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Posts Tagged “

Dieter Zetsche

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detroit auto show

Detroit Auto Show: Dr. Z Pours Us A Pint Of Bass, We Warm Up To Ze Germans

Daimler head Dr. Dieter "Tobias Funke" Zetsche, or Dr. Z as he's more affectionately known to us, was once again serving up beers at this year's Firehouse aftershow party (we were nervous that, after Daimler dropping down to only a partial owner he'd not come back). Though he only served up a few pints, we were quick to get in line and have him serve up a tasty brew for us. As any cowboy knows, a long day on the trail works up a mighty thirst. The same goes for the press. This is doubly true when hundreds of longhorn cattle show up at the Detroit Auto Show. Enjoy the photos of Ze Zetsche grabbing us Ze Bass.

Feature

3:15 PM on Mon Jan 14 2008
By Matt Hardigree
1,793 views, 19 comments

Latest by Dollarbill4: Herr doktor, ve need you at Chrysler, They are killing the Demon! Please convince them make it rear veel drive. Mein Gott! more »

industry news

The Zetsche Does Not Need Your Puny American Auto Company

DaimlerChrysler Chief Deiter "Tobias" Zetsche says everything is great since they dumped Chrysler. Seriously. They feel great, look great and are seeing new people. They'd have totally made a profit last quarter, but they needed time to get over the breakup (and related charges). Things are looking up for old Daimler so don't count him out. He's going to focus on the basic things, like Mercedes Benz. And he's trying new things, like fuel cells. Seriously, couldn't be better. Thanks for asking. [AP]

9:15 AM on Wed Nov 21 2007
By Matt Hardigree
600 views, 18 comments

Latest by SeanKHotay: You folks really need to record yourself and listen to the words you're saying... Unless something changes drastically, publically-held companies are only working to either the next quarter or next year. MB needed Chrysler's cash during that early honeymoon period to more »

Dieter Zetsche e-mails his goodbye to Chrysler. Parting is such sweet sorrow — or as one Freep commenter writes: "Later Stache." [Freep]

Comment

news

Chrysler Sale Cost DaimlerChrysler $673 Million?

I know DaimlerChrysler's claimed they sold the 'merican half of the business for $7.4 billion, but according to the Wall Street Journal as well as Brian O'Connor at the Detroit News, the sale price was significantly lower than that according to Cerberus CEO Lenny Tessler. He claims:
"In essence, they paid us to take the company...I'm not talking out of school."
But according to the Journal's stat folks, a look at the deal has Cerberus shoving most of its money right into Chrysler. Daimler's check is only $1.3 billion — plus it's going to loan Chrysler money and eat up some of the current losses. The bottom line is Daimler actually pays out $673 million in the "sale." Although DaimlerChrysler's Herr Doktor is denying he's paying Cerberus to take Chrysler, he's also not saying... More »

8:00 AM on Fri Jun 29 2007
By Ray Wert
851 views, 12 comments

Latest by Halib: looks like Ford will have to pay to get rid of LandRover/Jaguar too. [www.ft.com] more »

industry news

Corporate Unmerger of E-mails: Dieter Style



Hot on the heels of the announcement that the merger of equals will become a partial-ownership-but-mostly-sale-of-no-longer-equals comes an e-mail from Grand Master Mustache Dieter Zetsche to his beloved employees. Something about "toughest thing I've done in my professional career" and "Chrysler will be more agile and flexible"... and then my eyes glazed over. No word on how Cerberus will make Chrysler more flexible, but like I said, I didn't read it too close. It could have said everybody gets a free puppy and ice cream and I would have missed it. Full mailer after the jump... – Ben Wojdyla More »

9:42 AM on Mon May 14 2007
By bwojdyla
826 views, 12 comments

Latest by Retiree: HoMoPar FTW!!!!! ROFLMAO!!! more »

new york auto show

New York Auto Show: Dude, The Chrysler Group Is Totally Going To Sue VW In Germany!

We spotted this interactive unit in the Volkswagen display. What is this — Ask Dr. K? Ask Dr. VW? Talk about rubbing it in the Chrysler Group's face. We love it when automakers kick each other when they're down. – Ray Wert More »

Feature

4:30 PM on Wed Apr 4 2007
By Ray Wert
529 views, 5 comments

news

Even More Chrysler Group Sales Speculation: Jedi Council Edition

YODA : Your thoughts dwell on your potential to be a takeover target.
DIETER : I'd miss my job.
YODA : Afraid to lose it ... I think.
DIETER : (a little angry) What's that got to do with anything?
YODA: Everything. Fear is the path to the dark side ... fear leads to anger ... anger leads to hate ... hate, leads to suffering.
DIETER: (angrily) I am not afraid!
YODA: A automaker CEO must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. I sense much fear in you.
DIETER: (quietly) I am not afraid.
YODA : Then continue with the sales presentations, we will.
– Ray Wert More »

10:45 AM on Thu Mar 8 2007
By Ray Wert
817 views, 11 comments

Latest by dculberson: You forgot: Dieter: Yes, master. (enthusiastically) Are you ready for your mustache ride? more »

official car pundit drinking game

The Official Car Pundit Drinking Game: Crying "Chrysler's For Sale" From The Rooftops!

