Bob Nardelli responds to GM “strategic acquisition” statement

Bob Nardelli signed the following statement to Chrysler employees:

Today GM released their third quarter results which included the following statement, I wanted to share with you:

“In addition, we have recently explored the possibility of a strategic acquisition that we believed would generate significant cost reduction synergies and substantially strengthen our financial position in the medium and long term, while being neutral or modestly positive to cash flow even in the near term. While the acquisition could potentially have provided significant benefits, we have concluded that it is more important at the present time to focus on our immediate liquidity challenges, and, accordingly, we have set aside consideration of such a transaction as a near-term priority. We frequently discuss matters of mutual interest with other auto manufacturers and, as a matter of policy, we generally do not comment on these private discussions, which in many cases, do not lead anywhere.”

As we have previously stated, Chrysler LLC neither confirms nor discloses the nature of its private business meetings, as many times they do not come to fruition.

Returning Chrysler to profitability continues to be the key focus of the management team. We are significantly challenged by today’s economic environment and by the automotive industry’s unprecedented downturn. As an independent Company, we will continue to explore multiple strategic alliances or partnerships as we investigate growth opportunities around the world that would aid in our return to profitability.

As we’ve shared, we appreciated the opportunity to meet with Speaker Pelosi and her leadership team, as well as with Senate Majority Leader Reid to discuss the challenges facing the industry. We are encouraged by their understanding of the importance of the automotive industry to the economy and we look forward to working with them on these issues. We would also like to acknowledge that UAW President Ron Gettelfinger was present at these meetings and added his support.