Report specific financial results for its Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz auto operations. Announce a decision soon on the possible acquisition of the Nissan Diesel heavy-truck business. Begin work on merging operations of Chrysler Financial Services and the German-based Debis financial arm. DaimlerChrysler's 18-member board of management will meet this weekend to discuss the company's mission statement, and the top 250 executives will convene Dec. 10 in Spain for strategy sessions. Keep focused on operations despite the merger hoopla.
Most mergers fail because both sides forgot they had a business plan.
Schrempp and Eaton arrived early Tuesday in New York after a ceremony and dinner at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. A festive atmosphere reigned outside the exchange on Broad Street, where DaimlerChrysler products were displayed on the cordoned-off street. A yellow 1999 Plymouth Prowler was parked near a Eurocopter helicopter and a massive diesel yacht engine. NYSE officials said many CEOs and celebrities are invited to ring the opening bell at the exchange, but the DaimlerChrysler event was among its most elaborate. The key is visibility.