CHRYSLER SINKS UNDER WEIGHT OF INVENTORY; SALE LOOMS: Group loses $1.4B even as parent company expands into new segments, attracts younger buyers, spiffs up Mercedes.(DaimlerChrysler AG. Chrysler Group)

Advertising Age, April, 2007 by Henry, Jim

Byline: JIM HENRY

Daimlerchrysler is succeeding at critical marketing challenges-launching models in new segments, attracting younger customers to Dodge and Jeep, and buffing up the Mercedes brand.

However, one grave problem afflicts the automaker: Chrysler Group.

Chrysler Group built more cars and trucks than the market would bear last year. The misstep helped cast uncertainty on the future of marketer and was a prime factor as Advertising Age's panel of experts slapped DaimlerChrysler with an overall grade of C for 2006.

Not even the return of "Employee Pricing for Everyone'' last summer and the appearance of top DaimlerChrysler executive Dieter Zetsche as Chrysler pitchman could move vehicles quickly enough and keep Chrysler Group...

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