CHRYSLER SHIFTS GEARS

摘要

Pity the poor chrysler execs at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month. They traveled to Germany to show off their steroidal new 300C Hemi luxury sedan and wagon. But the press wanted to talk only about Chrysler's fall from the Big Three after being overtaken by Toyota in August. With microphones shoved in their faces, the Chrysler brass tried to beat back rumors of layoffs, salary cuts and even speculation about the company's demise. "Nobody ever claimed this would be an easy road," a weary Chrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche told NEWSWEEK during a brief break from the frenzy. At that very moment, back stateside, Toyota execs basked in a two-day lovefest with their dealers at a convention center in Philadelphia. Former president George H.W. Bush was on hand to congratulate them. Ruben and Clay, the "American Idol" duo, serenaded the crowd, too. And for the grand finale, Elton John gave a private concert of his greatest hits. A crowd favorite: "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me."