1999 Chrysler Sebring Jx Convertible 2-door 2.5l on 2040-cars

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UAW may be key to forced FCA merger with GM

Sergio Marchionne doesn't give up on a business deal easily. While outwardly not much has recently been said about FCA's attempted merger with General Motors, Marchionne might be hoping to garner a powerful, new ally that could help break things wide open. The United Auto Workers retiree health care trust is the single largest shareholder of GM with 8.7 percent of the stock, and having its support would certainly improve FCA's position in getting a deal done. "Whatever happens in terms of consolidation, it would never be done without the consent and support of the UAW," Marchionne said when FCA recently began contract talks with the UAW, The Detroit News reports. The boss is also allegedly on good terms with the union president Dennis Williams. Still, using the organization for a hostile takeover could be very difficult because of the way its votes are structured. Other activist investors might already be on board, though. Marchionne believes that consolidation in the industry is vital because automakers are investing to create the same technologies. A GM/FCA merger still has many roadblocks, though, including the fact that Marchionne's company is smaller than GM. From a regulatory perspective, the size of the merged company could raise serious anti-trust concerns among regulators, according to The Detroit News. There's also the concern for lost jobs from redundant work with the two combined businesses. Even if the UAW angle doesn't work out, there are contingency plans afoot for other merger targets. According to The Detroit News speaking to anonymous insiders, FCA bigwigs have a meeting in London on Thursday to take a close look at other options. In addition to GM, they are investigating possible deals with Volkswagen and the Renault-Nissan Alliance. In the past, PSA Peugeot Citroen and multiple Asian automakers have also been brought up as partners, and UBS has reportedly been providing financial advice on what to do.

Consumer Reports says these are the worst new cars of 2014

Consumer Reports has announced its annual list of worst vehicles, a cringe-inducing contrast to its list of top vehicles. Ignominiously leading the way in 2014 is Chrysler, which has a staggering seven models listed.
Jeep nearly sweeps the small SUV segment by itself, with its Compass, Patriot and 2.4-liter version of the new Cherokee, while the only midsize sedans listed by CR were the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger. The new Dodge Dart and the Dodge Journey round out CR's condemnation of Chrysler.
Ford is taking heat as well, with the Taurus, Edge and their counterparts from Lincoln all listed as the worst vehicles in their respective segments. Toyota doesn't fare much better, with its Lexus IS, Scion iQ and tC also making the list.

Sell your own: 1969 Plymouth Barracuda

Looking to sell your car? We make it easy and free. Quickly create listings with up to six photos and reach millions of buyers. Log in and create your free listings. Always the "third" element in Detroit's Big Three, Chrysler and its Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler divisions, usually played catchup to GM and Ford. However, Plymouth actually arrived to the ponycar segment on time, with its launch of the Valiant-based Barracuda almost on top of Ford's Mustang. That said, the segment became named for ponies, not an aggressive fish. By 1969, the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro were becoming bigger and more sophisticated. The Barracuda, by contrast, held on to its essential simplicity. We'd prefer the fastback and a small-block V8, but in the context of 2017 collectible-car values for Mopar, even a Slant Six coupe with unknown mileage might be worth checking out. From the supplied pics, this '69 Cuda looks to be in good condition; if it weren't, the asking price would likely be south of $10,000 – not north. Scarcity's not an issue, so this Barracuda would seem well-suited for the resto-mod treatment (above and beyond the aftermarket hood scoops), while keeping the post-purchase investment as minimal as the original outlay. Chrysler Used Car Buying Buying Guide Ownership Coupe Performance