Auto Newcomer Will Head Chrysler-Fiat

Post-bankruptcy, Chrysler head Robert Nardelli will cede his position to former Duracell chief C. Robert Kidder. Kidder will run the new Chrysler-Fiat alliance being hashed out in court, the Detroit News reports. Kidder is currently lead director on the board of Morgan Stanley—one of Chrysler’s creditors—and his auto-industry experience is limited to a one-time consultancy.

“Bob will provide the leadership and strategic counsel that will help to create a strong global competitor moving forward,” Nardelli said of the appointment. “I am confident that Chrysler will emerge from Chapter 11 a lean and powerful competitor,” adds Kidder, saying Chrysler is “poised to launch an exciting new era.” (More Chrysler stories.)