Cerberus Capital Management's efforts to turn the ailing Chrysler group around have hit another snag. Following decisions to pare down their lineup and turn off the lights for two weeks, now one of their key product developers is leaving his position after just two months on the job.
Mike Donoughe, an engineer, had worked on various front and rear-drive designs for DaimlerChrysler (including the RAM 1500 pickup) as well as serving as the director of Mercedes passenger car development for two years. Recently appointed to head Project D, a group tasked with developing a new global mid-size platform, he resigned his position after reported arguments with senior management. Chrysler quickly moved to replace Donoughe with another engineer in order to keep the development program on track.
Chrysler has said that their global mid-size platform will be a major component of the company's resurgence, so any disconnect between management and the engineers is worrying. And considering Project D is designing replacements for the underwhelming Sebring and Avenger sedans, they really can't afford to mess this one up.
Source: Automotive News (Registration Required)