Hot on the heels of the Jim Press hiring, and in another move that will further shake up the auto industry, Chrysler LLC has just hired Phil Murtaugh. Phil who, you say?
Murtaugh is (was) the Executive Vice President of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC), and is considered an expert in the Chinese auto market. Prior to his stint with Shanghai, Murtaugh was an executive with GM. SAIC and GM are joint partners...
He will now be in charge of Chrysler's Asian operations.
The news of Murtaugh joining Chrysler will have much the same effect in China as will Press leaving Toyota for Chrysler. It's big news over there, and it's also a clear indicator of how serious Chrysler is about their future role in the Chinese auto market.
"We went fishing and got a couple of whoppers," Jason Vines, Chrysler vice president of communications told AutoObserver about the hiring of Press and then Murtaug
Here's AutoObserver's take: Another Shocker: Chrysler Steals Expert on China
Here's Inside Line's take: Another Shocker: Chrysler Steals China Expert
The news of Murtaugh joining Chrysler will have much the same effect in China as will Press leaving Toyota for Chrysler. It's big news over there, and it's also a clear indicator of how serious Chrysler is about their future role in the Chinese auto market.
"We went fishing and got a couple of whoppers," Jason Vines, Chrysler vice president of communications told AutoObserver about the hiring of Press and then Murtaug
Here's AutoObserver's take: Another Shocker: Chrysler Steals Expert on China
Here's Inside Line's take: Another Shocker: Chrysler Steals China Expert
ateixeira says:
07:22 AM, 09/ 7/07
Dodge Hornet, anyone? Perfect car for that market.
crowb says:
08:48 AM, 09/ 7/07
This could turn out like the Yankees or an olympic dream team. Lots of individual talent, but the personalities don't blend well into a team effort. Hopefully Chrysler isn't hiring on too many big egos. I'd love to see them get back on top.
Here's to hoping that they aren't doing all of this just to sell out to a Chinese firm.
redliner says:
10:08 AM, 09/ 7/07
Maybe chrysler is the next toyota...