
Tom LaSorda, Chrysler Vice Chairman and President, left, and Bob Nardelli, Chairman and CEO, will leave.
Chrysler LLC today announced that, as a result of the comprehensive restructuring plan agreed to by many of its stakeholders, it has reached an agreement in principle to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat SpA to form a new company.
Unfortunately for workers, the company also filed for bankruptcy at a Federal court in New York City. During the bankruptcy proceedings, which are expected to last from 30 to 60 days, most of its manufacturing facilities will be closed. It is only when the New Chrysler emerges from bankruptcy that production will gradually resume. Workers will be eligible for supplemental unemployment benefits, worth about 80% of pay. Some additional plant closings are anticipated.
Chrysler already has a relatively low inventory as a result of previous cutbacks. The decision does not restrict Chrysler’s ability to reopen the plants if buyer demand warrants. Nonetheless, this is a severe blow to suppliers, who are also under pressure from GM’s announcement last week to take its plants down for 90 days.
“Even though total agreement was not possible, I am truly grateful for all that has been sacrificed, on the part of many of Chrysler’s stakeholders to reach an agreement in principle with Fiat,” said CEO and Chairman, Bob Nardelli. “My number one priority has been to preserve Chrysler and the thousands of people who depend on its success. While I am excited about the creation of the global alliance, I am personally disappointed that today Chrysler has filed for Chapter 11. This was not my first choice. “
Things didn’t work out so well for Nardelli, as TheDetroitBureau.com previously predicted, and even though he was singled out for praise by the Administration today. “Chrysler’s management, and in particular, its CEO, Robert Nardelli, have played a positive and constructive role throughout this process,” President Obama said. (more…)