Don't forget that Chrysler's well-established dealership network was seen by DB as a siginificant inducement to the merger. I always found that interesting, as I never could fathom an S500 in the same showroom as a PT Cruiser. Perhaps the smart move for MB would have been to establish a "bridge" make, upmarket from Chrysler, downmarket from Mercedes, with (heavily-touted) German engineering, and market it in Chrysler showrooms. The salesmen could seduce customers with "It's made by Mercedes", and garner some sales, while the three-pointed star remains unsullied by any direct connection with the Chrysler nameplate.