Was thinking about 'DaimlerChrysler' the multinational conglomerate versus Old Daimler-Benz or other car companies.
Mercedes is what it is because of the great cars they used to have prior to the '90s. I see many people (now older folk
) cruising around in pristine 190Es, obviously owned since new/nearly new, for whom the car has been wonderful. When they come to replace it, they'll be endeared to MB and will probably blow their pensions on a new C-class, which will likely be anything but wonderful. And I don't think Mercedes deserve their money to be completely honest. I hate to think the hard work of the engineers 20+ years ago would be reaped by shareholders and board members of the new mega-company.
In some ways that is why I like BMW. They are 51% family owned (the quantas family IIRC?), and so they can make decisions based on the future of the company, rather than just looking for a short time share price rise, a sell and a quick profit. The result may be bizarre cars like the new 7 and 5 series, but be glad for that, rather than more identical cars from X, Y, and Z world corporations. And I suspect BMW may be in a better position than Mercedes in 20 years
I believe Porsche are somewhat the same in how they are owned/run?
Russ