American LaFrance files for bankruptcy

[jdcaples]

Exerpt:

"Court documents say the company had problems transitioning from its previous owner Freightliner. In addition, the market for emergency vehicles is not as good and new emission standards require changes in vehicle designs."



The AP Article (http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7783737).

Sprinters are apparently assembled in a former ALF property - or something like that - in Ladson, SC.

[Altered Sprinter]

looking back to 2005 when Damlier AG sold out it's interests in 2005, to a closely held New York investment company, who's primary interest is for Profits.. before the The principle operating firm. due to downwards sales 2006 2007 and continuing losses Bankruptcy is filled to eliminate debtors ,unsecured.
Hold a fire sale! and wait for new investors to refinance, to put out the flame! yet it does not address as to how the company will be restructured? to met advanced engine safety and emission problems the company faces. for future operations.
Sad this is an American icon. with History don't worry about the Guys!who work for the company, and the suppliers who gave credit.. they're just another prime time accident statistic.
Richard
Part two Bankruptcy 90 day clearance sale.Bloomberg.com: US (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bloomberg.com%2Fapps%2Fnews%3 Fpid%3D20601103%26sid%3DaGWwSKg10mh0&ei=xoWeR_uwAaqEpATTnem0CQ&usg=AFQjCNF-n2TploFY1_2J8c0c9B0QTH0d6A&sig2=UgaE47KqwsEfE7Q4o1c2pA)
5975

[hkpierce]

The 90-day sale is only in the event the Court doesn't accept the reorganization plan.

What a strange tale - blaming the new accounting system??!!

[BaywoodBill]

Hard to imagine the claim of having a lower demand for emergency vehicles. Really? When it's now fashionable to send three vehicles everytime there's a call, even if it's someone who just wants to get to the hospital and can't find anyone to drive him or her?

If you haven't seen this happen, you probably won't believe me. One time before my father died I had to get him to the hospital because he was experiencing a bleeding ulcer and was just to weak to stand and to floppy for me to get him out to my car. So I called the amubulance company (not 911, just a call over their regular number). Next thing I know I had: 1. a big fire truck, 2. a little fire truck, and 3. an ambulance.

Yes, a shortage of demand for emergency vehicles? Not likely. More like they had gotten themselves into non-competitive construction/design practices. :2cents:

[jdcaples]

... and the mud-slinging continues as a matter of public record.

ZDnet perspective (http://blogs.zdnet.com/projectfailures/?p=583).

[Altered Sprinter]

Who's the blame=Everyone except ALF's management sort of rings another bell of who's to blame.
Whatever ! A great American icon goes under because of mismanagement and underfunding.
Profit Yes! but who's looking at what the left hand was doing with the right hand.
Oops! Sorry It's not my fault.. look IBM stamped it across my forehead, I'm not, not responsible,besides I was playing Golf..Blame it on the managers , What managers!"There was no trained IT staff to follow up "ON WHAT WAS OBVIOUS" .
IBM Not responsible, Daimler-AG? OH Yeah! 'lets just blame it on Freightliner' cutting out the old perfectly working system between Freightliner and La France plant two separate companies.MB sold the plant// not the IT software, that was clear to all from the point of sale, to handover to the new boys on the NY block, of private equity companies out for a quick buck.
How many more are going to go under the Hammer:idunno: before years end.
Richard