If you heard Clark recently talking about Chrysler, you know that he expressed concerns about the company's financial health since they're privately held and don't report losses like other automakers. In today's challenging economy, it's not uncommon for car companies to struggle with decreasing sales. Clark just doesn't want to see consumers having their warranties ignored in the event that the company folds. He was very careful to emphasize that he had no inside knowledge about whether Chrysler is ailing or not. How could he if they don't disclose that info?

Well, the Chrysler people got very upset with Clark and promptly contacted him. They sent us the following statement and asked that we read it on air and post it on the website:

  The statements recently made during the Clark Howard Show regarding   Chrysler LLC "going bust" and not honoring its vehicle warranties are   simply unfounded and untrue.

  There are no plans for Chrysler to go out of business, abandon its dealer   network, or default on its vehicle warranties.

  Chrysler has established long-term product plans and has shown its   commitment to its customer base and employees by forming strategic   partnerships, recently with Nissan.

  Chrysler LLC has ample liquidity. We are fully funded with working capital   to meet our present and future needs and objectives. We are putting our   capital to work effectively and efficiently, streamlining inventory,   improving current products and developing new and innovative vehicles.

Let's clarify something about Clark's original remarks made on April 2, 2008. He never said Chrysler is filing for bankruptcy. This rebuttal doesn't address his concern that dealers need to seek firm assurance from corporate that warranties will be honored no matter what. Buyers deserve more than just words; they need it in writing.

Clark remembers the calls he took from people when Korean automaker Daewoo went bust and didn't honor its warranties. Once bitten, twice shy. A lack of transparency sows seeds of doubt.