The German automaker DaimlerChrysler made over $7 billion last year, but the American Chrysler division that they acquired in 1998 lost nearly $1.5 billion and has announced plant closings and a cut of 13,000 US jobs. Now, there is talk of Chrysler splitting off from the German company, either to be acquired by another auto company or to become an independent operation. While some Indian and Chinese auto makers would like an opportunity to expand in the American market, a report in the Detroit trade paper the Automotive News said that American company General Motors is in talks with DaimlerChrysler to purchase the division. Neither company would confirm the report. European companies Volkswagen, Renault, and Fiat have also been named as potential buyers.