Chrysler heir proposes to buy Chrysler, Dodge brands from Stellantis

Frank B. Rhodes, Jr. the great-grandson of Walter P. Chrysler, has sent a proposal to Stellantis, N.V., and its CEO, Carlos Tavares and announced his desire to acquire the Chrysler/Dodge brands, it was announced earlier. Rhodes said, “I believe that my plan would allow Stellantis a graceful exit from a brand that in my opinion it has no interest in keeping, and has been steadily killing off its brands. I would like to see jobs saved, and increased, and the Iconic Brands reinvigorated, and to see a true proud American ownership, that retains this American Icon where it belongs and not in the control of people who do not understand our strong feelings about continuing the 100-year legacy of true American auto pioneer Brands. I asked Mr. Tavares to schedule a confidential discussion to outline my plan, and I am certain that it would be of interest to all parties especially to the long-time terminated employees, the creative and marketing staff and loyal Brand owners who have been anxious to see this historical iconic brand brought back to life as part of Chrysler’s 2025 rebirth, a plan I am calling the ‘CHRYSLER 2025 COMEBACK’ creating new high paying Union jobs with exciting automobile concepts that never materialized under that much touted UNLEASHING of the Brand’s potential under the direction of Ms. Feuell, as Brand CEO.” In a statement in response, Stellantis acknowledged the interest in its North American brands and reaffirmed “the company’s commitment to its entire portfolio of 14 powerful, iconic brands, which were each given a 10-year timeframe to build a profitable and sustainable business,” adding that the company is “not pursuing splitting off any of its brands.”