Chrysler Head Feeling the Heat to Turnaround the Troubled Automaker

Washington DC November 10, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that Tom LaSorda, head of DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group, is coming under increasing pressure to turn around the U.S. unit quickly, according to people familiar with the matter, reports The Wall Street Journal.

For the past couple months, LaSorda has been attempting to increase sales and cut costs in hopes of preventing another loss in the fourth quarter.

LaSorda has reportedly told his management team at Chrysler's Auburn Hills headquarters that his job and theirs are at stake in Chrysler's turnaround.

Dieter Zetsche is expected to outline at least the beginnings of a turnaround plan for Chrysler at a board meeting in December. It is said a team of Mercedes execs are helping LaSorda identify ways to streamline Chrysler's operations.