Michigan Governor Asks DCX To Stay
Governor Jennifer Granholm heads to Germany and Austria on Monday to persuade officials from seven international firms to invest in Michigan. Granholm’s four-day investment mission will also include a talk with DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche. The talk is intended to convince DaimlerChrysler to continue investing in Michigan.
Granholm said he hopes to close some deals while in Europe, but did not offer further details. “We are competing in a couple of these with tough competitors both domestically and internationally,” he said, adding that location decisions will be made soon.
Granholm also said it will emphasize the state’s skilled workforce and its proximity to customers, as well as high-tech research and development as Michigan’s strengths. In connection with his conversation with Zetsche and other DaimlerChrysler officials, Granholm has this to say: “We will tell them, ‘This is home. We want you to stay home.’
DaimlerChrysler was reportedly considering selling its Chrysler Group, which is comprised of the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands. However, James Epolito, head of Michigan Economic Development Corp., said: “It is pure speculation that if the company were sold to someone else, Michigan would be at risk.” Epolito will accompany the governor on the investment mission.
Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz in 1998 to form DaimlerChrysler AG. Initially, a peer-to-peer merger was considered, however, within a couple of years, it became clear that the controlling partner is actually Daimler-Benz. Chrysler is known for its Sebring Convertible, its PT Cruiser, and the Pacifica. Dodge, on the other hand, stands out for the Viper, Caliber, and Avenger. Jeep is famous for its Grand Cheerokee, Patriot, and Compass models. Some of these vehicles are equipped with Airaid air intakes and other quality auto parts.
Republicans called the Granholm mission “another press conference” that will keep it away from Michigan during critical negotiations over the state’s $ 900 million budget crisis. “I hope the governor has fun in Germany,” said Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis. “I bet every ad we hear at home is already a done deal.”