Dodge Enters China With a Bold and Powerful Statement

Shanghai, China (ots/PRNewswire) -

- Dodge brand officially enters Chinese market with first products
revealed at Auto Shanghai 2007
- The best-selling Dodge Caravan will be locally produced in China for
the Chinese market
- Dodge Caliber will be the first imported Dodge vehicle available to
customers in China
- Portfolio of Dodge vehicles underlines the breadth and potential of the
brand

Dodge officially enters China with a bold and powerful statement
at Auto Shanghai 2007 as it premieres the first two products for the
brand: the locally produced Dodge Caravan and imported Dodge Caliber.

These two Dodge vehicles, in addition to the other Dodge products
on display at the Shanghai show, clearly underline the scope and
potential of the Dodge brand.

Each of these vehicles delivers the four key attributes of the
Dodge brand: bold, powerful, capable and street smart ... and
together they stress the exciting present and future of the brand as
it continues to expand into the global automotive market.

"We have a clear and assertive brand identity for Dodge," said
Thomas Hausch, Executive Director - International Sales and
Marketing, Chrysler Group. "We established a strong and distinct
character for our new Dodge products and now expand the brand into
China, one of the most promising automotive markets in the world. As
we begin to define the brand through its products at Auto Shanghai
2007, we can clearly illustrate the breadth, potential and excitement
that the brand offers."

Dodge Caravan

The new Dodge Caravan precisely interprets the mission of Chrysler
Group to make the best-selling minivan in the marketplace the best
looking, while staying true to the minivan formula of a right-sized
vehicle designed from the inside out.

The 1984 introduction of the modern minivan by the Chrysler Group
changed the way people thought about family and business
transportation. Designed with a formula that has proven to be
successful for 23 years, the new Dodge Caravan for the Chinese market
continues to embrace the original minivan formula with modern
enhancements.

The Dodge Caravan stays true to the original design theme,
striving for more comfort and convenience. With easy entry and exit;
chair-height seating; a low, flat floor; flexible seating options
with the Stow 'n Go(TM) seating and storage system; and multiple
safety and convenience features, the Dodge Caravan has matured into a
pleasant, comfortable and useful vehicle.

The Dodge Caravan is instantly recognizable as a Dodge by its bold
styling and distinctive crosshair grille that has become the "face"
of Dodge.

The Caravan is the first Dodge vehicle to be built in China, and
will be produced at Southeast Motor (SEM), a Chinese auto
manufacturer based in Fuzhou, in the Fujian province of southeast
China, under a license agreement reached between Chrysler Group and
SEM. The Caravan will begin sales in China toward the end of 2007.

"The decision to build the Dodge Caravan in China for the local
market is key to being competitive in a country where significant
growth opportunities are anticipated for years to come. Our
leadership is committed to the expansion of the Dodge brand outside
North America, and partnerships such as this one will help us to
ensure the brand's success," said Hausch.

Dodge Caliber

With its successful entry into markets around the world, and
securing its place as the top-selling Chrysler Group product outside
North America this year, the Dodge Caliber now arrives to China.
Caliber is a new slant on the C-segment, combining bold styling with
high value and utility. The Caliber will appeal to customers who want
Dodge attitude packaged with the capability and versatility of a
sport-utility type vehicle, plus high fuel efficiency.

Dodge Caliber is a five-door vehicle that combines a sporty
coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an
SUV. Caliber's sheer surface treatment commands attention and evokes
attributes that define the Dodge brand: bold, powerful, capable and
street smart. Smart engine options, innovative features and high
levels of safety and security round out the appealing package.

The new Dodge Caliber will be available for Chinese customers
starting in the first quarter of 2008.

Dodge Viper SRT10 and Dodge Avenger

Dodge Viper SRT10 is the ultimate American sports car and the icon
of the brand. It offers unbelievable power with stunning performance
from its 8.3-liter V-10 engine and instantly recognizable looks.

The Dodge Avenger is an all-new four-door mid-size segment sedan
that combines bold, aggressive Dodge styling with power and
performance, fuel efficiency, innovative interior features and high
levels of safety and reliability.

Both of these vehicles on display at Auto Shanghai 2007 are
further tangible proof of the progress of the Chrysler Group product
offensive and the great potential for the Dodge brand in China and
other international markets.

Dodge Brand

With a U.S. market share of 6 percent, Dodge is the Chrysler
Group's best-selling brand and the fifth-largest nameplate in the
U.S. automotive market. The Dodge brand has been producing vehicles
for over 90 years.

In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million (1,345,517) vehicles in
the global market. The Dodge global portfolio includes a range of
cars, trucks, minivans and sport-utility vehicles.

"The expansion of the Dodge brand into our key volume markets
outside North America allows us to increase volume while leveraging
our established dealer network and distribution structure," said
Hausch. "Dodge also appeals to a different type of customer than
Chrysler and Jeep(R), and its global expansion will contribute to our
sustainable, profitable growth."

With continued strong sales, Dodge leads the Chrysler Group's
brands in growth outside North America and could account for
approximately 30 percent of Chrysler Group's sales outside North
America by the end of 2009.

Additional information and news on the Dodge brand and its
vehicles is available on the Internet at:
http://cgmedia.daimlerchrysler.com or http://www.discoverdodge.com.cn

Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com

ots Originaltext: Chrysler Group
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Yvonne Malmgren, Chrysler Group, +1-248-512-1783, +1-248-761-2776
(cell), or ym32@dcx.com. NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional information and
news from DaimlerChrysler is available on the Internet at:
http://media.daimlerchrysler.com


	hier anmelden...