Chrysler CEO says won't comment on GM talks - CNBC

DETROIT Oct 16 (Reuters) - Chrysler LLC will not comment on rumors of merger talks between the No. 3 U.S. automaker and General Motors Corp GM.N, the company's top executive said on CNBC on Thursday.

Chief Executive Bob Nardelli said Chrysler has been open about seeking potential partners and that he is focused on returning the automaker to profitability. He added that U.S. light vehicle sales are trending near 12 million units on an annualized basis and the availability credit has now replaced the price of gasoline as the main concern of U.S. consumers.

"Credit is paramount in the consumer's mind right now," Nardelli said. (Editing by Gary Hill)