| Reports say Former Chrysler executive Wolfgang | | | | Automobile Workers union, to support the acquisition. |
| Bernhard is set to become the chairman of the new | | | | Mr. Bernhard has had an office at Chrysler, but |
| Chrysler, once Cerberus Capital Management finalizes | | | | executives there claim that he has not been present |
| its acquisition of the automaker from DaimlerChrysler. | | | | on a regular basis. |
| Reports also say Thomas W. LaSorda is still Chrysler's | | | | In his first task at Chrysler, Mr. Bernhard became an |
| chief executive, his position since the beginning of | | | | endorser of lean manufacturing as well as powerful |
| 2006. But Cerberus spokesman Peter Duda said the | | | | automobiles. Specifically, he pushed Chrysler to |
| company has no such plans as of the moment for Mr. | | | | develop the 300C, a gallant sedan that borrowed |
| Bernhard or Mr. LaSorda. | | | | foundations from Mercedes. |
| Cerberus officials, including John W. Snow, its chairman, | | | | But he may be best known in automotive circles for |
| have expressed their support to Mr. LaSorda, son and | | | | blasting on stage at the 2003 Detroit auto show |
| grandson of Canadian labor officials. | | | | astride a thundering, gleaming silver concept |
| As early as next week, Chrysler is anticipated to | | | | motorcycle, which is powered by the same V-10 |
| name the members of two boards: one for the car | | | | engine that is used on the Dodge Viper. |
| company; another for a holding company that is aimed | | | | In the spring of 2004, Mr. Bernhard bid farewell to |
| to be formed when the acquisition is completed. | | | | Chrysler to be the head of Mercedes-Benz, but he |
| Manager magazine of Germany first reported Mr. | | | | had a dispute with DaimlerChrysler executives who |
| Bernhard's momentary "coming back" to Chrysler. | | | | believed his efforts to reduce costs were too hostile. |
| It is not anymore a surprise that the ex-Chrysler | | | | In 2005, Mr. Bernhard became chairman of the |
| executive is returning. This is because he acted as an | | | | Volkswagen brand, but left as part of a restructuring |
| adviser to Cerberus in the talks between the | | | | move earlier this year. |
| private-equity firm and Daimler. | | | | His return to Chrysler comes along with Cerberus's |
| Recognized for his manufacturing wit and | | | | banks not being unable to raise the money needed for |
| determinative management approach, Mr. Bernhard | | | | the acquisition of the Chrysler Group. Nevertheless, |
| served as chief operating officer at Chrysler beginning | | | | officials at the car maker's parent company said on |
| 2000 to 2004. He acted as the next in rank to | | | | Wednesday the deal is still on. |
| executive Dieter Zetsche, then Chrysler's chief | | | | Eagle was a brand of the Chrysler Corporation |
| executive, who now works at Daimler. | | | | following the purchase of American Motors |
| The involvement of Mr. Bernhard in the Cerberus | | | | Corporation (AMC). The brand is best known for its |
| negotiations is thought to have made an impact in | | | | Talon sports car and Eagle catalytic converter. |
| convincing Ron Gettelfinger, the president of the United | | | | |