Make Ups To Break Ups: Rating Chrysler's Past Partnerships

See how Chrysler's partnership's fared to see what fate Renault SA-Nissan Motor Co may now have as a partner.

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Today, Diamler-Benz, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz announced a partnership with French/Japanese auto group Renault SA-Nissan Motor Co to produce small, lightweight energy efficient cars. Awesome, right? We think so. All three of those companies produce industry leading cars in terms of design and engineering. It's cause for celebration.

But Diamler-Benz just couldn't let the day go by without taking shots at their old partner Chrysler. In an interview with USA Today they wrote off their almost decade long partnership as basically a learning experience, saying they're better off today than they were then. We understand why they're still a little mad, but they're not the only ones who've had less than stellar dealing with the Pentastar. Read below to see how Chrysler's other partnership's fared...

peugeot_logo_2010

Brand: Peugeot
Year: 1978
What Went Down: As the '50s wrapped up Chrysler found itself with buckets of cash and desire push its product overseas. To do so, they formed Chrysler Europe by purchasing majority stakes in three now defunct companies: the Rootes group of Britain, Simca of France and Barreiros of Spain. Though the cars made during this time weren't necessarily bad, the pairing didn't work out and Chrysler Europe fell apart. To save face (and some dough) they unloaded Rootes and Simca to Peugeot.
Success/Failure?: Failure

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eclipse

Brand: Mitsubishi
Year: 1970
What Went Down: Mitsubishi was looking to expand into America and Chrysler was looking for a way to make good on their new 15% stake in the Japanese auto maker. Through the partnership, Chrysler was importing up to 110,000 Mitsubishi's as Chryslers. Eventually Mistubishi wanted a larger cut of the profits so the two established Diamond-Star Motors which have both brands sold at dealerships. The first of these cars were the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Plymouth Laser and Eagle Talon, which is you remember correctly, were all the same damn car.
Success/Failure?: The cars weren't that reliable, but eff it, we'll give it to 'em. Success.

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chryslercrossfire

Brand: Diamler-Benz
Year: 1998
What Went Down: Insisting that their merger would be one of "equals" Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler-Benz purchased the struggling Chrysler and immediately regretted their purchase. Models—like the new Caravan and PT Cruiser—weren't properly handled, the Plymouth brand was sold off. The only positives that came out of the partnership were the slept on Mercedes based Chrysler Crossfire and the Chrysler 300 which was born out of a call to return the luxury brand to rear wheel drive cars.
Success/Failure?: Success

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tataacetruck

Brand: Tata
Year: 2002
What Went Down: Chrysler teamed up with the growing Indian brand to build and sell the Tata Ace mini work truck. But the real profitable partnership came in 2008 when the two came together for... computer services. Chrysler, presumably looking to save a couple coins, decided to outsource all its IT work to Tata Consultancy in India. And we gave them our tax money for a bailout because...
Success/Failure?: Outsourcing is a failure in our book.

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chryslerlanciac

Brand: Fiat
Year: 2009
What Went Down: During the financial meltdown of 2008, Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli admitted that the only way Chrysler was going to make it was by partnering with another automaker. There were rumors of them merging with GM, but those fell through. After filing for bankruptcy, a deal with Italian auto group Fiat was reached with them getting an initial 20% stake in the company. The good news is Fiat will be sending over some of their models as Chryslers in the oncoming years. Dope ones, too, like the Fiat 500. And... not so dope ones like Chrysler badged and grilled Lancia's.
Success/Failure?: Too early to tell, but if they bring the Fiat 500 over here, it'll be a success.

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