Chrysler in Unit Sale Talks with Magna: Report

[Dragon]

http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servle...y/Business/home

PARIS and DETROIT — Struggling U.S. automaker Chrysler is in talks to sell assets to Renault-Nissan and parts supplier Magna, sources with knowledge of the discussions have told Reuters, though the French automaker on Wednesday denied such talks were under way.

The third-largest U.S. automaker is under pressure to restructure after accepting $4-billion (U.S.) in U.S. government loans as slowing economies and tight financing shrink global demand for vehicles.

Renault and Japan's Nissan, in which the French firm owns a 44-per cent controlling stake, had some contact with Chrysler about a sale of all or parts of the U.S. automaker before the U.S. government stepped in to bail out Chrysler and General Motors Corp in December.

Talks gathered momentum in recent weeks and have included discussions about a deal to sell Chrysler's iconic Jeep brand, three people with knowledge of the talks told Reuters.

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Chrysler announced an alliance with Nissan last April and has had a long relationship with Magna. It bought automaker AMC including the Jeep brand from Renault in 1987.

Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of Renault and Nissan, has been looking to clarify whether a deal to acquire assets from Chrysler would jeopardize the company's access to U.S. government funding, one of those familiar with the talks said.

Chrysler has discussed selling an assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, to Canadian auto supplier Magna in exchange for long-term production contracts, according to the three sources.

Magna was one of the bidders for Chrysler when it was sold by former owner Daimler AG in 2007.

In a separate deal, Chrysler has been in talks with a pair of Chinese automakers, Chery Automobile and Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group Co, to sell them the PT Cruiser brand and tooling, according to the three sources.

Representatives of Chrysler, Cerberus, Magna, and Nissan declined to comment.

A spokeswoman for Renault denied talks were under way.

“Renault denies it is holding any talks with Chrysler,” said Renault's Frederique Le Greves.

The company also denied a report in the Le Figaro newspaper which said Renault wanted to raise around €3-billion ($3.99-billion) by issuing convertible bonds.

Mr. Ghosn has repeatedly said he would not consider a deal that would involve spending cash in an uncertain market.

Chrysler Chief Executive Bob Nardelli said this week that he was not preparing the struggling automaker for sale.

Chrysler's U.S. sales dropped 30 per cent last year and it burned through more than $9-billion in the last six months of the year to end 2008 with around $2-billion in cash.

Like its peers, Renault is grappling with falling demand and has been hurt by weakened currencies.

The company announced on Wednesday that it might cut 4,000 jobs at Romanian unit Dacia.

Renault's unit sales fell by 4.2 per cent in 2008 and ratings agency Moody's Investors Service on Tuesday placed Renault ratings under review for possible downgrade.

“The review reflects the more severe decline of Renault's key automotive markets than previously anticipated by magnitude as well as by pace,” said Falk Frey, Moody's senior vice president and the lead European automotive sector analyst at Moody's.

Renault shares were down 3.41 per cent versus a Paris index off 1.03 per cent as of 0959 GMT.

Nissan shares closed up 3.5 per cent at 325 yen after the news, off a day high of 333 yen.

Unlisted Chrysler, the third largest U.S. automaker, is owned by Cerberus Capital Management.

[97regalGS]

some additional thoughts, which include where GM might fit in the picture.

http://www.christonium.com/automotive/ItemID=12319465221657

Edited January 14, 2009 by 97regalGS

[G. David Felt]

This all totally makes sense based on the link that 97 just posted. I would have to agree that this needs to be done. Best interest for everyone.

[Cremazie]

Well, I would love to see the 300 and the chrysler van in the GM stable.

[Intrepidation]

Here we go again.

[MyerShift]

Same old same old.

[Intrepidation]

Lasoarda says Chrysler not looking to sell brands

[CMG]

Hahaha

Too funny.

[BrewSwillis]

Heard a quote today on the radio from some exec from Chrysler, and he thinks it's comical to hear all of these stories about his company. He thinks the media is getting desperate because they don't get much official news out of Chrysler.