Daimler-Chrysler: Merger of Equals or Global Fender Bender?

What prevented Daimler-Chrysler from achieving the promised synergies?
Daimler-Chrysler had two different people with two different management philosophies operating the same company. The fundamental differences in management, operational and decision making styles caused a significant discord between the Germans and the Americans. As with any merging of companies, there were going to be different corporate cultures, and in particular different national cultures, into the new corporation. The national culture of a company is an integral part of a company's overall corporate culture.
The co…