Chrysler Seals Deal With Chinese Carmaker Chery

After several months of negotiations and in the midst of Chrysler Group’s divorce with the Daimler Group, Chrysler and Chery Automobile Co finalized their agreement today in Beijing to jointly develop, produce and distribute small and sub-compact cars.

Under the agreement, the Chery will manufacture the cars in China and the Chrysler Group will distribute them under the Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge brands for North America, Europe and other major markets. Just before the boyz in white let the ink roll down the paper, Chrysler’s CEO Tom LaSorda said that the agreement with Chery will play a big role in the American car manufacture’s plan of doubling sales in the next three to five years. -Continued after the jump

According to LaSorda, exports of the Chinese made mini and sub-compact car will begin in Latin America and eastern Europe within 12 months while U.S. exports are expected to commence in mid-2009. However, the first model exported, a Dodge badged vehicle based on Chery's A-1 small car will not be exported to the U.S. or Europe.

Via: automotivenews

Chrysler Recalling 80,000 Wranglers and Nitros - One Accident Linked To The Issue

Chrysler Group announced on Tuesday, July 3 that it was recalling more than 80.000 or to be exact, 80.894 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro SUV models in the States due to a defect that could cause power interruptions leading to a short engine stall. According to the American carmaker, there was one accident linked to the engine stall issue; however, no injuries have been reported. On its behalf, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that it opened an investigation in May after receiving about 180 complaints of engine stalling in Wrangler and Nitro vehicles. As with all recalls, Chrysler Group said that it will notify owners of the vehicles affected in a weeks time with the work completed of course free of charge.

Via: usatoday

Chrysler / Dodge Crew CUV Concept To Debut At Frankfurt Show

Chrysler Group is planning to unveil a concept version of its forthcoming mid-size CUV, better known in the US as the Chrysler and Dodge crossovers coded JC49 and JZ49 (pic above from AMS), at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. How do we know? Well, according to an off-the-record conversation we had with a Chrysler Group Europe source of ours and even though this hasn’t been officially announced, it’s 99% certain that the American carmaker will debut the MPV/Crossover concept dubbed “Crew” at the German car Show. What our source couldn’t tell us is whether the Crew will wear a Dodge or Chrysler badge –though we’ve heard that the Crew nameplate will be used for the Dodge model. -Continued after the jump

Smaller than the recently introduced Chrysler Town & Country or as Europeans know it, Voyager, the Crew will make use of the Chrysler Sebring / Dodge Avenger platform with production scheduled for January 2008 meaning that the production version will debut either at the L.A. Show in November or at NAIAS in January ’08.

Picture via: Automotorsport

Time Takes Its Toll: Tulsa’s ’57 Plymouth Belvedere Covered In Rust

As many feared on Wednesday when workers discovered that the 1957 Plymouth Belvedere’s crypt was partially filled with water, the past 50 years had not been the kindest to Tulsa’s buried car. On Friday night (June 15), half a century after Tulsa residents closed the lid on the two-door coupe, the ceremonial curtain went up and the protective plastic wrapping removed only to reveal the ’57 Belvedere completely covered in rust.

Definitely not a happy site for any petrolhead. But you know something, this old gal is so special that all the rust in the world couldn’t take her dignity away. 50 years buried under the earth, people came, people left, the man went to the moon and back and Plymouth disappeared, but she was there, waiting patiently for her time to come to see the sun again. Maybe not the way she dreamt it to be, but heck, who can say that we are what we used to be. -More pictures and a video of the unearthing after the jump

Via: Le blog auto , Picture Source: kotv

Horror: Tulsa’s Burried 1957 Plymouth Belvedere Soaked In Water

We’re pretty sure that most of you will have heard the story:On June 15, 1957, Tulsa Town buried a brand-new Plymouth Belvedere along with along with several other artefacts (a pack of cigarettes, bobby pins, an unpaid parking ticket etc) in a cement vault, as part of a contest in which the person who most closely guessed the city’s 2007 population would win the Belvedere on June 15, 2007.

