DCX DeniesVW's Bernhard Will Re-Join Company

Washington DC August 10, 2005; The AIADA newsletter reported that DaimlerChrysler AG is denying German media reports that former Chrysler Group COO Wolfgang Bernhard would return to the company as head of Mercedes-Benz, replacing outgoing Eckard Cordes, who tendered his resignation shortly after Dieter Zetsche was named the new chief of the auto firm, reports The Detroit Free Press.

Bernhard currently serves as CEO of Volkswagen brand, a company working to turnaround global sales with enhanced product offerings. In 2003, DCX named Bernhard head of Mercedes Car Group, but fired him before he was able to begin his duties. According to Freep, Bernhard’s “drastic plan to fix Mercedes ruffled feathers at DaimlerChrysler and its unions, and he was one of several top executives who opposed former chief executive officer Juergen Schrempp’s strategy for DaimlerChrysler.”