Strike 1 – Assembly Line Closures & Job Cuts

Today, Chrysler announced they would cut 5,000 salary and contract labor positions amidst talks of the General Motors takeover. Job loses will include 1,825 assembly line workers at Chrysler’s Newark, Del. plant and their Jeep line in Toledo, OH. These cuts will be followed by possible future plant closures. The cuts will take effect as of December 31st of this year.

Strike 2 – Nose-diving Sales & Production Cuts

Chrysler has suffered a huge nose dive in sales thanks to everything from poor band designs, to a struggling financial situation in our country, to the roller coaster effect on gas prices. Hybrid technology vehicles are being put on hold, while larger trucks and SUV’s like the Durango will be slashed in the near future. Chrysler plans to come back into the hybrid game by 2010, though by then GM may have most of their similar models put to a stop.

Sssssstttttttrrrrrrrike 3, You’re Out! – Hostile Takeover & Merging Models

Yes, it is still a rumor, but GM and Chevrolet have apparently spilled some of the beans about their merger plans, which would include GM keeping Jeep brands and Chrysler’s minivan line, while completely getting rid of any similar Chevy/Dodge models (ie: the new Dodge Charger could be lost and replaced with more Camaro productions). In fact, Dodge may become a product of the past, if GM has their way. In all, it looks pretty bad for Chrysler, but much like the World Series finalists Rays, it’s not over until the last fly ball is caught.