Leading position in growing and relatively recession-resistant global luxury vehicle industry; Leading position in global commercial vehicle industry; Broad product and geographic diversity in the automotive industry; and Above-average financial flexibility. Ongoing competitive pressures in the U.S. mass light vehicle market challenge Chrysler to achieve and sustain satisfactory profitability; Need to realize value from the numerous strategic alliances forged in recent years; and Leveraged capital structure, taking account of burdensome benefits obligations. The ratings on Germany-based DaimlerChrysler AG reflect the company's position as a leading producer of luxury passenger cars and commercial vehicles, and its moderate financial policy. The ratings also reflect the severe challenges the company faces to bolster the competitiveness of Chrysler Group, its U.S operations, in light
