It was supposed to be a "merger of equals", but has turned out to be just another disastrous car-industry takeover. Since Daimler-Benz swallowed Chrysler in 1998, it has brought the struggling American carmaker to the verge of recovery three times, only to see the patient repeatedly relapse. This time the high price of petrol and raw materials turned the market against the big sport-utility vehicles, minivans and saloons around which Chrysler had built its latest plans for recovery. Although Chrysler had dramatically improved its designs and production lines, it failed to predict the fashions of the forecourt. Now Daimler, chafing at Chrysler's mounting losses and slumping market share, is contemplating divorce.
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