Today (Wednesday June 13), just two days before the ’57 Plymouth’s scheduled exhumation, Tulsa Town decided to open up the vault’s lid. To everyone’s misfortune, the workers discovered several feet of standing water and indications that the car had been submerged. Tulsa’s Public Works Department was summoned to pump the water out of the vault but since there was a danger that the water could be toxic, the Fire Department's Hazmat team was also called to the scene. Ironically, the vault had been built to withstand a nuclear attack, but apparently not water.

While the condition of the tailfinned Belvedere remains uncertain because the car was covered in cosmolene, a metal preservative then wrapped in plastic, the equation -’57 Plymouth, half a century and several feet of water, is definitely not promising. We’ll have more on Tulsa’s time-capsule latter on. Until then click “Read More…” below to see more photos along with a video

Via: kotv

Chrysler Admits Nitro & Sebring Are Mediocre Products, But Vows To Make Up

We could’ve avoided being so blunt and titled the post as “…Nitro & Sebring miss mark”, but what’s the point of hiding behind your finger when this is so evident in a recent Chrysler Group internal employee question-and-answer report that “accidentally” fell into the hands of Detroit News.

According to the report, Bob Lee, head of powertrain engineering who answered several employee questions noted that Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda and Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour, are "quite upset" and agree the company "missed where the market was to end up versus our projections."

Among other conclusions from the report is that in concern with the Sebring and Nitro -- two of 10 products Chrysler launched last year, the company underestimated competitors, set standards too low in some areas and was not where it needed to be in areas such as fuel economy, interior quality, and limiting noise and vibration. Commenting on this Lee wrote, "as a result of these embarrassing 'misses,' there are extremely aggressive actions being taken on many of the existing products -- and also the yet to be introduced products to get us at least to the middle of the competitive pack in very short order.” In other words, we’re going to get it right next time.

According to Detroit News, Chrysler Group spokesman Rick Deneau confirmed the authenticity of the employee Q&A report noting that it was designated to be seen by a relatively small group of employees. Obviously not. What do we think? Well, first of all, by admitting a problem you’re halfway to solving it. Our second thought is that we seriously doubt that a report like this would have ever “accidentally” fallen into the hands of journalists if Mercedes hadn’t announced Chrysler Group’s sales. Sounds to us like someone’s searching for an escape goat.

Read Detroit News article here

Technorati: Dodge, Chrysler, cars, autos, vehicles

Chery: Chrysler Deal Still On

Despite a recent report on German newspaper Handelsblatt that said Chery wanted to re-examine a deal to build small cars for Chrysler due to the sale of the latter to Cerberus, the Chinese car maker has still got the hots for Chrysler. A Chery spokesman told Reuters today that the German newspaper had misquoted Chery’s general manager, Zhang Li, and that the earlier agreement with Chrysler, approved by DaimlerChrysler’s Supervisory Board in February 2007, was still on. According to the non-equity partnership, the Chery-built vehicles will be distributed under Chrysler and Dodge logos, primarily in North America and Western Europe. Via: Reuters

Breaking News: Chrysler Group Sold To Cerberus For €5.5 Billion / $7.4 billion - Mercedes retains 19,9%

It wasn’t Renault, it wasn’t GM and it wasn’t of course Hyundai; as DaimlerChrysler announced this morning, one of the largest private investment firms in the world, Cerberus will take control of the Chrysler Group (Chrysler, Dodge & Jeep). Cerberus will acquire 80.1 percent of the Chrysler Group for €5.5 Billion / $7.4 billion while DaimlerChrysler will retain 19.9 percent of the company. The closing of the transaction is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2007. Due to the new corporate structure, the name of DaimlerChrysler AG will be changed to Daimler AG.

