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posted on July 3rd, 2009 at 09:01 AM
Karmann filing for bankruptcy
in todays herald sun cars guide.
"It made the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia one of the most sought-after cars of its day.
But now the world's most famous convertible specialists, Karmann, has filed for bankruptcy.
However, its cash woes are not expected to impact the luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, which had deals with the company for the supply of
convertible roofs for a range of their cars.
Karmann built its last car, a CLK convertible for Mercedes-Benz, last week.
Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman, David McCarthy, says the company's contract with Karmann ended when production of the CLK convertible end.
"I haven't heard whether the next-generation E-Class cabrio will be in-house," he says.
"I suspect Mercedes will have taken steps to ensure production though."
The Stuttgart-based carmaker has some time to find a new supplier as E-cabrio production does not start until next year.
Karmann also supplied roofs for the Mini Cooper Cabrio and BMW 1 Series convertible but BMW Australia spokesman, Toni Andreevski, says he does not
think supply will be affected by the Karmann decision.
Apart from supplying roofs for the Mini and 1 Series, Karmann also assembled and supplied convertible roofs for the Spyker C8 convertible, Pontiac G8
convertible, Volkswagen Beetle convertible, Renault Megane convertible, soft-top Chrysler Crossfire Roadster and Audi A4 cabrio.
After restructuring its German operations, Karmman will concentrate on building car components.
Made famous for building the VW Karmann Ghia, the company is being forced to restructure against the backdrop of the global car industry slump.
"We could no longer avoid shutting down the vehicle assembly line because auto manufacturers strategies have changed," the company's administrator,
Ottmar Hermann, told German media last week.
The Karmann Ghia used the durable VW Beetle's mechanicals with a body styled by the Ghia studio in Italy.
The result was an enduring two-door body available in both coupe and cabriolet models.
The specialist company has made more than 3.3 million convertibles since 1949.
More than 2000 people work for the firm in Germany, based in Osnabrueck, and the company has about 8000 employees globally.
Relations between German management and unions have soured in recent months.
A row broke out between management and unions over why the company collapsed and how some of its worker pay and entitlements would be paid out.
However, Karmann's North American division, based in Detroit, will continue to provide convertible roofs for Ford, Chrysler, General Motors and
Volkswagen.
Karmann USA says the restructuring of the German operations and closure of its assembly line in Germany will not have a big impact on the company's
North American operations.
see.... air and water do mix
1974 1300
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GeorgeL
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posted on July 3rd, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Bankruptcy doesn't mean the company is going away. These days it's just a tool that big companies use to cancel their labor agreements.
