15. Dieter Zetsche
Daimler AG chairman
Putting his Chrysler days far behind him
2008 Rank: 28
Another survivor: Zetsche is bringing focus back to the Mercedes-Benz brand, restoring previous levels of prestige without losing popularity.
Evidence? The next E-Class (Mercedes's defining model) as previewed by the Fascination Paris show concept. Under Zetsche, Mercedes has a clear vision of the way automobiles like its flagship S-Class will work with 2020 fuel-efficiency and emissions standards.
Smartest move: Quickly dumping Chrysler in 2007, although it was Zetsche's baby for six or seven years.
Warning: Mercedes faces the same automotive market recession as everyone else. In 2008, it cut production of its M- and GL-class SUVs in Alabama.
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