On Monday, Feb. 15, DaimlerChrysler announced its target to decide on the acquisition of major stake in Nissan within the next 3 months. Juergen Schrempp, co.chairman of DaimlerChrysler told the press, that the Nissan deal would help DaimlerChrysler to become a truly global company with strong positions in Europe, the U.S. and Japan.

Nissan is the number 5 car maker in the world and known for its large net debts of about $ 2.4 billion. Beside DaimlerChrysler it is unofficially said, that Renault has opened talks in Asia, including Nissan. Whether there are already official talks between Nissan and Renault could not yet been proved.

Juergen Schrempp, co-chairman of DaimlerChrysler

February 2, 1999 -- PSA Peugeot Citroën’s consolidated net sales rose by 11.2% to EUR 33,758 million (FF 221,439 million) in the year ended December 31, 1998. In 1997, pro forma consolidated net sales totaled EUR 30,345 million (FF 199,051 million), adjusted for Ecia’s January 1998 acquisition of Bertrand Faure, the full consolidation of the finance companies and the year-end 1997 changes in accounting methods.

Peugeot´s 206 was the big winner in 1998; 112,000 units were sold

In the 50 years since it has launched and sold some of the most famous products in U.S. business history, including Mustang, Thunderbird, F-Series truck, Taurus, Falcon, Explorer and Expedition sport utility vehicles, and Escort. In its history, the division has sold 72 million cars and 45 million trucks, for a total 117 million vehicle.

Ford Divison PresidentJim O´Connor with a 49 Ford giving the celebration speech

    The anniversary cake

The division set an all-time record in 1998, selling 3.3 million cars and trucks and outselling its nearest competitor by nearly 900,000 cars and trucks. That marked the fifth year in row vehicle sales topped the 3 million mark. Ford Division has been the top car sales division for the past seven years and the top selling truck brand for the past 13 years. Ranger, Taurus, F-Series and Explorer all rank in the top 10-best selling vehicles in America. Ford Division ranks first in customer loyalty, according to data provided by the independent R.L. Polk Company. The division is attracting new customers as well, and is No. 1 in sales to women, African Americans and the growing Hispanic market.

It all started in 1949 with Ford and the U.S. economy rebounding from World War II. The new 1949 Ford car was a sensation, with 1.3 million orders on hand before the car went on sale at dealerships. The division was off and running, selling more than a million units in 1949, topping 2 million in sales for the first time in 1964 and hitting the 3 million mark in 1994.