Detroit News Reports:Chrysler-Nissan talks halt

Chrysler-Nissan talks halt

No more discussions scheduled after Cerberus acknowledges preference for GM deal, sources say.

Christine Tierney and David Shepardson / The Detroit News

Talks between the Renault-Nissan alliance and Cerberus Capital Management LP have stopped as both sides acknowledged Cerberus's preference to conclude a deal for Chrysler LLC with General Motors Corp., according to sources familiar with the situation.

No more talks between Cerberus and Renault-Nissan negotiators have been scheduled, the sources said Friday, although the parties have not ruled out discussions in the future.

Cerberus and Nissan declined to comment. But sources close to Cerberus have said the private-equity firm favors a GM-Chrysler deal, viewing it as financially more advantageous and also better for the U.S. auto industry.

GM wants to acquire Chrysler if the financing can be arranged, whereas Renault-Nissan had proposed to take a stake of around 20 percent. However, Cerberus and Renault-Nissan negotiators had not agreed on a valuation for Chrysler, which is losing money. Read More.....

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Detroit News Reports:Chrysler-Nissan talks halt

Chrysler-Nissan talks halt

No more discussions scheduled after Cerberus acknowledges preference for GM deal, sources say.

Christine Tierney and David Shepardson / The Detroit News

Talks between the Renault-Nissan alliance and Cerberus Capital Management LP have stopped as both sides acknowledged Cerberus's preference to conclude a deal for Chrysler LLC with General Motors Corp., according to sources familiar with the situation.

No more talks between Cerberus and Renault-Nissan negotiators have been scheduled, the sources said Friday, although the parties have not ruled out discussions in the future.

Cerberus and Nissan declined to comment. But sources close to Cerberus have said the private-equity firm favors a GM-Chrysler deal, viewing it as financially more advantageous and also better for the U.S. auto industry.

GM wants to acquire Chrysler if the financing can be arranged, whereas Renault-Nissan had proposed to take a stake of around 20 percent. However, Cerberus and Renault-Nissan negotiators had not agreed on a valuation for Chrysler, which is losing money. Read More.....

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Detroit News Reports:Chrysler-Nissan talks halt

Chrysler-Nissan talks halt

No more discussions scheduled after Cerberus acknowledges preference for GM deal, sources say.

Christine Tierney and David Shepardson / The Detroit News

Talks between the Renault-Nissan alliance and Cerberus Capital Management LP have stopped as both sides acknowledged Cerberus's preference to conclude a deal for Chrysler LLC with General Motors Corp., according to sources familiar with the situation.

No more talks between Cerberus and Renault-Nissan negotiators have been scheduled, the sources said Friday, although the parties have not ruled out discussions in the future.

Cerberus and Nissan declined to comment. But sources close to Cerberus have said the private-equity firm favors a GM-Chrysler deal, viewing it as financially more advantageous and also better for the U.S. auto industry.

GM wants to acquire Chrysler if the financing can be arranged, whereas Renault-Nissan had proposed to take a stake of around 20 percent. However, Cerberus and Renault-Nissan negotiators had not agreed on a valuation for Chrysler, which is losing money. Read More.....

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In addition to Nissan/Renault, Chrysler has been talking with Tata, Fiat

Bob Nardelli, Chrysler's current CEO, has given his employees the closest thing to an admission as we are likely to see that the company has been in serious negotiations with other automakers regarding future product plans and possibly even mergers. As has been widely reported over the weekend, Chrysler has apparently had discussions with General Motors regarding a tie-up between the two automakers, and the rumormill is churning away with stories that GM isn't the only suitor.

Carlos Ghosn already has a history of merging automakers, and his Nissan/Renault partnership has naturally been recalled as a possible mate with Chrysler, as have Fiat and Tata Motors.

Remember that there's nothing concrete here to report, just speculation. At this point, all we know is that Nardelli admits that there are "third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities with Chrysler" and that "as the company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we engage in a dialogue with these parties." Sounds pretty vague, wouldn't you say? These talks can be routine or they could be much more. We'll just have to keep an interested eye on the news.

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In addition to Nissan/Renault, Chrysler has been talking with Tata, Fiat

Bob Nardelli, Chrysler's current CEO, has given his employees the closest thing to an admission as we are likely to see that the company has been in serious negotiations with other automakers regarding future product plans and possibly even mergers. As has been widely reported over the weekend, Chrysler has apparently had discussions with General Motors regarding a tie-up between the two automakers, and the rumormill is churning away with stories that GM isn't the only suitor.