According to the deal, obligations for pensions and health care costs are to be retained by Chrysler Group companies. As someone would assume, the two companies announced that they’ll continue to work together on some vehicle projects –whatever that means… Surprisingly enough, disproving rumors that the United Auto Workers (UAW) would oppose any deals due to fears for job cuts, UAW’s president, Ron Gettelfinger backed the sale saying “The transaction with Cerberus is in the best interests of our UAW members, the Chrysler Group and Daimler”. -Follow the jump for DaimlerChrysler’s full press release

PRESS RELEASE

Cerberus Takes Over Majority Interest in Chrysler Group and Related Financial Services Business for EUR 5.5 Billion ($7.4 billion) from DaimlerChrysler

Stuttgart, May 14, 2007

• Affiliate of Cerberus to acquire 80.1% equity interest in new company Chrysler Holding LLC; DaimlerChrysler AG to retain 19.9%
• Obligations for pensions and healthcare costs to be retained by Chrysler companies
• Transaction expected to result in net cash outflow of EUR 0.5 billion for DaimlerChrysler
• DaimlerChrysler’s net profit according to IFRS in 2007 to be reduced in a range of EUR 3-4 billion
• Equity ratio of DaimlerChrysler’s industrial business is expected to be over 40% by the beginning of 2008
• Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting to decide on change of name to Daimler AG
• DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche on the realignment of DaimlerChrysler AG: "We will be the leading manufacturer of premium vehicles and a provider of premium services in every market segment we serve worldwide."
• UAW President Ron Gettelfinger: "The transaction with Cerberus is in the best interests of our UAW members, the Chrysler Group and Daimler."
• Cerberus Capital Management Chairman John Snow: "Cerberus believes in the inherent strength of U.S. manufacturing and of the U.S. auto industry. Most importantly, we believe in Chrysler."

The Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG (stock-exchange abbreviation DCX) has today decided, subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board, on the future concept for the Chrysler Group and the realignment of DaimlerChrysler AG. Completion of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and Cerberus financing arrangements.

Details will be explained at a press conference in Stuttgart today at 2 p.m.

Structure of the transaction

• An affiliate of private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., New York, will make a capital contribution of EUR 5.5 billion ($7.4 billion) in return for an 80.1% equity interest in the future new company, Chrysler Holding LLC. DaimlerChrysler will hold a 19.9% equity interest in the new company. Chrysler Holding LLC will hold 100% each of the future Chrysler Corporation LLC, which produces and sells Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep_® vehicles, and the future Chrysler Financial Services LLC, which provides financial services for these vehicles in the NAFTA region.
• Of the total capital contribution of EUR 5.5 billion, EUR 3.7 billion will flow into the industrial business (Chrysler Corporation LLC) and EUR 0.8 billion will flow into the financial services business in order to strengthen the equity base of both businesses. DaimlerChrysler will receive the balance of EUR 1.0 billion. In addition, DaimlerChrysler will grant a loan of EUR 0.3 billion to Chrysler Corporation LLC.
• According to the agreement, upon the closing of the transaction, DaimlerChrysler will transfer the industrial business of the Chrysler Group completely free of debt. Due to the Chrysler Group’s anticipated negative cash flow until closing in connection with its restructuring plan, the transaction will give rise to a cash outflow of EUR 1.2 billion for DaimlerChrysler. The overall net cash outflow resulting from the transaction will therefore be EUR 0.5 billion. In addition, DaimlerChrysler will have to discharge long-term liabilities of the Chrysler Group in connection with the transaction. This will result in prepayment compensation of approximately EUR 650 million, to be borne by DaimlerChrysler. The usual transaction costs will also be incurred.
• The Chrysler Group’s financial obligations for pension and healthcare benefits towards its employees and the employees of the financial services business related to the Chrysler Group will be retained by the Chrysler companies. The pension plans are significantly over-funded at present.

