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Presents an excerpt from the book "Taken for a Ride: How Daimler-Benz Drove Off With Chrysler," by Bill Vlasic and Bradley A. Stertz.

Discusses the merger between Chrysler Corp. and Daimler Benz, which will be called Daimler-Chrysler AG. How the merger changes the landscape of the global automoible industry; How by combining forces, Daimler and Chrysler bring a range of hot-selling models and formidable financial clout under one roof; How the timing of the merger is a sign of the emergence of a new category of global carmaker at a critical moment in the industry.

Reports on the increased used of so-called nostalgia advertising and products being released in the late 1990s. Volkswagen's manufacturing of a modern version of the Beetle; Reasons why people want reminders of life in the 1950s and 1960s; How reinterpretations of products has proved popular for people of all ages; Success of the cable channel Nick at Nite which airs classic television series; The technology being used in advertising.

Presents an overview of Amway Corp. How the sons of the company's founders took over in the late 1990s; The friendship between the two co-chief executive officers Steve Van Andel and Richard M. DeVos; Religious themes which dominate the company; Amway's reputation for controversy; Its involvement in politics; Reasons why employees and distributors do not make a large salary.

Discusses the popularity of car racing in the United States and Europe and plans of some of the sports entrepreneurs to take it to new heights. O. Bruton Smith, William C. France Jr., and Roger Penske consolidation binge that's turning American racing on its ear; Bernard Ecclestone plans for European Grand Prix racing; Differences in United States and European racing; Different racing classes; Future for the sport. INSET: A GAMBLE AS BIG AS TEXAS.

Discusses Republic Industries Inc. owner H. Wayne Huizenga's entry to the automobile market by buying a dealership from Ford Motor Co. in the United States. Reaction of Robert L. Rewey, Ford's top sales executive, when Huizenga first approached him for the franchise; Huizenga's partnership with Steven R. Berrard in AutoNation USA; Acquisitions made by Republic Industries; Huizenga's business experiences. INSET: Republic's buying spree.

Focuses on the business success being enjoyed by Chrysler Corp. in 1996. Industry ranking; Anticipated revenues for the year; Success of the company's new model launches; Company history. INSETS: CHRYSLER'S HIGH-PERFORMANCE TEAM;LEADING THE PACK.

Reports on trends and developments pertaining the automobile selling as influenced by consumer behavior in the United States. Selling strategies by automobile companies using Internet buying services, auto brokers, warehouse clubs, auto malls, and used car superstores; Decline in dealerships; Market and economic indicators. INSETS: High technology, low aggravation, by Jeff Hoffman;Info highway to heaven, by Lori Bongiorno;Buying used--without feeling used, by Nicole Harris;Sport utilities? Aisle 13, by Linda Himelstein

Highlights the fight between Robert Eaton, chairman of Chrysler Corp., and Las Vegas, Nevada, billionaire, Kirk Kerkorian. Financial performance of the company under Eaton; Quashing of Kerkorian's takeover bid.

Discusses the safety attributes of automobiles, light trucks, and sport utility vehicles in the United States. Concerns on the damage caused to passenger cars when involved in an accident with a larger vehicle; Efforts of automakers to increase the safety of cars through the use of air bags and other safety innovations; Crashworthiness of some cars; Comments of officials from the Center for Auto safety, and the US National Highway & Transportation Safety Administration; Traffic fatalities in the 1990s.

Reports on the rising fortunes of German auto makers BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the United States luxury car market. Their improving fortunes against Japanese manufacturers Lexus and Acura; Michael Jackson, president of Mercedes-Benz North America; How the Germans managed to improve slumping sales.

The article presents information on investments made by Chrysler Corp. and General Motors Corp. to build factories and to establish offices in Detroit, Michigan that may result in the economic revival of the city. Construction of a $900 million factory for Chrysler on 107 industrial acres on Detroit's dilapidated East Side is in progress. General Motors is moving its headquarters to the riverfront Renaissance Center. A branch of the Ford family has put up $70 million along with $40 million from Ford Motor Co. to build a downtown football stadium for the Lions.

Reports on the strike of automobile industry workers in Canada against General Motors Corp. (GM). Spillover impact on GM's U.S. facilities; Labor union demand that GM accept the same labor agreement that Chrysler got. INSETS: In Canada;In the U.S..

The article reports that Mercedes-Benz AG is trying to revamp itself into a full-range auto- maker. It further provides an account of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Helmut Werner's successful efforts with the company. As Chief Executive of Mercedes-Benz, Werner has a lot more fun than desk-bound CEOs. Test-driving, of course, is part of the job description. And he has a lot to be happy about. The SLK car model, which is aimed at affluent forty plus age group, is one part of Werner's breakout plan to reach younger buyers.

Discusses the shaping up of a battle between General Motors Corp.(GM) and the United Auto Workers (UAW). Views of GM investors about how Ford has achieved labor peace while boosting efficiency; How the UAW's input is sought by Ford at frequent briefings; Productivity of Ford that surpasses GM's; Need for GM to cut capacity to match its falling market share.