Carlos Ghosn already has a history of merging automakers, and his Nissan/Renault partnership has naturally been recalled as a possible mate with Chrysler, as have Fiat and Tata Motors.

Remember that there's nothing concrete here to report, just speculation. At this point, all we know is that Nardelli admits that there are "third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities with Chrysler" and that "as the company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we engage in a dialogue with these parties." Sounds pretty vague, wouldn't you say? These talks can be routine or they could be much more. We'll just have to keep an interested eye on the news.

Stupid Daily News---Political Roast----Lingerie Football Pics

In addition to Nissan/Renault, Chrysler has been talking with Tata, Fiat

Bob Nardelli, Chrysler's current CEO, has given his employees the closest thing to an admission as we are likely to see that the company has been in serious negotiations with other automakers regarding future product plans and possibly even mergers. As has been widely reported over the weekend, Chrysler has apparently had discussions with General Motors regarding a tie-up between the two automakers, and the rumormill is churning away with stories that GM isn't the only suitor.

Carlos Ghosn already has a history of merging automakers, and his Nissan/Renault partnership has naturally been recalled as a possible mate with Chrysler, as have Fiat and Tata Motors.

Remember that there's nothing concrete here to report, just speculation. At this point, all we know is that Nardelli admits that there are "third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities with Chrysler" and that "as the company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we engage in a dialogue with these parties." Sounds pretty vague, wouldn't you say? These talks can be routine or they could be much more. We'll just have to keep an interested eye on the news.

Stupid Daily News---Political Roast----Lingerie Football Pics

Is Chrysler Going To Be Ripped Apart?

The reports about Chrysler are all across the board, auto analysts are just taking wild guesses about Cerberus's next move.
Now we are hearing reports that Chrysler is in talks with Tata, Nissan and General Motors!
Who is going to jump in the Frey next Ford,Toyota and BMW?
There has been no official word from Chrysler's leadership, but it seems Cerberus is going to have a fire sale!
If there is no takers is Chrysler going ask the Union for major wage concessions?

Stupid Daily News---Political Roast----Lingerie Football Pics

Is Chrysler Going To Be Ripped Apart?

The reports about Chrysler are all across the board, auto analysts are just taking wild guesses about Cerberus's next move.
Now we are hearing reports that Chrysler is in talks with Tata, Nissan and General Motors!
Who is going to jump in the Frey next Ford,Toyota and BMW?
There has been no official word from Chrysler's leadership, but it seems Cerberus is going to have a fire sale!
If there is no takers is Chrysler going ask the Union for major wage concessions?

Stupid Daily News---Political Roast----Lingerie Football Pics

Is Chrysler Going To Be Ripped Apart?

The reports about Chrysler are all across the board, auto analysts are just taking wild guesses about Cerberus's next move.
Now we are hearing reports that Chrysler is in talks with Tata, Nissan and General Motors!
Who is going to jump in the Frey next Ford,Toyota and BMW?
There has been no official word from Chrysler's leadership, but it seems Cerberus is going to have a fire sale!
If there is no takers is Chrysler going ask the Union for major wage concessions?

Stupid Daily News---Political Roast----Lingerie Football Pics

Reuters Reports:Nissan Wants 20 Percent Of Chrysler

TOKYO (Reuters) - Nissan Motor Co (7201.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) is proposing to buy about 20 percent of Chrysler and bring the troubled U.S. automaker into the Franco-Japanese alliance with Renault SA (RENA.PA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), the Detroit News reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the situation.

The offer is now before private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management CBS.UL, which holds 80 percent of Chrysler, the paper said. Citing another source close to the talks, the paper also said Cerberus founder and chief executive Stephen Feinberg still favors a deal with General Motors Corp (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz).

Nissan declined to confirm or deny the report.

"This is more of the same noise and we have no comment to make on any of the recent speculations," Simon Sproule, head spokesman at Nissan, said.

GM, looking for a lifeline to replenish is depleted coffers, has been pushing ahead with talks to acquire Chrysler, people briefed on the talks have told Reuters. Although it does not report financial information, Cerberus has said Chrysler ended June with $11.7 billion in cash.

The Financial Times reported earlier, however, that GM was looking for a large investment from outside investors as a possible alternative to a deal with Chrysler.

Citing unnamed sources, Detroit News said Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of both Renault and Nissan, had sent a proposal in recent days that included revisions to a draft agreement prepared by Cerberus.

Since 2006, when Nissan and Renault studied a possible three-way link-up with GM, Ghosn has held to his position that a trans-continental alliance that includes North America would benefit the existing one. Since forming their equity tie-up in 1999, Nissan and Renault have enjoyed billions of dollars in cost savings every year.

