Zetsche consolidates his power at D/C; Incoming chairman takes over Cordes' role at Mercedes.

Automotive News Europe,  August, 2005  by Meiners, Jens

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Byline: Jens Meiners

Dieter Zetsche, DaimlerChrysler's incoming chairman, ends the company's leadership troubles by taking over the Mercedes Car Group on September 1.

The move will give Zetsche a free hand to shape D/C in his image.

When current chairman Jurgen Schrempp steps down January 1, Zetsche will hold more power than any head of the company since Daimler-Benz Chairman Edzard Reuter.

As chairman, Reuter was also head of Mercedes. But in 1989 Reuter spun off Mercedes as a separate unit, giving it independence within Daimler-Benz.

Company insiders expect ...

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