This article implies that Crysler is doing poorly because they haven't designed any new cars lately. I think they are doing poorly because they have not produced any quality cars lately. The Japanese automakers have been doing well with their line of a few well named cars. Instead of keeping and improving their core cars(the Neon and the Sebring) with the latest technology, Chrysler replaced them with junk such as the caliber and the avenger which only look stupid and drive poorly. Of course they have union workers who get paid over $100/hr for work that should be $15. If Chrysler was smart, they would transition to a right to work state and get rid of their unions.
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1131/chrysler-check-engine-now/