Led by Executive Vice President Carlos Tavares, Nissan has held ongoing talks with Chrysler over the past year that have so far led to three separate projects for the mutual supply of vehicles under original equipment manufacturing (OEM) deals.



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Reuters Reports:Nissan Wants 20 Percent Of Chrysler

TOKYO (Reuters) - Nissan Motor Co (7201.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) is proposing to buy about 20 percent of Chrysler and bring the troubled U.S. automaker into the Franco-Japanese alliance with Renault SA (RENA.PA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), the Detroit News reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the situation.

The offer is now before private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management CBS.UL, which holds 80 percent of Chrysler, the paper said. Citing another source close to the talks, the paper also said Cerberus founder and chief executive Stephen Feinberg still favors a deal with General Motors Corp (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz).

Nissan declined to confirm or deny the report.

"This is more of the same noise and we have no comment to make on any of the recent speculations," Simon Sproule, head spokesman at Nissan, said.

GM, looking for a lifeline to replenish is depleted coffers, has been pushing ahead with talks to acquire Chrysler, people briefed on the talks have told Reuters. Although it does not report financial information, Cerberus has said Chrysler ended June with $11.7 billion in cash.

The Financial Times reported earlier, however, that GM was looking for a large investment from outside investors as a possible alternative to a deal with Chrysler.

Citing unnamed sources, Detroit News said Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of both Renault and Nissan, had sent a proposal in recent days that included revisions to a draft agreement prepared by Cerberus.

Since 2006, when Nissan and Renault studied a possible three-way link-up with GM, Ghosn has held to his position that a trans-continental alliance that includes North America would benefit the existing one. Since forming their equity tie-up in 1999, Nissan and Renault have enjoyed billions of dollars in cost savings every year.

Led by Executive Vice President Carlos Tavares, Nissan has held ongoing talks with Chrysler over the past year that have so far led to three separate projects for the mutual supply of vehicles under original equipment manufacturing (OEM) deals.



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Reuters Reports:Nissan Wants 20 Percent Of Chrysler

TOKYO (Reuters) - Nissan Motor Co (7201.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) is proposing to buy about 20 percent of Chrysler and bring the troubled U.S. automaker into the Franco-Japanese alliance with Renault SA (RENA.PA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), the Detroit News reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the situation.

The offer is now before private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management CBS.UL, which holds 80 percent of Chrysler, the paper said. Citing another source close to the talks, the paper also said Cerberus founder and chief executive Stephen Feinberg still favors a deal with General Motors Corp (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz).

Nissan declined to confirm or deny the report.

"This is more of the same noise and we have no comment to make on any of the recent speculations," Simon Sproule, head spokesman at Nissan, said.

GM, looking for a lifeline to replenish is depleted coffers, has been pushing ahead with talks to acquire Chrysler, people briefed on the talks have told Reuters. Although it does not report financial information, Cerberus has said Chrysler ended June with $11.7 billion in cash.

The Financial Times reported earlier, however, that GM was looking for a large investment from outside investors as a possible alternative to a deal with Chrysler.

Citing unnamed sources, Detroit News said Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of both Renault and Nissan, had sent a proposal in recent days that included revisions to a draft agreement prepared by Cerberus.

Since 2006, when Nissan and Renault studied a possible three-way link-up with GM, Ghosn has held to his position that a trans-continental alliance that includes North America would benefit the existing one. Since forming their equity tie-up in 1999, Nissan and Renault have enjoyed billions of dollars in cost savings every year.

Led by Executive Vice President Carlos Tavares, Nissan has held ongoing talks with Chrysler over the past year that have so far led to three separate projects for the mutual supply of vehicles under original equipment manufacturing (OEM) deals.



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I Can See Why Nissan Wants Dodge To Build Their truck!

Cerberus has been in talks with Nissan for months about Dodge building the next Nissan truck! Well Dodge knows trucks, infact Dodge is the Dodge Truck. The brand in the last 20 years has really been built around the Dodge Ram and for good reason. In 1994 the Dodge Ram truck really gained market share with it's new redesign and hasn't looked back!
Here is a video of the New 2009 Dodge Ram smoking a Chevy and Ford pickup in a race!

Stupid Daily News---Political Roast----Lingerie Football Pics

I Can See Why Nissan Wants Dodge To Build Their truck!

Cerberus has been in talks with Nissan for months about Dodge building the next Nissan truck! Well Dodge knows trucks, infact Dodge is the Dodge Truck. The brand in the last 20 years has really been built around the Dodge Ram and for good reason. In 1994 the Dodge Ram truck really gained market share with it's new redesign and hasn't looked back!
Here is a video of the New 2009 Dodge Ram smoking a Chevy and Ford pickup in a race!

