[Ming]

A merged HP and Compaq when both were in trouble ultimately made for a stronger whole.

I also see an opportunity for a name change, and along with it, an image change.

While we might like them, the names "General Motors" and "Chrysler LLC" carry a lot of baggage and have a negative image in the eyes of many Americans who have moved on to imports.

The new company name could be one that invites nostalgia and the image of the best of both brands but does not carry on the negatives.

Of course the popular brand names like Chevrolet, Jeep, Cadillac and a select few others would need to stay.

The merger would be an opportunity to take the strongest elements from both (hello, minivans?) and eliminate the weakling brands and overlap product.

Having both GMC and Dodge truck divisions on top of Chevy trucks would make little sense, for instance.