GM Inside News Forum - View Single Post - GM + Chrysler: What it may look like post-merger

DonRobbie · 10-12-2008, 09:35 AM

I don't know what GMC is going to use for captive finance after they get rid of GMAC (Chrysler Financial will stay with Cerberus too). Kind of hard to sell cars without financing.

Using the Cummins engines for the trucks would get them out of the diesel engine development business which is probably to the good.

I don't see much other than the Cummins deal, Jeep, and the minivans worth hanging on to (I like the Challenger, I just imagine the aging rear drive platform would be an early casualty). Cerberus has starved the development pipeline, so what you see is mostly what you get. Dodge dealers would probably be happy to get some current cars in the next couple years. GM gets more outlets for rebranded cars.

If GM did decide to keep the 300/Charger/Challenger rear drive platform around we might just see a rear drive Impala just in time for the impending death of the Crown Vic(hopefully they stretch it to give little more backseat room). If GM doesn't succeed in offloading the Medium Truck Business we might see Dodge trucks again.

The parts distribution networks and other dealer support functions could be consolidated which would help cut down on back end costs.

Sadly, for labor, the effect isn't going to be too much different from what would happen if Chrysler went out of business. Not quite as bad on net since some plants (mostly on the GM side) would be adding shifts, but a lot of closures. I'd imagine most of the White Collar Work Force would be gone within a couple years.

10-12-2008, 09:35 AM	#29 (permalink)
DonRobbie 1.8 Liter ECOTEC Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 52	Re: GM + Chrysler: What it may look like post-merger I don't know what GMC is going to use for captive finance after they get rid of GMAC (Chrysler Financial will stay with Cerberus too). Kind of hard to sell cars without financing. Using the Cummins engines for the trucks would get them out of the diesel engine development business which is probably to the good. I don't see much other than the Cummins deal, Jeep, and the minivans worth hanging on to (I like the Challenger, I just imagine the aging rear drive platform would be an early casualty). Cerberus has starved the development pipeline, so what you see is mostly what you get. Dodge dealers would probably be happy to get some current cars in the next couple years. GM gets more outlets for rebranded cars. If GM did decide to keep the 300/Charger/Challenger rear drive platform around we might just see a rear drive Impala just in time for the impending death of the Crown Vic(hopefully they stretch it to give little more backseat room). If GM doesn't succeed in offloading the Medium Truck Business we might see Dodge trucks again. The parts distribution networks and other dealer support functions could be consolidated which would help cut down on back end costs. Sadly, for labor, the effect isn't going to be too much different from what would happen if Chrysler went out of business. Not quite as bad on net since some plants (mostly on the GM side) would be adding shifts, but a lot of closures. I'd imagine most of the White Collar Work Force would be gone within a couple years.