Stupid Daily News---Political Roast----Lingerie Football Pics

I Can See Why Nissan Wants Dodge To Build Their truck!

Cerberus has been in talks with Nissan for months about Dodge building the next Nissan truck! Well Dodge knows trucks, infact Dodge is the Dodge Truck. The brand in the last 20 years has really been built around the Dodge Ram and for good reason. In 1994 the Dodge Ram truck really gained market share with it's new redesign and hasn't looked back!
Here is a video of the New 2009 Dodge Ram smoking a Chevy and Ford pickup in a race!

Stupid Daily News---Political Roast----Lingerie Football Pics

Detroit News---GM To Sell Dodge To Nissan???

Some auto analysts say sale of Chrysler's Dodge truck business makes sense.

Alisa Priddle / The Detroit News

Nissan Motor Co. needs full-size trucks and Chrysler LLC could spin off a chunk of its Dodge truck business to fill that need, analysts say.

Despite high gasoline prices, there remains a market for large pickups and SUVs in North America. But Nissan does not want to invest heavily in developing its own new platforms to continue offering vehicles in these segments, given low volumes of the current Titan pickup and Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 SUVs.

Chrysler could "sell Dodge trucks to Nissan and just deal with cars," said Joseph Phillippi, principal at AutoTrends Consulting.

Manufacturing consultant Laurie Harbour-Felax, president of the Harbour-Felax Group, took the idea a step further. She envisions General Motors Corp. buying Chrysler from Cerberus Capital Management LP, keeping the Jeep brand and minivans, and packaging the Ram complete with its stamping, powertrain, transmission and assembly plants, for sale to a third party such as Nissan.

Chrysler has 13 facilities and about 16,000 employees who contribute to the assembly of the Dodge Ram pickup and Durango SUV -- all of whom would like to keep their jobs should a deal to sell Chrysler lead to an asset sale.

Chrysler workers are already poised to build Titans for Nissan in two years. And the product agreement, one of several between Chrysler and Nissan, could deepen into a more extensive relationship as the Renault-Nissan alliance has submitted a proposal to buy a stake of about 20 percent of the Auburn Hills automaker.

So far, Nissan has only cemented product agreements. The Japanese automaker introduced the Titan pickup in 2003, but it never reached its potential, selling less than 66,000 in 2007 with sales down another 42 percent through September. It was relegated to a niche vehicle that did not warrant investment in a new platform when the current truck ceases production in 2010. Instead, Nissan entered into an agreement under which Chrysler will use the architecture of the all-new 2009 Ram to build the next-generation Titan for sale in 2011.

Nissan is still designing the next Titan -- the name may change -- but its underpinnings will be all Ram for ease of assembly at Chrysler's Saltillo, Mexico, plant. Nissan is expected to take advantage of more engines, including a V-6, Hemi V-8 and Cummins diesels, as well as more cab configurations offered by the Ram platform. The partnership does not extend into heavy-duty pickups as Nissan is entering the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) market in North America in 2010 and a heavy-duty Titan would come from the LCV division.

As analysts dissect what may be salvageable among Chrysler's assets, they see full-size trucks, complete with their plants and workers, as a potential spin-off.

Included in the package would be the Dodge Durango SUV to replace the Armada. That would dovetail with Nissan product plans as the Japanese automaker plans to stop building the SUVs in Canton, Miss. Production of the QX56 will move to Japan where its replacement will come from a new luxury truck platform shared with the Nissan Patrol SUV, a well-revered off-roader that is popular in other parts of the world.

But the Armada isn't making the same move and its fate remains uncertain. Which raises the possibility of the Durango to the rescue.

It is in keeping with the view among Nissan officials in Japan who have said platform sharing is a good move for Nissan for low-volume vehicles where the amortization costs of a new platform can be largely borne by another automaker.

Harbour-Felax said a Chrysler package could include assembly plants in Newark, Del.; Warren; St. Louis; and Saltillo; some of which have on-site stamping. Powertrain plants in Saltillo and Detroit, and transmission assembly in Kokomo, Ind., could be included.

"You'd be selling a potential of nine or 10 plants," that might otherwise be closed if a new owner of Chrysler deemed them redundant, she said. Adding casting and axle plants, there are 12 facilities that contribute to the Ram and Durango, among other products.

While such an asset sale would solve some of Nissan's future product problems, it would also force new adjustments as the Japanese automaker would find itself managing its first unionized facilities, Harbour-Felax said.