Effects on key figures

The transaction will have the following effects on DaimlerChrysler AG:

• In total, current estimates indicate that net profit according to IFRS in 2007 will be reduced by EUR 3-4 billion.
• Due to the deconsolidation of the Chrysler companies and the resulting reduction in the balance-sheet total, the equity ratio of DaimlerChrysler’s industrial business is expected to increase to more than 40% by the beginning of 2008.
• There will be no changes relating to the bonds issued and guaranteed by DaimlerChrysler AG. In the financial services business for the Chrysler, Jeep_®and Dodge brands, Cerberus will take over the financing previously provided by DaimlerChrysler AG.
• The 19.9% equity interest held by DaimlerChrysler AG in the new company Chrysler Holding LLC will be included after closing at equity in the Van, Bus, Others segment.
• The closing of the transaction is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2007.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and Head of the Mercedes Car Group: "We’re confident that we’ve found the solution that will create the greatest overall value – both for Daimler and Chrysler . With this transaction, we have created the right conditions for a new start for Chrysler and Daimler."

Ron Gettelfinger, President of the United Autoworkers (UAW): "The transaction with Cerberus is in the best interests of our UAW members, the Chrysler Group and Daimler. We are pleased that this decision has been made. Because our members and the management can now focus entirely on the development and manufacture of quality products for the future of the Chrysler Group."

John W. Snow, Chairman of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P.: "We welcome Chrysler into the Cerberus family of companies and believe Cerberus will be a good home for Chrysler. Cerberus believes in the inherent strength of U.S. manufacturing and of the U.S. auto industry. Most importantly, we believe in Chrysler."

Snow continued: "We would like to thank DaimlerChrysler for their good stewardship of this American icon over the last decade. We are aware that Chrysler faces significant challenges, but we are confident that they can and will be overcome. A private investment firm like Cerberus will provide management with the opportunity to focus on their long-term plans rather than the pressures of short-term earnings expectations."

Business progress

In nearly ten years as DaimlerChrysler, a lot has been done to move the businesses forward. The synergies possible between Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler have been fully utilized. Additional potential for collaboration is limited between two businesses operating in such different market segments. The strong volatility and pressure on margins in the Chrysler Group’s North American core market have an increasingly negative impact on DaimlerChrysler’s overall profitability and share-price development.

The Chrysler Group has made substantial progress in recent years. For example, production hours per vehicle have fallen from 48 hours in 2001 to just over 30 at present. Quality has improved by more than 40% over the past six years. Since 2002, more than EUR 7.4 billion ($10 billion) has been invested in new production facilities and technologies. And with 34 new models since 2001, Chrysler has one of the youngest product lines in the industry.

Zetsche: "As a result, Chrysler today is structurally more sound than its North American based competitors. And with Cerberus as a partner, Chrysler will have the best chances of utilizing its full potential."

Ongoing collaboration

Existing projects with the Mercedes Car Group will be continued, for example in the development of conventional and alternative drive systems, purchasing, and sales and financial services outside the NAFTA region. Furthermore, a Joint Automotive Council will be established in which representatives of both sides will assess and decide on the potential of new and current projects. The Council will be led by board-level members from each company.

Zetsche: "We very much look forward to our continued cooperation as business partners, as we want to continue to reap the mutual benefits of working together. That’s one of the reasons why we’re retaining a 19.9% equity position in Chrysler."

New Daimler AG

Due to the new corporate structure, the name of DaimlerChrysler AG is to be changed to Daimler AG. A decision on this is to be taken by the shareholders at an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting probably in fall 2007.

The Board of Management of the new company will be reduced to six members. Tom LaSorda, Eric Ridenour and Tom Sidlik will leave the Board of Management with the Group’s sincere thanks.

There will no longer be a separate board position for procurement in the new Daimler AG. In the future, all procurement activities will be directly coordinated between the divisions. Within the Board of Management, Bodo Uebber will additionally assume overall responsibility for procurement.

The leadership teams of the Mercedes Car Group, the Truck Group and Financial Services will remain unchanged, as will the teams in the vans and buses businesses.

