The new Chrysler has emerged from bankruptcy protection as a leaner, hipper and more competitive automaker, top executives said on Nov. 4 as they presented a five-year plan aimed at achieving long-term profitability.

"The problems that led to the bankruptcy of the previous Chrysler can be solved," board chairman Robert Kidder told analysts gathered in Chrysler's design dome at its Auburn Hills, Mich. headquarters. He said new chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne and the team he has brought from Fiat -- which obtained a 20% stake and controlling interest in Chrysler in exchange for sharing its technology -- has been working "tirelessly" to transform the U.S. automaker.

"Chrysler Corp. begins with a better balance sheet, a lean organization, access to important Fiat technology and a strong leadership," Kidder said. "After five months and several board meetings later the board's confidence that Chrysler will reemerge as a strong competitor in the auto market is considerably stronger."

The automaker's top priority is to invest in creating "compelling brand and product offerings," Kidder said, adding that it will leverage its alliance with Fiat to develop global economies of scale.

"Efforts to shave manufacturing, material and administrative costs will continue," he said, adding that Chrysler will also ensure that it matches production to actual demand which is "a significant departure from past practice."

The "highly dedicated and motivated" leadership team intends to "make this a great public company once again and repay the loans of the U.S. and Canadian governments with all speed," Kidder said.

Marchionne refuted recent reports that Chrysler is burning through the $4 billion cash endowment it received upon exiting bankruptcy protection in June. "The new Chrysler is being extremely parsimonious ie. cheap," Marchionne said, adding that Chrysler has substantially reduced its fixed costs and increased its cash position to roughly $5.7 billion at the end of September.

The maverick executive -- who also heads Fiat -- said earlier this month that he can make Chrysler profitable within two years and plans to orchestrate a public stock offering "sometime after 2010."

View article on one page