In another pending piece of reciprocity, Nissan will build a Chrysler-designed small car for North America in 2010. And there is talk of a Chrysler sedan based on the Altima.

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Detroit News---GM To Sell Dodge To Nissan???

Some auto analysts say sale of Chrysler's Dodge truck business makes sense.

Alisa Priddle / The Detroit News

Nissan Motor Co. needs full-size trucks and Chrysler LLC could spin off a chunk of its Dodge truck business to fill that need, analysts say.

Despite high gasoline prices, there remains a market for large pickups and SUVs in North America. But Nissan does not want to invest heavily in developing its own new platforms to continue offering vehicles in these segments, given low volumes of the current Titan pickup and Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 SUVs.

Chrysler could "sell Dodge trucks to Nissan and just deal with cars," said Joseph Phillippi, principal at AutoTrends Consulting.

Manufacturing consultant Laurie Harbour-Felax, president of the Harbour-Felax Group, took the idea a step further. She envisions General Motors Corp. buying Chrysler from Cerberus Capital Management LP, keeping the Jeep brand and minivans, and packaging the Ram complete with its stamping, powertrain, transmission and assembly plants, for sale to a third party such as Nissan.

Chrysler has 13 facilities and about 16,000 employees who contribute to the assembly of the Dodge Ram pickup and Durango SUV -- all of whom would like to keep their jobs should a deal to sell Chrysler lead to an asset sale.

Chrysler workers are already poised to build Titans for Nissan in two years. And the product agreement, one of several between Chrysler and Nissan, could deepen into a more extensive relationship as the Renault-Nissan alliance has submitted a proposal to buy a stake of about 20 percent of the Auburn Hills automaker.

So far, Nissan has only cemented product agreements. The Japanese automaker introduced the Titan pickup in 2003, but it never reached its potential, selling less than 66,000 in 2007 with sales down another 42 percent through September. It was relegated to a niche vehicle that did not warrant investment in a new platform when the current truck ceases production in 2010. Instead, Nissan entered into an agreement under which Chrysler will use the architecture of the all-new 2009 Ram to build the next-generation Titan for sale in 2011.

Nissan is still designing the next Titan -- the name may change -- but its underpinnings will be all Ram for ease of assembly at Chrysler's Saltillo, Mexico, plant. Nissan is expected to take advantage of more engines, including a V-6, Hemi V-8 and Cummins diesels, as well as more cab configurations offered by the Ram platform. The partnership does not extend into heavy-duty pickups as Nissan is entering the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) market in North America in 2010 and a heavy-duty Titan would come from the LCV division.

As analysts dissect what may be salvageable among Chrysler's assets, they see full-size trucks, complete with their plants and workers, as a potential spin-off.

Included in the package would be the Dodge Durango SUV to replace the Armada. That would dovetail with Nissan product plans as the Japanese automaker plans to stop building the SUVs in Canton, Miss. Production of the QX56 will move to Japan where its replacement will come from a new luxury truck platform shared with the Nissan Patrol SUV, a well-revered off-roader that is popular in other parts of the world.

But the Armada isn't making the same move and its fate remains uncertain. Which raises the possibility of the Durango to the rescue.

It is in keeping with the view among Nissan officials in Japan who have said platform sharing is a good move for Nissan for low-volume vehicles where the amortization costs of a new platform can be largely borne by another automaker.

Harbour-Felax said a Chrysler package could include assembly plants in Newark, Del.; Warren; St. Louis; and Saltillo; some of which have on-site stamping. Powertrain plants in Saltillo and Detroit, and transmission assembly in Kokomo, Ind., could be included.

"You'd be selling a potential of nine or 10 plants," that might otherwise be closed if a new owner of Chrysler deemed them redundant, she said. Adding casting and axle plants, there are 12 facilities that contribute to the Ram and Durango, among other products.

While such an asset sale would solve some of Nissan's future product problems, it would also force new adjustments as the Japanese automaker would find itself managing its first unionized facilities, Harbour-Felax said.

In another pending piece of reciprocity, Nissan will build a Chrysler-designed small car for North America in 2010. And there is talk of a Chrysler sedan based on the Altima.

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Detroit News---GM To Sell Dodge To Nissan???

Some auto analysts say sale of Chrysler's Dodge truck business makes sense.

Alisa Priddle / The Detroit News

Nissan Motor Co. needs full-size trucks and Chrysler LLC could spin off a chunk of its Dodge truck business to fill that need, analysts say.

