Chrysler Group CEO Tom LaSorda may be operating in a “hot kitchen,” but he has no plans to exit the stage at the U.S. arm of German automaker DaimlerChrysler AG. Chrysler has struggled with slumping sales and vehicles piling up on dealer lots, resulting in billion-dollar losses.

While the grim news has LaSorda readying a turnaround plan for Chrysler that is expected to include capacity reductions and job cuts, the executive poked fun of his position with the help of celebrity chef  and Food Network star Bobby Flay (pictured left, offering LaSorda a hot pepper) while introducing new designs of the company’s “bread and butter” minivans at the Detroit auto show. 

During a cooking demonstration before the unveiling of the minivans, Flay compared Dodge, one of the Chrysler brands, to a spice-rubbed pork tenderloin with a mango salsa.

While Flay prepared the pork, LaSorda at one point encouraged the chef to put more habanero pepper in the salsa. ”You got enough in there? Dodge is pretty tough,” LaSorda said.

“I can tell you’ve spent some time in a hot kitchen,” Flay later said.

“The kitchen has been pretty hot lately. Thank you for bringing it up,” LaSorda replied with a laugh.

(PHOTO: Reuters)