Zetsche: "We’ve done our homework in our corporate functions and in all of our divisions. As a result of our strategic review, we have a well-defined roadmap to lead us into a good future."

The Mercedes Car Group will generate a return on sales of at least 7% this year, with higher rates to follow in the coming years.

The Truck Group will achieve an average return on sales of 7% over the cycle as of 2008. This represents a return on net assets of approximately 30%.

DaimlerChrysler is also a world leader and profitability benchmark for buses. And in the vans business, which is performing very well, the new Sprinter will continue the success story of its predecessor.

The Financial Services division aims to earn a return on equity of more than 14%.

Growth perspectives

Zetsche: "We have a strong starting position. We have an above-average financial power. And our future prospects are promising." The Group has defined the following main areas for continued growth:

• Further expansion in the core business, which means in the traditional segments that are the most profitable and have the highest growth rates, as well as exploiting new market opportunities on a regional basis.
• Continued development of innovative, customer-oriented and tailor-made services and activities, pursuing opportunities both up and down the value chain.
• Strengthening leadership in sustainable, responsible and environmentally friendly technologies.

By focusing on these three areas, Daimler’s full potential is to be exploited and enterprise value is to be increased further through profitable and sustainable growth. Daimler intends to do this on its own, while continuing to benefit from opportunities of scale with Chrysler.

Zetsche on Daimler’s goals: "We will be the leading manufacturer of premium products and a provider of premium services in every market segment we serve worldwide. And we will pursue our commitment to excellence based on a common culture, a great heritage of innovation and pioneering achievements and – with Mercedes-Benz – the strongest automotive brand in the world.

Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., New York, is one of the largest private investment firms in the world, with approximately $23.5 billion under management in funds and accounts. Founded in 1992, Cerberus currently has significant investments in more than 50 companies that, in aggregate, generate more than $60 billion in annual revenues worldwide.

Technorati : Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, DaimlerChrysler, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Video: Guy takes his anger out on a Chrysler PT Cruiser

Next time you start feeling irritated cause you’re been waiting for ages for the damn traffic light to go green try thinking that matters could be worse, really worse as these poor fellas in the light-blue PT Crusier harshly found out. Via: Motorpasion

Technorati: Accident, Chrysler+PT+Cruiser, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Chrysler Cuda Rumors

This story surfaced up today no thanks to an article from Detroit News which thought it was a good time to publish a rumor it heard from an interview with Chip Foose at the New York auto show. Despite the fact that a Dodge Challenger based Cuda with a Chrysler and not a Plymouth badge upfront would be something that could be done with relative ease we’ll agree we our fellow Auto-bloggers that first, it's not even an inside rumor and second, Detroit News wouldn’t have waited for a month to publish the story if they actually gave it any credit.

Via: Autoblog.com , Pic Via: Creatingthelie

Technorati: Chrysler+Cuda, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Mercedes SL500 Replica based on Chrysler LeBaron for sale on ebay -Which one’s real?

Both SL’s carry the Mercedes’ star on the grille but only one of the above cars is a true-blue Merc. The other one is nothing more than a 1989 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible fitted with an SL look-alike body made by JODI. Can you guess which one is real without cheating? -Follow the jump to find out

The image gallery reveals that the culprit here is the silver car. The starting price on ebay 1.850 USD –about 1.350 EUR, but better be careful cause as the seller quotes, “THE CAR NEEDS SOME WORK: THE TURBO IS BAD ( I WOULD SUGGEST TOWING), BATTERY IS DEAD, SEATS HAVE TEARS, DOOR HANDLES ARE NOT HOOKED UP YET SO A CLOTHS HANGER IS USED TO OPEN THE DOORS”. Talk about a car giving you a hangover…

Via: ebay

Technorati: Mercedes+SL, ebay, Chrysler+LeBaron, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Looks can be decieving: DiMore JX Coupe Concept crossbreed

