Merger will reshape automotive market

Fiat Chrysler merges with Peugeot

Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot finalized their 50-50 merger this week. The combined company expects to sell nearly 9 million vehicles every year, making it the world's 4th largest automaker by volume and 3rd largest by revenue.

Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot to Merge

If Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot complete their just-announced merger, the resulting firm will be the industry's fourth largest.

Read more about this merger here.

Big Three Automakers Online

Given the U.S. auto industry's hat-in-hand bailout requests, I thought I'd look at what they're saying on their web sites. GM wants to set the record straight and mobilize brand fans on its behalf. Ford is trumpeting its new direction. Chrysler isn't even addressing the current crisis.

Sorry, Chrysler, denial won't get you anywhere these days, even with gas prices way down from their summer peaks. IMHO, GM's approach is interesting for its involvement angle (whip up public support for yet another taxpayer-funded bailout?). To my non-industry eye, Ford's approach is a curious combo of spin and plan. What next?

clipped from www.gm.com Mobilize now Make Your Voice Heard From dealerships to diners, what happens in the automotive industry affects us all. Tell Congress the U.S. auto industry matters. » Mobilize now clipped from www.fordvehicles.com At Ford, we are headed in a new direction. After turning a profit this year in the first quarter and making significant progress on cost reductions, we were hit by a spike in gas prices, followed by the current credit crisis. But instead of focusing on our challenges, we’d like you to know how very far Ford has come and how we’re doing business differently. clipped from www.chrysler.com Chrysler LLC Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Minivan11/3/2008 Subjects: Design - Town & Country Source: Chrysler Media Services LLC