Profiles Osamu Shikado. His job working as a designer at Chrysler; His creation of a Chrylser concept car called the Chronos; Biographical details;

Focuses on AutoNation USA, headed by Wayne Huizenga and Steven R. Berrard. Plans to merge its new- and used-car operations; Efforts to decentralize management; Predictions on car prices for 1998; Financial statistics on the company; Why Wall Street is not impressed; Stock prices; Observations of Republic dealers.

Profiles Chrysler Corp. President Thomas T. Stallkamp. His long and steady rise at the automobile company; Comparison to predecessor Robert A. Lutz; His subdued style; Biographical data; Challenges he faces.

Presents a forecast for the United States automobile manufacturing industry in 1998. High consumer confidence which is increasing the likelihood of large purchases; Efforts to lure customers; Lowered sticker prices; Marketing incentives; Foreign carmakers; Statistics on output, employment, productivity and sales of cars and light trucks. INSET: Welcome to truck world, by Keith Naughton.

Reports that the Volkswagen (VW) Beetle will be reintroduced in the United States in 1998. Question of whether the car will reverse VW's slide in the US; How the car is one of the industry's most anticipated models; Efforts to capitalize on nostalgia; Competition.

Considers the selection of Thomas T. Stallkamp as successor of Chrysler Corp. Vice-Chairman Robert A. Lutz. How since 1992, Chrysler Chairman Robert J. Eaton and Vice-Chairman Robert A. Lutz have shared responsibility; The significance of the move to Chrysler; What Stallkamp's responsibilities will be.

Discusses the impact of the Ron Carey scandal, involving irregularities in fund-raising tactics in the Teamsters election, on the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). Details about the scandal; Whether John J. Sweeney, AFL-CIO chief, can control the damage done by the scandal.

Reports on the small automobile market in the United States as of September 1997. The lagging sales for Saturns, Dodge Neons, and Ford Escorts; The rise in sales for Japanese-small automobiles, such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla; Why the Japanese are beating the US in the small automobile market; How US automakers will attempt to fight back.

Reports on the unveiling of President Bill Clinton's fast-track trade bill, which would let the Administration negotiate trade pacts without congressional amendments. Top priority for Clinton; Reasons; What fast-track means to Corporate America; Those who oppose fast-track and why; Time a crucial issue.

Reports on the efforts of Detroit, Michigan to revive its economy by allowing gambling. The competition for the three licenses to be awarded; The interest of casino magnates Stephen A. Wynn, Kirk Kerkorian, and Donald Trump; Other economic development projects in the city; Estimated revenues that will be stimulated.

Presents the view that the Teamsters Union's victory against United Parcel Service Inc. means that workers may no longer be taken for granted. Opinion that more important than the union victory is the way the Teamsters' campaign captured what seems to be a new mood in the U.S.; Support of public to the union; Polls show the public supported the 185,000 striking workers by a 2-to-1 margin over management.

The author reflects on the decline of the sales of the Big Three of Detroit, Michigan including General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Corp. The author feels that with the increase in imports supplied by Japanese and German currencies, the Big Three will possibly lose its market share. The author believes that the problems encountered by the auto industry can still echo through the economy which is one of the biggest factors.

The article focuses on the business strategies of the Germany-based automaker Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. citing the launch of its M-Class sport-utility vehicle. Mercedes has opened its first foreign plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with its first-non German workforce. Company executives emphasized plans to broaden their customer base to include younger, less affluent buyers.

Looks at Ford Motor Co.'s unexpectedly high non-United States auto losses in the third quarter in 1996. Pressuring of Chairman Alexander J. Trotman by outside directors to put Ford on track and boost profit margins ; Concerns among investors whether Jacques A. Nasser, president of automotive operations, can meet his own cost-cutting goals while enacting Trotman's strategy; Trotman's global reorganization plan called Ford 2000; Financial future.

Examines how General Motors (GM) and the automobile workers came to an agreement for industrial peace. United Auto Workers President Stephen P. Yokich and Canadian Auto Workers President Basil Hargrove's agreement to coordinate efforts despite their split in the 1980s; How 1996 was GM's toughest labor season since 1970.

Examines Ford Motor Co.'s contract with the United Auto Workers. Ford Chairman Alexander Z. Trotman's agreement to a new labor contract; Why the contract could hurt rival General Motors Corp.; The loopholes contained in the contract; Details on other automobile manufacturers.

This article reports that United Auto Workers (UAW) president Stephen P. Yokich wants a collective labor agreement that requires Ford Motor, General Motors, and Chrysler Corp. to urge unionization on the U.S. automobile supplies industry. Formation of labor unions among suppliers provides multiple benefits for the UAW and its members.

Examines the explosive growth of top-tier parts suppliers due to increasing demands from auto makers. Fears that the sudden growth will load debt and bureaucracy into the auto market; High cost of keeping in step with increasing demands; Response of unions.

Tells that Stephen P. Yokich, the president of the United Auto Workers, will announce on August 22, 1996 which among Ford Motor Co., Chrysler Corp., and General Motors Corp. is chosen to negotiate a new labor accord. Comment on the likeliest choice between the three; Account of the apprehensions of General Motors Corp.; Statistical data that compares Nissan against its rivals for estimated United States labor cost.