Despite high gasoline prices, there remains a market for large pickups and SUVs in North America. But Nissan does not want to invest heavily in developing its own new platforms to continue offering vehicles in these segments, given low volumes of the current Titan pickup and Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 SUVs.

Chrysler could "sell Dodge trucks to Nissan and just deal with cars," said Joseph Phillippi, principal at AutoTrends Consulting.

Manufacturing consultant Laurie Harbour-Felax, president of the Harbour-Felax Group, took the idea a step further. She envisions General Motors Corp. buying Chrysler from Cerberus Capital Management LP, keeping the Jeep brand and minivans, and packaging the Ram complete with its stamping, powertrain, transmission and assembly plants, for sale to a third party such as Nissan.

Chrysler has 13 facilities and about 16,000 employees who contribute to the assembly of the Dodge Ram pickup and Durango SUV -- all of whom would like to keep their jobs should a deal to sell Chrysler lead to an asset sale.

Chrysler workers are already poised to build Titans for Nissan in two years. And the product agreement, one of several between Chrysler and Nissan, could deepen into a more extensive relationship as the Renault-Nissan alliance has submitted a proposal to buy a stake of about 20 percent of the Auburn Hills automaker.

So far, Nissan has only cemented product agreements. The Japanese automaker introduced the Titan pickup in 2003, but it never reached its potential, selling less than 66,000 in 2007 with sales down another 42 percent through September. It was relegated to a niche vehicle that did not warrant investment in a new platform when the current truck ceases production in 2010. Instead, Nissan entered into an agreement under which Chrysler will use the architecture of the all-new 2009 Ram to build the next-generation Titan for sale in 2011.

Nissan is still designing the next Titan -- the name may change -- but its underpinnings will be all Ram for ease of assembly at Chrysler's Saltillo, Mexico, plant. Nissan is expected to take advantage of more engines, including a V-6, Hemi V-8 and Cummins diesels, as well as more cab configurations offered by the Ram platform. The partnership does not extend into heavy-duty pickups as Nissan is entering the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) market in North America in 2010 and a heavy-duty Titan would come from the LCV division.

As analysts dissect what may be salvageable among Chrysler's assets, they see full-size trucks, complete with their plants and workers, as a potential spin-off.

Included in the package would be the Dodge Durango SUV to replace the Armada. That would dovetail with Nissan product plans as the Japanese automaker plans to stop building the SUVs in Canton, Miss. Production of the QX56 will move to Japan where its replacement will come from a new luxury truck platform shared with the Nissan Patrol SUV, a well-revered off-roader that is popular in other parts of the world.

But the Armada isn't making the same move and its fate remains uncertain. Which raises the possibility of the Durango to the rescue.

It is in keeping with the view among Nissan officials in Japan who have said platform sharing is a good move for Nissan for low-volume vehicles where the amortization costs of a new platform can be largely borne by another automaker.

Harbour-Felax said a Chrysler package could include assembly plants in Newark, Del.; Warren; St. Louis; and Saltillo; some of which have on-site stamping. Powertrain plants in Saltillo and Detroit, and transmission assembly in Kokomo, Ind., could be included.

"You'd be selling a potential of nine or 10 plants," that might otherwise be closed if a new owner of Chrysler deemed them redundant, she said. Adding casting and axle plants, there are 12 facilities that contribute to the Ram and Durango, among other products.

While such an asset sale would solve some of Nissan's future product problems, it would also force new adjustments as the Japanese automaker would find itself managing its first unionized facilities, Harbour-Felax said.

In another pending piece of reciprocity, Nissan will build a Chrysler-designed small car for North America in 2010. And there is talk of a Chrysler sedan based on the Altima.

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Nissan seeks Chrysler stake

The Detroit News Reports:

Ghosn's proposal: Chrysler would be partner with Renault-Nissan
Christine Tierney, Robert Snell and David Shepardson / The Detroit News
The Renault-Nissan alliance is proposing to acquire around 20 percent of Chrysler LLC and bring the Auburn Hills automaker into the French-Japanese automotive partnership, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The offer is now before private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management LP, which also is in talks with General Motors Corp. about its Chrysler holding.

Sources familiar with the discussions said Carlos Ghosn, CEO of both Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co., sent a proposal in recent days that included revisions to a draft agreement prepared by Cerberus.
The sources said Tokyo-based Nissan would acquire the stake because it has cash on hand, whereas Renault now has debts of more than $5 billion.

Nissan and Chrysler already have several joint projects in the works, with Nissan planning to produce small cars for Chrysler and Chrysler scheduled to make the next generation Titan full-size pickup for Nissan. Chrysler and Nissan managers say the teams work well together.

