Such a luxury sport utility would also segue nicely into DaimlerChrysler boss Dieter Zetsche's plan to integrate American and German
products more fully than has previously been done. Ironically, while Zetsche was running Chrysler Group it was made clear that the Crossfire coupe and convertible models, which share approximately 39 percent of previous-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK components, would be the first and last effort to enjoy such full cooperation between brands. Such is obviously not the case now.
"We have to spend less. We have to do more," commented Zetsche to The Detroit News in an interview, adding, "There's no doubt that the speed and sustainability of bringing Mercedes back to very
good profitability can only be increased by being able to work with Chrysler, versus on a stand-alone basis."
Zetsche, who is celebrated for his part in turning Chrysler's books from red to black, prior to taking over Mercedes-Benz on Sept. 1, returned to Detroit late last month to address the media during a preview of Chrysler Group's new lineup.
Having orchestrated Chrysler's return to profitably, partly due to the introduction of 9 new models, the popular 300 sedan being among the group, Zetsche doesn't want to see the automaker's momentum slip one iota. "Now we want to take it to the next level," he added.
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| DaimlerChrysler boss Dieter Zetsche plans to integrate American and German products more fully than has previously been done. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
"We have to spend less. We have to do more," commented Zetsche to The Detroit News in an interview, adding, "There's no doubt that the speed and sustainability of bringing Mercedes back to very
 |
| The Crossfire coupe and convertible models share approximately 39 percent of their components with the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Zetsche, who is celebrated for his part in turning Chrysler's books from red to black, prior to taking over Mercedes-Benz on Sept. 1, returned to Detroit late last month to address the media during a preview of Chrysler Group's new lineup.
Having orchestrated Chrysler's return to profitably, partly due to the introduction of 9 new models, the popular 300 sedan being among the group, Zetsche doesn't want to see the automaker's momentum slip one iota. "Now we want to take it to the next level," he added.