Don’t let the load bay fool you. This one of a kind DiMore JX Coupe Concept is indeed just that: A Coupe! Based on the 1999 Chrysler Concorde, the owner of this vehicle opted for a trendier version of the five seater, four door average Chrysler. Things that may seem important but were completely removed include the back seat, the rear doors and half of the roof. Newer and more interesting things added included the 3.2 litre V6 engine, a re-trimmed leather interior and a sports exhaust system. Via: Jalopnik

Posted By: Dani

Chrysler Crossfire JAB Anstoetz Design Study – Geneva debut

Created in conjunction with fabric designer and manufacture JAB Anstoetz, Chrysler’s Crossfire study attempts to export material and textile styles from the world of… carpets to the world of cars. And if the exterior color scheme doesn't raise an eyelid, without doubt, the light-blue and chocolate-brown toned interior that combines suede and crocodile-leather is something you don't see. Well, that's not entirely true as to be honest, I can think of a chap or two who've decorated their cars "Anstoetz" style. Only they don't wear Armani costumes and they still think that mullets are cool… -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see more images and the German press release (the English press kit will be added later on)

PRESS RELEASE: Weltpremiere auf dem Genfer Automobil-Salon 2007

JAB Anstoetz gestaltet erstmals ein Fahrzeug - und wählt als Basis einen Chrysler Crossfire

- Design-Studie verblüfft mit außergewöhnlichen Farbwelten und Oberflächen

- Die Innenräume von Wohnungen und Autos haben mehr miteinander zu tun, als man denkt

Genf - Auf dem Genfer Automobilsalon 2007 (Presse-Tage 06. und 07. März) präsentieren die Chrysler Group, JAB ANSTOETZ und Karmann eine außergewöhnliche Design-Studie auf Basis des Chrysler Crossfire, die auf dem Karmann-Stand in Halle 1 zu sehen sein wird.

Die Herausforderung war Vater der Idee, ein automobiles Designerstück wie den Chrysler Crossfire mit Materialien und Textilien aus dem Wohnbereich auszustatten. Der weltweit führende Stoff- und Teppichverlag JAB Anstoetz nahm die Herausforderung an und stylte den Chrysler Crossfire komplett neu. Dabei wagte sich das Designer-Team um Ralph Anstoetz auf Neuland, denn bisher war das Betätigungsfeld der erfolgreichen Bielefelder eher die Immobilie als das Automobil. Seine ausdrucksstarke Dynamik ließ die Wahl für das geeignete Objekt auf das zweisitzige Sportcoupé Chrysler Crossfire fallen, denn es regte die Fantasie des Design-Teams ganz besonders an.

Ziel dieser von JAB ANSTOETZ entworfenen und von Karmann in Osnabrück gebauten Designstudie ist ein Show Car der besonderen Art das zeigt, wie nah sich der heimische Wohnbereich und das Interieur eines Autos sind - ohne es zu wissen. Denn schließlich sind dies die beiden Räume, in denen wir einen großen Teil unserer Zeit verbringen. JAB ANSTOETZ richtete das Hauptaugenmerk auf die Vielfalt an Strukturen und Texturen und schuf ein harmonisches Farb- und Textilkonzept, das sich deutlich von gewohnter Auto-Innenraumgestaltung abgrenzt.

Bei der Gestaltung der Designstudie Chrysler Crossfire by JAB ANSTOETZ ließen sich die Designer von der vornehmlich männlichen Zielgruppe des aufregenden Coupés leiten. Die maskuline Farbtonstimmung Braun wurde bislang unter modernen Gesichtpunkten eher vernachlässigt und bot sich auch deshalb für eine extravagante Gestaltung an. Die in der Designstudie verwendeten Braun- und Blautöne unterscheiden sich von den bislang in der Automobilindustrie bekannten Farbgebungen.

Ausgangspunkt des Farb-Spektrums ist ein Velours-Stoff im inneren Bereich der Sitzflächen in 'Chimneybrown' und mit drei verschiedenen Farb-Akzenten. In den Mittelbereichen des Armaturentafel- und Türbereichs kam ein Suede (Wirbelfließ) in 'Kitamiblue' zum Einsatz, der mit seiner modernen schreibenden Optik besticht.