But another source close to the talks has told The Detroit News that Cerberus founder and CEO Stephen Feinberg favors a deal with GM, viewing it as the best solution for the embattled U.S. auto industry.

Under the scenarios being discussed with GM, the automaker might absorb its smaller rival or establish it as a subsidiary, with Cerberus expected to take a stake in the combined automotive entity. But these scenarios would require financing, which is hard to obtain in this economic environment.

"The key to any deal is the availability of financing to fund present cash burn rates and substantial merger costs," said Citi auto analyst Itay Michaeli.

He estimated that the combined entity would need at least $10 billion to $12 billion of fresh cash. "Attaining such financing could require Cerberus' participation and perhaps that of certain Chrysler bank debt holders," he said in a research note.

Citing "the significant execution risk and a checkered industry mergers and acquisition track record," he reiterated his sell rating on GM's stock.

Most industry experts say such a GM-Chrysler deal would lead to drastic job cuts at Chrysler because of the huge overlap between the two U.S. automakers' businesses.

Brands would be retained
By contrast, Detroit's smallest automaker would remain largely intact as a partner in the Renault-Nissan alliance.

It would participate in the joint purchasing, vehicle platform development and other programs, slashing its costs. But it would have its own management and retain its brands. There is little overlap among Renault, Nissan and Chrysler brands in most of the world.

The Renault-Nissan alliance was formed in 1999, when France's Renault SA acquired a controlling stake in then-struggling Nissan. Ghosn, then a senior executive at Renault, was dispatched to Japan, where he returned Nissan to profitability within a year.

He has expressed a wish for a long time to add a North American partner to the alliance.

But with the world's markets and economies struggling through a steep and potentially protracted downturn, many Renault and Nissan investors may resist Ghosn's plan to add a third, and troubled, member to the alliance. With sales tumbling in the United States and Europe, Renault and Nissan are straining, although they are still profitable.

Nissan had around $2.4 billion of net cash at the end of June but is committed to paying around $1.5 billion in dividends. Its investors were unhappy two years ago, when Renault-Nissan envisaged a three-way deal with GM.

Sources close to the talks say it is far from certain that Cerberus will conclude a deal with either Renault-Nissan or GM.

Cerberus, Renault and Nissan declined to comment. But the sources close to the talks say that GM and Cerberus are targeting a deal before the presidential election Nov. 4, when politicians may be more receptive to requests for federal aid to complete a merger.

Industry experts speculated on the dynamics of the parallel negotiations. "I don't know if Cerberus is playing GM off against Nissan-Renault," said Sean McAlinden, chief economist and vice president for research at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor.

Cerberus acquired 80.1 percent of Chrysler from then-DaimlerChrysler AG in August 2007 for $7.4 billion, most of which was injected into Chrysler. Cerberus is now in talks to acquire Daimler's remaining 19.9 percent stake.

Whether it concludes a deal with GM or Renault-Nissan, the New York-based private equity firm is unlikely to get money for Chrysler, analysts say, noting that Daimler essentially gave away the U.S. automaker that it had acquired in 1998.

Sales have fallen 25%
Now privately owned, Chrysler does not publish its financial results. But the automaker has suffered the sharpest sales drop of any major player in the U.S. market. Its sales have fallen 25 percent so far this year, twice the rate of the overall market's decline.

Its talks with Nissan expanded beyond vehicle projects in February, when Nissan, Chrysler and Cerberus officials met in Japan to discuss the possibility of a deeper relationship. Cerberus executives have led the negotiations with Renault-Nissan since the late spring.

The sources familiar with the negotiations say Nissan would likely acquire a stake of at least 15 percent -- allowing it to account for the holding as an equity investment under Japanese rules -- and most likely around 20 percent.

Nissan Executive Vice President Carlos Tavares is leading the negotiations, according to the sources, with help from senior U.S.-based Nissan executives.

The cost-saving estimates have been described as encouraging, though not on the scale of the benefits that would have been generated by the Renault-Nissan-GM deal proposed in 2006 by former GM shareholder Kirk Kerkorian. GM and its board rejected the proposal.




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Nissan seeks Chrysler stake

The Detroit News Reports:

Ghosn's proposal: Chrysler would be partner with Renault-Nissan
Christine Tierney, Robert Snell and David Shepardson / The Detroit News
The Renault-Nissan alliance is proposing to acquire around 20 percent of Chrysler LLC and bring the Auburn Hills automaker into the French-Japanese automotive partnership, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The offer is now before private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management LP, which also is in talks with General Motors Corp. about its Chrysler holding.

