Chrysler's December sales fall 53%

[XDCX]

We all feared that December would be a rough month, but I don't think too many were thinking that Chrysler's sales would be off 53%.

Here's a link to the news report: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...OjThAD95H6QKG1

[goodone414]

Originally Posted by XDCX

We all feared that December would be a rough month, but I don't think too many were thinking that Chrysler's sales would be off 53%.

Here's a link to the news report: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...OjThAD95H6QKG1

Just when you think it can't possibly get worse you wake up and BOOM it's worse...

[XDCX]

Originally Posted by goodone414

Just when you think it can't possibly get worse you wake up and BOOM it's worse...

When Cerberus was still pushing for the Bridge Loan it made sense for them to convey that Chrysler was on the edge of bankruptcy - that's why I thought they issued the press release stating that all the plants would be shut down for one month.

But why do we need more bad news now?

Granted that you can't really "spin" the sales results too much, but couldn't they have pumped up the fleet sales so the final results were on par with the rest of the industry?

[goodone414]

Originally Posted by XDCX

When Cerberus was still pushing for the Bridge Loan it made sense for them to convey that Chrysler was on the edge of bankruptcy - that's why I thought they issued the press release stating that all the plants would be shut down for one month.

But why do we need more bad news now?

Granted that you can't really "spin" the sales results too much, but couldn't they have pumped up the fleet sales so the final results were on par with the rest of the industry?

It makes no sense. It's almost like Cerberus is devaluing Chrysler intentionally at a time when they are obviously trying to sell Chrysler

[dafuzz1956]

No, not when you (cerberus) wants to justify why Chrysler sould be eliminated, which would be a desaster.

[XDCX]

Originally Posted by goodone414

It makes no sense. It's almost like Cerberus is devaluing Chrysler intentionally at a time when they are obviously trying to sell Chrysler

I agree, I can't figure it out....

Then again, the $4 Billion that they received in TARP money will not last very long given their current burn rate. Maybe the non-ending string of bad news is designed to force some type of industry consolidation. Who knows?

What I do know is that the people that run Cerberus are smart and powerful. Getting involved with Chrysler is likely a decision that they regret, but I don't doubt they'll find some way to cut their losses just like they did with the Mervin's bankruptcy.

As always, time will tell.....

[XDCX]

I thought it was interesting that there was no statement about the sales of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 in Chrysler's December Sales Press Release.

Last month Chrysler highlighted the 2009 Ram 1500 as a sales success despite the tough market conditions. Now there's nothing but silence.

I wonder how many 2009 Ram 1500s were sold last month?