Well, it looks as though our associate editor from Detroit's going to have to put his money where his always-on mouth is and explain his whole "Chrysler not really for sale but really could be" silliness idea on CNBC tonight. That's right, 'merica's business channel wants him to take a stab at Dr. Z.'s big idea at 7:17 PM EST in front of Melissa Francis or you know, whoever may be hosting On The Money this erev shabbos. So while he's getting powdered and lavaliered up, let's get to the real work — dusting off those shot glasses and coming up with some new rules. If all of this is confusing to you in any way, feel free to take a look back at what's transpired in the oldest established permanent floating drinking game for car pundits. More »

1:03 PM on Fri Feb 23 2007
By Ray Wert
372 views, 4 comments

Latest by allenparkpete: Daimler will keep Jeep. GM ain't gettin't nor anyone else. more »

news

All Your Automakers Are Belong To GM: General Motors Looking At Acquiring Chrysler Group?


Photo By: Bill Pugliano / Getty Images News More »
news

DaimlerChrysler Open To Any Option Involving Chrysler Group, Including Sale

Dieter's just spoken, and he's stated very unclearly clearly on the speculation of whether the German-American hybrid's willing to look at selling off the Chrysler Group:
"our thinking does not exclude any options and that means all options are on the table."
Thanks for clearing that up Dieter, get ready for the story from the hyperactive Detroit auto media to be "DaimlerChrysler Looks To Sell Chrysler Group." Gotta sell them papers magazines online subscriptions blog posts! Although, we look on the bright side, at least at this time he's being purposely unclear and this time we're not ruling out the potential for a story here. – Ray Wert More »

10:47 AM on Wed Feb 14 2007
By Ray Wert
163 views, 3 comments

Latest by grzydj: Can you stop calling it a German American hybrid please? That'd indicate that there's some kind of "synergy" between the two companies, which there obviously isn't. more »

news

Breaking! Chrysler Group To Cut 13,000 Workers And Return To Profitability By Investing In...Engines?

Now we understand why Dr. Z won't be talking about the Chrysler Group. The main man in the big office in Stuttgart is letting his main man in Auburn Hills, MI give the bold and bad news and put his ass on the line. Like when he's giving the news today that instead of 11,000 job cuts, the 'merican side of the German-American hybrid's trying to beat expectations on the street and cut 13,000 jobs, which amounts to approximately a 16% cut. hourly employment will be reduced by 11,000 over three years, with 9,000 in the US and 2,000 in Canada. On the salaried side, Chrysler will be reducing employment by 2,000 over the next two years, with 1,000 each in 2007 and 2008. Nothing like the tease before the real release, eh? That's the big news on the jobs numbers, but what about where they'll be coming from? Well, since... More »

9:05 AM on Wed Feb 14 2007
By Ray Wert
184 views, 1 comment

Latest by allenparkpete: Just watched SlimFast live on local TV. (See Ray..you never had to go up there...you could sit at home in your jammy's but then again you wouldn't have got that great coffee they have and the world-class donunts 'neither). My more »

news

Breaking! DaimlerChrysler Makes $7.3 Billion In 2006, Chrysler Group Posts Loss Of $1.5 Billion, Up To $1.3 Billion In 2007 On Restructuring


Photo Credit: Bill Pugliano / Getty Images News More »
news

One Down: Wolfgang Exits Stage Left At VW, Will Chrysler Group's LaSorda Be Next?

Reports are coming in Wolfgang Bernhard was just told he's no longer allowed to be representin' Deutschland and Ferdinand "Fergie" Piech has moved his buddy Winterkorn into the vacated spot. Bernhard, the main man for the VDub brand, and former DaimlerChrysler exec, is leaving Volkswagen at the end of this month, although we've yet to hear whether it was on his own terms or if the Supervisory Group's doing the canning. That distinction could be significant in coming months if Bernhard looks to join his good buddy Dr. Dieter Zetsche for another stint at the German-American hybrid. But since the rumors are he'd be taking over on the 'merican side of the cross-continental merger of equals, we of course have to wonder what's up with current Chrysler Group CEO Tom LaSorda (pictured to the left, and with much more of a deer-in-the-headlights-stare, of Bernhard). Despite the man-love LaSorda received this week from the good Doctor at the Detroit show, he's still in the hot seat over his retention of production schedules seemingly not in touch with reality. I mean, maybe his reality — but when you're stuffing Jeeps into trains parked outside a Best Western in Allen Park — that's not so much good. The key issue here's going to be whether or not the two-year post-VDub non-compete's going to still be in play for Bernhard. What we do know is he'll be available just in time for the next DaimlerChrysler board meeting, scheduled to take place on Valentine's Day. We know we'll be keeping a close eye on this one, as well as making sure to check and see if Dr. Z. is getting any of those little candy hearts printed up saying "Will you be my new executive?" – Ray Wert More »

