"JohnH" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 12 Jul 2006 15:46:02 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:


I am getting a big kick out of the new advertisements for Dodge featuring
"Dr. Z" (who actually *is* Dieter Zetsche, the chairman of
DaimlerChrysler). I find them humorous and effective. Interesting that
the
new Charger has a Mercedes designed suspension. Dodge/Chrysler may become
world class cars in the future if this marriage holds up.

Eisboch



I think a lot of Europeans are concerned that a negative affect may be had
on Mercedes.


There's a lot of flack going on, mainly among advertising groups, that think
the whole campaign is stupid and may hurt Mercedes. Personally, I think
it's sour grapes and a bit of resentment that they didn't come up with
something as good. They also are going to introduce the "Smart" car in the
US, reportedly in 2007. And, just for fun, they are going to build a retro
version of the Dodge Challenger as a mid 2008 model.

The ads are very careful not to mention Mercedes and there are no direct
references to Mercedes. Also ... in Europe ... a Mercedes is not the
glamorous car that it is here in the US, except for some of the performance
AGM models like the E55 and the new E66. (They had to come out with
something to compete with the BMW M5 and M6, you know) :-)

We have a Dodge Sprinter RV, which is built by Mercedes, has a little 5
cylinder Mercedes diesel and gets over 20 mpg. It replaces the old Ram
1500, 2500 and 3500 van series and is based on a design that has been used
in Europe as a work/cargo van for many years. I am very impressed with it,
performance and quality-wise.

If Ford and Chevy don't watch out, DaimlerChrysler is going to eat their
lunch in the coming years.

Eisboch