04-13-2007, 11:19 PM
Iacocca reflects on Chrysler downfall, merger, possible sale
4-13-2007
Source: Leftlane News.
Former Ford president and Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca discusses the "sad state of leadership" in the United States today ââ¬â and within the American auto industry ââ¬â in a book titled "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?"
Iacocca is highly critical of the merger between Daimler-Benz and Chrysler, which he feels has lead to Chrysler's troubled position today.
"I'll always believe that if I hadn't chosen Bob Eaton to succeed me as chief executive at Chrysler, it would still be a strong, profitable, American car company," Iacocca writes. He blames Eaton and Juergen Schrempp, the former head of Daimler-Benz for the ill-conceived marriage.
Iacocca describes the moment he found out about the merger in 1998 as "the lowest low" of his life. "I gave 15 years of my life to saving that company and now I wondered if it was worth it."
On the other hand, he has concerns about the possible sale of Chrysler. If the company "is kicked to the curb, it will be as a shattered remnant of the great American car company it once was."
Iacocca's criticisms go beyond the auto industry, with harsh critiques of today's politicians and their lack of leadership.
"We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car," Iacocca writes.
4-13-2007
Source: Leftlane News.
Former Ford president and Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca discusses the "sad state of leadership" in the United States today ââ¬â and within the American auto industry ââ¬â in a book titled "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?"
Iacocca is highly critical of the merger between Daimler-Benz and Chrysler, which he feels has lead to Chrysler's troubled position today.
"I'll always believe that if I hadn't chosen Bob Eaton to succeed me as chief executive at Chrysler, it would still be a strong, profitable, American car company," Iacocca writes. He blames Eaton and Juergen Schrempp, the former head of Daimler-Benz for the ill-conceived marriage.
Iacocca describes the moment he found out about the merger in 1998 as "the lowest low" of his life. "I gave 15 years of my life to saving that company and now I wondered if it was worth it."
On the other hand, he has concerns about the possible sale of Chrysler. If the company "is kicked to the curb, it will be as a shattered remnant of the great American car company it once was."
Iacocca's criticisms go beyond the auto industry, with harsh critiques of today's politicians and their lack of leadership.
"We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car," Iacocca writes.