Would Jeep Survive A GM / Chrysler Merger?
By now, you’ve probably head about all about GM, Chrysler Cerberus and their attempt to become one monolithic automobile producer. Of course, if you ask Chrysler, they’ll state their company is not open to speaking publicly about any mergers or business acquisitions. If you ask GM – they’ll probably only give you a cold stare. And for now, any buy out or company partnership talks have been put on hold (in case you missed it, the Dow Jones dropped a little bit recently) – So for now all the brands are safe. Where they ever in danger? Well, we all know when a merger happens, someone is going to get cut. So what would keep Jeep above troubled waters and on the team?
Jeeps sales have plummeted since 2007, along with Chrysler and Dodge numbers. What’s the problem? Jeep, for one, has a lack of hybrid vehicles. Plus many of their trucks and SUV’s perform far under the GM “30 MPG” ratings of smaller Chevrolet and Pontiac vehicles. Unless Jeep brought in a more fuel efficient hybrid Commander or Wrangler why would GM keep them around? But also, do Wrangler fans really want a hybrid, 4-cyl 35 MPG vehicle that can’t hack it off road?
Jeep Liberty is already hanging on the edge, as the Toledo, Ohio plant which produces the vehicle is threatening to have their assembly line cut. Chrysler LLC is currently trying to decide whether to keep Liberty or the Dodge Nitro (put together on that very same line) around past 2012.
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