On March 30, Chrysler LLC announced on its website that the company and its majority owner, Cerberus Capital Management L.P., had agreed on the terms of a formal global alliance with Fiat S.p.A. In the statement, Chrysler said that it was “encouraged by the commitments of the Administration, U.S. Treasury and President’s Auto Task Force to the American automobile industry and Chrysler’s viability, with a Fiat alliance.”
The statement continued:
Chrysler has consistently said that the alliance with Fiat enhances its business model that expands its global competitiveness. We appreciate the willingness of the Task Force, along with industry and financial experts, to consult closely with us in order to achieve this significant step. By providing Chrysler with product and platforms, technology cooperation and global distribution, Fiat strengthens Chrysler’s ability to create and preserve U.S. jobs; gives U.S. consumers more choices for environmentally advanced vehicles; gives its dealers more of the products they need to be successful; helps stabilize the supplier base; and allows Chrysler to pay back government loans sooner. Chrysler has had a series of very constructive discussions since our plan was submitted February 17, including weekly face-to-face meetings with the Task Force. We have been impressed by their speed, diligence, good faith and strong grasp of the difficult issues our industry faces in this financial crisis. This is evidenced by the U.S. government’s initiatives to support consumer warranties and suppliers, as well as their appointment of Dr. Edward Montgomery, Director of Auto Recovery.
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