Chrysler has named C. Robert Kidder, former chairman of Borden Chemical and of Duracell International, to succeed Robert Nardelli as chairman of the board once the automaker comes out of bankruptcy and completes its alliance with Fiat.

"We are most fortunate that Bob Kidder will lead the new company through its transformation," said Nardelli in a prepared news statement. "My number one priority has been to preserve Chrysler and the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on its success."

Really? Maybe Nardelli was late getting to the party but Chrysler the corporation has woefully let its dealerships down in recent years, especially last summer when it had no small cars for sale during the run-up in gas prices.

Now in bankruptcy, it is in the process of closing nearly 800 dealerships - and that will put alot of people out of work.

Indeed, as I write this Jim Tarbox, president of Tarbox Jeep in North Kingstown and Tarbox Chrysler Dodge in Attleboro, is in Washington seeking the help of the state's four congressional representatives to save his two franchises from closure.

He is in DC along with his father and family patriarch Nick Tarbox and the general manager at Tarbox Jeep, Fred Royce.

They are meeting with Rep. James Langevin at 12:45, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse at 2:15, Sen. Jack Reed at 3:15 and Rep. Patrick Kennedy at 4:15. Tarbox said they are also separately seeking to meet with Gov. Carcieri.

"With his broad expertise serving on numerous world-class boards and his accomplished business background, Bob (Kidder) will provide the leadership and strategic counsel that will help to create a strong global competitor moving forward," Nardelli added in the statement from Chrysler.

I sure hope he proves to be more than another bean counter, but frankly have more faith in Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne who is proviing himelf a leader with vision in these troubled times in the auto industry.

- Peter C.T. Elsworth