And now the time is ripe for more cooperation between Detroit and Stuttgart. At least those at Chrysler should feel more
willing: "....as far as the psychology is concerned, it seems to me that many employees at Chrysler feel that one of them, a Chrysler guy, is taking the helm," Zetsche said. So there is "a good balance" now, he added.
But where Chrysler is looking strong financially, Mercedes-Benz is struggling.
"Some people couldn't imagine that there could be problems at Mercedes. They were in denial before the problems became full-blown," said Zetsche. "Pressure from the outside and the fact that both sides face significant challenges (have) overcome" some of those
barriers, he added during his Detroit News interview, continuing, "Whatever we can do to help each other is good for all of us."
No doubt Zetsche will be busy overseeing both the Mercedes-Benz brand and DaimlerChrysler AG, which adds Chrysler Group and the smart brand to the mix, but the amiable CEO says he'll return back to the U.S. often.
"A good portion of our business is located in the United States. It's not just Chrysler but Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz's U.S. activities," stated Zetsche.
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| The time is ripe for more cooperation between Detroit and Stuttgart. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
But where Chrysler is looking strong financially, Mercedes-Benz is struggling.
"Some people couldn't imagine that there could be problems at Mercedes. They were in denial before the problems became full-blown," said Zetsche. "Pressure from the outside and the fact that both sides face significant challenges (have) overcome" some of those
 |
| "Whatever we can do to help each other is good for all of us," commented Zetsche. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
No doubt Zetsche will be busy overseeing both the Mercedes-Benz brand and DaimlerChrysler AG, which adds Chrysler Group and the smart brand to the mix, but the amiable CEO says he'll return back to the U.S. often.
"A good portion of our business is located in the United States. It's not just Chrysler but Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz's U.S. activities," stated Zetsche.