“Hypernova” (#1233)

Synopsis

Experts in Astronomy have studied collapsing stars for years. The phenomenon of Hypernovas is very rare but extremely destructive since they morph themselves into light-swallowing black holes.

Meanwhile, experts in the automotive industry have been watching their own collapsing star, or more appropriately, collapsing Pentastar in Chrysler. Some analysts believe that the venture capitalists at Cerberus bit off more than they could chew when the firm purchased the troubled automaker last August. Now faced with a depressed truck market and a four-cylinder lineup that just isn't selling the way it should be in our $4-a-gallon gas world, some fear that Chrysler will implode like a Hypernova with its brands and pieces swallowed by other industry giants.

That is not a fear of Tom LaSorda. Chrysler's Vice Chairman and President insists that Cerberus is committed to the company and believes it can be profitable thanks to a future portfolio of energy-efficient vehicles built not just by Chrysler but an international alliance of partners as well. Of course that's easier said than done. To get to that point, the company must slog through the next couple years of retrenchment like every other manufacturer. Hear how he believes Chrysler will circumvent this crisis as he joins John McElroy for an exclusive one-on-one interview from the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Michigan.

So if you're looking for the automotive stars to stay aligned, just follow the light from this week's all new episode of Autoline.