When I think back to the DaimlerChrysler days I have mixed thoughts about Dieter Zetsche.
As I recall, Zetsche replaced Tom Stallkamp when it started to become clear that the "Merger of Equals" line was 100% bogus. It was clear that Daimler wanted one of their people to run Chrysler and Zetsche was their choice.
For the large part, I think the Zetsche years were pretty prosperous for most Chrysler dealers. Zetsche seemed to understand the U.S. market and he wasn't afraid to use incentive dollars to protect Chrysler's market share.
That said, all of my positive thoughts about Zetsche began to change when he left Auburn Hills to replace Schremp as Daimler's CEO.
It seemed like once Zetsche left Auburn Hills all of his allegiance to Chrysler was gone and Daimler started to extract cash and remove resources from Chrysler. It was during this era that some of Chrysler's worst vehicles would be designed and developed.
(Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, Chrysler Sebring, etc.)
Maybe this episode in Chrysler's past could be covered in the prequel of
Taken for a Ride II?