11:35 AM on Thu Jan 11 2007
By Ray Wert
232 views, 2 comments

Latest by drewheyman: you think orel hershizer (sp?) or greg gagne is gonna come in and save the day? more »

detroit auto show

Bump N' Grind: Dieter And Tom Get The Man-Love On

While our main man from the West-side of the US of A brought you the product love from Mercedes, I'm here on this side of the 8 Mile line to get all obsessed with the industry insider stuff. So of course I was all over the man-love going on at the reveal for the more Bruce side of the German-American hybrid. Because given the sales banking of excess production going on over in Auburn Hills (and Detroit Metro Airport, the State Fairgrounds, lots and of course — empty trains behind the Best Western in Allen Park) any public love being shown to Chrysler Group CEO Tom LaSorda by the boss man, Dr. Z, is probably sorely appreciated. That's why the following little hug n' bump with DaimlerChrysler boss-man Dieter Zetsche must have felt so good to Windsor's favorite son. Heckuva job there, Tommy. – Ray Wert More »

1:08 PM on Mon Jan 8 2007
By Ray Wert
145 views, 2 comments

Latest by wohho: APpete - did you get P3'd too? more »

news

Bluetec, 4Matic, Ocean Drive and Emmitt Smith: Mercedes-Benz Detroit Press Intro

See! Zetsche on Ice! Before he sauntered across the street to slake the thirst of a teeming mass of boozehound autojournos and sycophants at the Firehouse, Dr. Zed took to the ice rink after a rather inexplicable intro involving a man on a sled pulled by some ripe-smelling dogs. What followed was an orgy of winter sport including ice dancing, hockey and other whatsits while 4Matic-equipped Benzos cruised the frozen H20 on Bridgestone Blizzak tires. More »

12:45 PM on Mon Jan 8 2007
By Davey G. Johnson
392 views, 2 comments

news: industry news

It's Expected, He's Gone: Bernhard No Longer to Represent Vee Dub

w_bernhard.jpgis the little issue of the two-year noncompete clause in Bernhard's contract. Does this mean that one of the brightest minds in autoexecudom will be sidelined while Pi ch continues to assert his capricious will via VW's supervisory board and Auburn Hills proves that it seemingly has no idea what it's doing without the firm hand of a German at the helm? Dr. Z, Wendelin, do something! – Davey G. JohnsonVolkswagen's Bernhard Is Poised To Leave Over Planned Shake-Up [Wall Street Journal (sub. req.)]Related:
Wolfgang & Winterkorn Get Kicked Up a Notch at VW [Internal]

6:15 PM on Fri Dec 29 2006
By Davey G. Johnson
72 views, Comment

news

Not-So-Happy Valentine's Day! Is February 14th An Important Date For Chrysler Group CEO Tom LaSorda?

Chris Vander Doelen of the Windsor Star, the main newspaper of the Canuckian hamlet on the other side of the river from Detroit, claims he's got himself a source telling him when the get 'er done date for a Chrysler Group turnaround by Windsor's hometown hero, Tom LaSorda, needs to be under way. The CEO if the 'merican side of the German-American alliance, was born and raised in Windsor, and if Vander Doelen's source is correct,
"he's got until Feb. 14 — that's when the board meets in Detroit..."
Hmm, that'd be a helluva crappy V-day gift from the DaimlerChrylser exec board, wouldn't it? I kind of hope they'll at least bring him chocolates and flowers if he ends up getting canned — and maybe a nice card. Hey, Dr. Z — if the board decides to fire Tom, please feel free to use the card from above if you can't find anything nice at Hallmark. – Ray Wert More »

12:56 PM on Wed Dec 20 2006
By Ray Wert
169 views, Comment

news

Joltin' Joe Eberhardt Jumps Ship: Chrysler Marketing Man Moved To Mercedes

Joltin' Joe Eberhardt has left the building folks. Seriously — he's no longer at the Tech Center in Auburn Hills. The main marketing and sales man for the 'merican side of the German-American hybrid, according to a statement released today by the company:
"will be leaving the company in order to return to automotive retailing within the Mercedes-Benz network in the United States. The Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents of Sales, Marketing, International and Service will report directly to LaSorda until further notice."
Although we're not saying we had anything to do with this obviously not-by-his own-choice move (because you know, who really goes "down and to the left" and leaves at the close of business of their own accord?) — because then you would be ignoring the part about how Eberhardt had a total performance-suck since taking over the job. But then again, if he hadn't blown total goat, we'd have had no reason to make fun of him — well, except for the weird accent. Full press release after the jump. – Ray Wert More »

2:40 PM on Tue Dec 5 2006
By Ray Wert
465 views, Comment