How would you like to see a Nissan Sentra in a Chrysler dealership’s showroom? Does it sound radical? It could happen because the talks also include possible links between dealerships of the two auto makers.
Ward Auto reports that Chrysler dealership executives say they've been asked how Nissan and its luxury brand Infiniti could possibly be blended with Chrysler and its brands.
The talk is that the two companies would mutally used auto stores, parts, and finance and insurance departments.
Nissan and Chrysler are already in talks to develop new cars. Chrysler, for example, is looking for help from Nissan-Renault for small car sourcing while Nissan wants Dodge to supply them help with full size trucks and SUVs.
Cerberus, owner of Chrysler, also apparently has a personal stake in this. It is said that they want to use a partnership with Nissan-Renault as leverage to create a larger financing service serving a larger number of dealers.
Our take? While we admit both automakers selling each other's vehicles on the same lot is thinking outside the box, we don't see it ever becoming a reality. The logistics in navigating not only both companies varied departments (e.g., finance, parts, etc.) would not only be a nightmare, but would be compounded by each states' laws regarding dealership partnerships. Also, Chrysler has just came out of a partnership; we don't see it in the mood to experience such a trajedy again.