysler as a whole," the company said.
