"The Jeep Commander is doing a great job," Nardelli told reporters at an event marking the 10th anniversary of Chrysler's Prowler roadster.

Hmm. Commander sales fell 18.7 percent last month compared with a year ago, demand is off 15.5 percent in 2007 and word is it could be on the chopping block in 2009.

Since it was Nardelli's first week on the job, Business Insider will give the former Home Depot Inc. executive a pass. Heck, we'll even make up an excuse for the slip of the tongue: Perhaps an enthused Nardelli read Chrysler's monthly sales chart upside down.