International Automaker Still Struggles
International Automaker Still Struggles Five Years into Big Merger: A News Article Analysis Ricki L. Cox International Management November 10, 2003 When Daimler-Benz and Chrysler merged in 1998, both companies hoped to take advantage of the other’s strengths to stave off fierce international competition. Since that time, the Chrysler portion of DaimlerChrysler has become the company’s most troubled division. Chrysler earned $171 million in the third quarter of this year after losing $1.1 billion in the second quarter. The Mercedes line and the company’s commercial vehicles are the only divisions keeping DaimlerChrysler profitable at this point. The initial potential of the merger was recognized by both companies as well as investors.