Sources familiar with the discussions said Carlos Ghosn, CEO of both Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co., sent a proposal in recent days that included revisions to a draft agreement prepared by Cerberus.
The sources said Tokyo-based Nissan would acquire the stake because it has cash on hand, whereas Renault now has debts of more than $5 billion.

Nissan and Chrysler already have several joint projects in the works, with Nissan planning to produce small cars for Chrysler and Chrysler scheduled to make the next generation Titan full-size pickup for Nissan. Chrysler and Nissan managers say the teams work well together.

But another source close to the talks has told The Detroit News that Cerberus founder and CEO Stephen Feinberg favors a deal with GM, viewing it as the best solution for the embattled U.S. auto industry.

Under the scenarios being discussed with GM, the automaker might absorb its smaller rival or establish it as a subsidiary, with Cerberus expected to take a stake in the combined automotive entity. But these scenarios would require financing, which is hard to obtain in this economic environment.

"The key to any deal is the availability of financing to fund present cash burn rates and substantial merger costs," said Citi auto analyst Itay Michaeli.

He estimated that the combined entity would need at least $10 billion to $12 billion of fresh cash. "Attaining such financing could require Cerberus' participation and perhaps that of certain Chrysler bank debt holders," he said in a research note.

Citing "the significant execution risk and a checkered industry mergers and acquisition track record," he reiterated his sell rating on GM's stock.

Most industry experts say such a GM-Chrysler deal would lead to drastic job cuts at Chrysler because of the huge overlap between the two U.S. automakers' businesses.

Brands would be retained
By contrast, Detroit's smallest automaker would remain largely intact as a partner in the Renault-Nissan alliance.

It would participate in the joint purchasing, vehicle platform development and other programs, slashing its costs. But it would have its own management and retain its brands. There is little overlap among Renault, Nissan and Chrysler brands in most of the world.

The Renault-Nissan alliance was formed in 1999, when France's Renault SA acquired a controlling stake in then-struggling Nissan. Ghosn, then a senior executive at Renault, was dispatched to Japan, where he returned Nissan to profitability within a year.

He has expressed a wish for a long time to add a North American partner to the alliance.

But with the world's markets and economies struggling through a steep and potentially protracted downturn, many Renault and Nissan investors may resist Ghosn's plan to add a third, and troubled, member to the alliance. With sales tumbling in the United States and Europe, Renault and Nissan are straining, although they are still profitable.

Nissan had around $2.4 billion of net cash at the end of June but is committed to paying around $1.5 billion in dividends. Its investors were unhappy two years ago, when Renault-Nissan envisaged a three-way deal with GM.

Sources close to the talks say it is far from certain that Cerberus will conclude a deal with either Renault-Nissan or GM.

Cerberus, Renault and Nissan declined to comment. But the sources close to the talks say that GM and Cerberus are targeting a deal before the presidential election Nov. 4, when politicians may be more receptive to requests for federal aid to complete a merger.

Industry experts speculated on the dynamics of the parallel negotiations. "I don't know if Cerberus is playing GM off against Nissan-Renault," said Sean McAlinden, chief economist and vice president for research at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor.

Cerberus acquired 80.1 percent of Chrysler from then-DaimlerChrysler AG in August 2007 for $7.4 billion, most of which was injected into Chrysler. Cerberus is now in talks to acquire Daimler's remaining 19.9 percent stake.

Whether it concludes a deal with GM or Renault-Nissan, the New York-based private equity firm is unlikely to get money for Chrysler, analysts say, noting that Daimler essentially gave away the U.S. automaker that it had acquired in 1998.

Sales have fallen 25%
Now privately owned, Chrysler does not publish its financial results. But the automaker has suffered the sharpest sales drop of any major player in the U.S. market. Its sales have fallen 25 percent so far this year, twice the rate of the overall market's decline.

Its talks with Nissan expanded beyond vehicle projects in February, when Nissan, Chrysler and Cerberus officials met in Japan to discuss the possibility of a deeper relationship. Cerberus executives have led the negotiations with Renault-Nissan since the late spring.

The sources familiar with the negotiations say Nissan would likely acquire a stake of at least 15 percent -- allowing it to account for the holding as an equity investment under Japanese rules -- and most likely around 20 percent.

Nissan Executive Vice President Carlos Tavares is leading the negotiations, according to the sources, with help from senior U.S.-based Nissan executives.

The cost-saving estimates have been described as encouraging, though not on the scale of the benefits that would have been generated by the Renault-Nissan-GM deal proposed in 2006 by former GM shareholder Kirk Kerkorian. GM and its board rejected the proposal.




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