Tells that Amway Corp. has put up $1.3 million to help the GOP broadcast its own in-house coverage of the San Diego convention on Pat Robertson's cable-TV channel. Amway's donating the money to the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, which bought the TV time; Amway's history of provoking controversy. INSET: Mega clout.

Examines how the General Motors (GM) plant in Saginaw, Michigan has been revived with the help of the United Auto Workers (UAW). Rising productivity; Winning of a contract from Toyota Motor Corp.; Bargaining over a national labor pact which will work to improve competitiveness of Delphi, GM's sprawling components division; How after three years Saginaw is not where it should be; Why GM has had less success in remaking the Delphi plants.

Reports on the globalization drive of Whirlpool Corp. Troubles faced by the company in Europe and Asia; Option of diversifying into furniture or garden products before taking overseas plunge; Financial losses in 1995; Strategies that chief executive officer David R. Whitwam has initiated in attempt to resolve Whirlpool's woes; Significance of Whirlpool's technological edge and ability to standardize parts.

Details the United Auto Workers (UAW) hopes to decrease the amount of outsourcing done by auto manufacturers. Talks over new labor pacts being set to begin on June 10, 1996. Negotiations between Chrysler and the UAW; The level of outsourcing present in the auto industry by manufacturer; Objectives of the UAW.

Reports that in April 1996, General Motors Corp.'s (GM) labor problems are not as bad as they appear. The reason for the United Auto Workers' (UAW) strike; Details of GM's increasing productivity and decreasing labor costs; The likelihood of the two sides accommodating each other and avoiding another strike; Why GM's parts unit Delphi Automotive System took on the UAW in 1996.

Reports that the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike against General Motors Corp. (GM) may be the beginning of larger strikes and a tough labor bargaining season for GM, Chrylser Corp., and Ford Motor. Details of the strikes at two GM plants in Dayton, Ohio; An escalating series of local walkouts; UAW President Stephen K. Yokich; The UAW's aims; Key issues, including outsourcing, that the UAW will consider in its negotiations with automakers; Why Chrysler may be the target of a strike.

Reports that Chrysler Corp.'s board of directors has extended the contract of company President Robert A. Lutz. Comments of Lutz on reports about his pending retirement; Impact of the extension of Lutz's contract on shareholder Kirk Kerkorian's plan to install his former Chrysler Chief Financial Officer Jerome B. York on the company's board; Lutz's contributions to the automobile company's success. INSET: Robert A. Lutz..

Reports on the growth of used-car superstores in the United States. Traditional car dealers' concern over the increase in the number of used-car superstores; National expansion plans of CarMax, a division of Circuit City Stores Inc.; Launch of AutoNation USA, a used-car chain promising to treat customers like loyalty.

Focuses on Kmart Corp. chief executive officer Floyd Hall's seriousness in turning around the company. Business strategies; Background information on the company; Financial problems; Fears of stockholders; Anticipation of bankruptcy proceedings; Customer crisis.

Describes how chief financial officer Jerome B. York has built his reputation as an aggressive executive citing his plans to dethrone Chrysler Corp.'s Chairman Robert J. Eaton. Progression of York's career from being a Chrysler Corp. engineer to becoming the right-hand man of billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian; York's skills and expertise in business management and strategic planning; York's plans regarding Chrysler.

Discusses the state of the automotive industry in 1995. Number of vehicles expected to be sold this year; Affordability of new car models; Offer of cash rebates and lease deals; Effect of introduction of new models on the profitability of car companies; Price cuts in Japanese models; Dominance of trucks and sport utility vehicles in 1996.

Asserts that striking General Motors Corp. (GM) auto workers in Flint, Michigan should end their strike. The futility of the strike; Cost of a strike by United Auto Workers (UAW); How the goals of both GM and the UAW could be better served; The author's view that GM's fundamental problem lies with its the quality or its cars.

Reports on the introduction of the 1999 Chrysler LHS and 300M. How Chrysler is seeking to reclaim the status it gained from past luxury models; Aim of Chrysler for the entry-level luxury-car buyer; Hopes of Chairman Robert Eaton to sell 60,000 of the cars annually; Overall impression of the model that is comfortable and classy; Comparison of elegance versus sportiness that is evident in the way the cars ride; Standard gear; Options.

Focuses on rumors that United States President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton had purchased a Volkswagen Beetle for their daughter, Chelsea Clinton. How the rumors proved to be untrue.

Reports on the investment of the Chrysler Corp. in the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Comment of Chrysler Chairman Robert J. Eaton; Jeep as pivotal to earnings in Chrysler's second half; Confidence of Wall Street in Chrysler.

The article reports on the anatomy of a car crash involving two drivers piloting the vehicles. The 22-year-old driver driving the Ford Probe vehicle broke his leg and kneecap, and saved his head as he was wearing an air bag that prevented him from serious injuries. The driver who was steering the Jeep Cherokee vehicle suffered a severe fractured jaw as he was not wearing any air bag to protect himself.