Chrysler poised to replace Ford as No. 2 automaker

[Analog]

DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group appears poised to surpass Ford Motor Co. to become the second-largest producer of cars and trucks in North America, perhaps as early as 2007.

This stunning reversal of fortune is playing out on the floor of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where two new Chrysler Jeep models will be unveiled today and where the buzz among the global automotive executives and news media is building about the deep cutbacks Ford will announce later this month.

Indeed, turmoil reigns in an industry where American giants General Motors Corp. and Ford are derided as junk credit risks and U.S. governors, including Michigan's Jennifer Granholm, are groveling for whatever crumbs that mighty Toyota Motor Corp. of Japan or rising star Hyundai of Korea might toss our way.

Talk of Toyota's expected takeover of the worldwide No. 1 auto sales spot from GM, in fact, has overshadowed the fact the Chrysler has been quietly gaining ground on Ford right here at home.

"If Chrysler has some winners with its new products, it could pass Ford in North American production as soon as 12 months from now," Sean McAlinden, chief economist for the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, said Sunday.http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2005601090398

 

[SearchMaster]

Toyota has said Chrysler is the only American automaker they see as a threat, and with the exception of the Solstice/Sky, they seem to be the only American automaker putting out interesting vehicles.

 

[BaliBabyDoc]

I doubt it.

Ford's overall lineup looks as good if not a little better than Chrysler . . . with the notable exception of the total turd they laid with the Lincoln Zephyr.

 

[Malak]

I like Lincoln, but that's really the only brand of Ford I'm interested in. I like Dodge more than Ford trucks and cars, and I like Chrysler vehicles as well. Too bad the Chrysler dealership is run by jerks, otherwise I might be driving something nicer.