"I'm not backing off on that at all," Zetsche said in a conference call with journalists on Thursday, last week.
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| Chrysler Group CEO Dieter Zetsche is confident enough in the automaker's momentum that he remains faithful Chrysler Group will sell approximately 4 million vehicles annually by the end of the decade. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
To put Zetsche's goals into perspective, Chrysler Group sold 2.8 million vehicles worldwide in 2004, which is an increase of 5 percent. Chrysler is planning on moving into other markets to reach its targets, more on that in a minute.
The irony of the DaimlerChrysler situation provides additional fodder for analysts and authors alike. With a substantial portion of DCX money having been invested in Chrysler Group over years previous, Mercedes-Benz now suffers from a 47-percent decline in operating profits. To make matters more embarrassing for the German division, its operations are now partially funded by a very healthy Chrysler Group.
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| The new LX cars, Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and, arriving soon, Dodge Charger, are built upon Mercedes-Benz E-Class architecture. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Mercedes-Benz shouldn't take it too hard though. After all, the new LX cars, Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and, arriving soon, Dodge Charger, the 300 which was instrumental in Chrysler's profitability in 2004, are built upon Mercedes-Benz E-Class architecture, including steering racks, suspension components and, in the case of the top-line 300C, Magnum R/T and new Charger R/T, the 5-speed automatic transmission.
Even Chrysler's popular Pacifica crossover SUV shares rear suspension components with the E-Class, and the brand's stylish Crossfire coupe and roadster are about 40 percent Mercedes-Benz, borrowing entire substructures, including interior parts and the drivetrain from the previous generation Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster.