Chrysler Comeback Imminent?

Chrysler has a history of coming back from the dead. The 1981 K cars saved the company and lasted in production until the early 90s. In 1984, Chrysler launched the minivan and the rest is history. Everything from the Viper to cab-forward design came from Chrysler, an automaker known to think outside the box. Evidently, this wasn't enough to save it from near extinction - several times. Since filing for bankruptcy last year, many thought Chrysler was finished completely this time.

There was even talk of a GM-Chrysler merger. Strange as it sounded, at the time it may have been the only way to save the automaker. American market for some time. Problem was that they didn't have the proper infrastructure and money to handle such a venture. Just when things couldn't look much bleaker, along comes Fiat. Already well known outside the US, Fiat has been trying to get back into the What Fiat really needed was a joint venture with an American automaker. Could the timing have been better? When Fiat initially showed interest in taking a share of Chrysler, the US government appeared to be all for it.

President Obama himself stated that the future of Chrysler lay with Fiat. With the proper US government loans in place, things quickly got moving. Now there is something to show for it. According to recent reports, Chrysler US sales are up 33% this quarter. That's right. This should get rid of any doubt of the automakers viability post-bankruptcy. Does this mean that Chrysler is officially saved? Not yet, but it is a promising sign. Even Ford, GM, and Toyota are posting stronger numbers in recent weeks. This is good in that America may finally be emerging from the Great Recession and are out their buying new cars.