http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Inv....aspx?gt1=33002
Bankruptcy is cruel. The man credited with saving Chrysler the first time around now must buy his once-free cars or give them back by Sunday.
Lee Iacocca, now 84, led a Chrysler turnaround in the 1980s that hinged on the federal guarantee of $1.5 billion in loans, guarantees won largely on the charismatic executive's persuasive appearances before Congress and masterful public-relations moves such as cutting his salary to $1 a year. He later became the public face of his company, pitching cars personally with the line, "If you can find a better car, buy it."
Iacocca retired a hero in 1992. Among his benefits: company cars for life.
Chrysler averted bankruptcy, repaid the loans seven years early and enjoyed a decade of prosperity before its merger with Daimler-Benz In 1998.
This time around, though, Chrysler couldn't dodge bankruptcy. Its plan for emerging from Chapter 11 would create a "new Chrysler" that's owned by unions, the U.S. and Canadian governments, and Italian automaker Fiat. The $2 billion sale of assets from old Chrysler to new Chrysler could be approved as soon as today.
But Iacocca and other former executives and board members won't see a return of this time-honored Detroit perk. And it's likely they won't see much of their pensions, either, which are unsecured claims that will be paid behind those of secured creditors.
For those interested, Iacocca's chosen rides were a Town & Country minivan and a 300C sedan.
Chrysler issued a statement that read in part: "We regret the need to take this action but it is important that the Company be in compliance with the requirements of bankruptcy law."
Bankruptcy is cruel. The man credited with saving Chrysler the first time around now must buy his once-free cars or give them back by Sunday.
Lee Iacocca, now 84, led a Chrysler turnaround in the 1980s that hinged on the federal guarantee of $1.5 billion in loans, guarantees won largely on the charismatic executive's persuasive appearances before Congress and masterful public-relations moves such as cutting his salary to $1 a year. He later became the public face of his company, pitching cars personally with the line, "If you can find a better car, buy it."
Iacocca retired a hero in 1992. Among his benefits: company cars for life.
Chrysler averted bankruptcy, repaid the loans seven years early and enjoyed a decade of prosperity before its merger with Daimler-Benz In 1998.
This time around, though, Chrysler couldn't dodge bankruptcy. Its plan for emerging from Chapter 11 would create a "new Chrysler" that's owned by unions, the U.S. and Canadian governments, and Italian automaker Fiat. The $2 billion sale of assets from old Chrysler to new Chrysler could be approved as soon as today.
But Iacocca and other former executives and board members won't see a return of this time-honored Detroit perk. And it's likely they won't see much of their pensions, either, which are unsecured claims that will be paid behind those of secured creditors.
For those interested, Iacocca's chosen rides were a Town & Country minivan and a 300C sedan.
Chrysler issued a statement that read in part: "We regret the need to take this action but it is important that the Company be in compliance with the requirements of bankruptcy law."