Das obere Armaturenbrett sowie Teile der Türverkleidungen sind mit einem der Krokodilhaut nachempfundenen Kunstleder veredelt, das mit seiner glänzenden Oberfläche die Verbindung zwischen dem Lack im Außenbereich und den Texturen im Innenraum herstellt.

Den Kofferraumbereich kleidet ein moderner Langflor-Teppich der JAB ANSTOETZ- Kollektion in 'Kitamiblue' aus. Für die Einzelanfertigung der Fußmatten für Fahrer und Beifahrer wählte das Team die Struktur eines Design-Teppichs mit Schlinge und Flor und passte die Farbgestaltung dem Gesamtkonzept an.

Die Wirkung des Chrysler Crossfire-Interieurs von JAB ANSTOETZ auf die Passagiere soll ein angenehmes und ruhiges Klima befördern, ohne jedoch die sportliche Dynamik des Zweisitzers zu vernachlässigen.

Die von Karmann teilweise in Handarbeit gefertigte Designstudie Chrysler Crossfire by JAB ANSTOETZ ist das Ergebnis einer Symbiose von Partnern, deren Produkte - ob Textil, Teppich oder Automobil - gleichermaßen auf die Wünsche ihrer Kunden nach Individualität, außergewöhnlichem Design und Qualität ausgerichtet sind.

Technorati: Jab+Anstoetz, Geneva+Motor+Show, Chrysler+Crossfire, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

Official: Chrsyler Group approves small-car agreement with Chinese, Chery Motors

Theoretically and for the time being, the Chrysler Group is up for sale but that doesn’t mean that the Group has halted all its future projects. Today DaimlerChrysler announced that its Supervisory Board approved the framework of a limited partnership to develop small vehicles between the Chrysler Group and Chinese Chery Motor Company. Although this agreement has to be approved by the “almighty” Chinese government, consider it a done deal with the final paper work to be signed by the end of March.

According to DC, under the non-equity partnership, the Chery-built vehicles will be distributed under Chrysler brands, primarily in North America and Western Europe. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press release

PRESS RELEASE: Auburn Hills, Mich./Stuttgart, Germany - The DaimlerChrysler Supervisory Board today approved the framework of a limited partnership to develop small vehicles between the Chrysler Group and Chery Motor Company of China. The deal is still contingent upon approval by the Chinese government, but the final pact of the framework is expected to be signed by the end of March. Under the non-equity partnership, Chery-built vehicles will be distributed under Chrysler brands, primarily in North America and Western Europe.

Chrysler Group indicated that the partnership would allow the company to become a bigger player on the global automotive stage by giving it access to products in new segments more quickly, with less capital spending.

Small vehicles such as these will allow Chrysler Group brands to compete in segments in which the brands do not currently compete, and which are especially important in price- and fuel-economy sensitive markets. Some 67 percent of all vehicles sold outside of North America are in these segments. Chrysler Group's major competitors in the U.S. and Western Europe have similar arrangements with Asian manufacturers for vehicles in these segments.

Technorati: DaimlerChrysler, Chrysler+Group, China, Chery+Motors, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

Hyundai: "We’re not interested in Chrysler"

This past weekend we saw several reports announcing Hyundai’s interest in joining possible bidders for the Chrysler Group. Hyundai’s response was immediate. The Korean Group’s spokesperson Jake Jang told Associated Press today, "We are not considering to buy Chrysler because our hands are full", putting all rumours to an end. To be honest I found Hyundai’s interest too far fetched.

But Hyundai isn’t the only Group who’s been reported to be interested in Chrysler. GM is another hypothetical candidate. Yes GM, the firm that has a million or so problems to solve on its own wants to buy Chrysler, a competitive company that’s in the same or probably even worse situation… Apart from the fact that there’s no logic whatsoever for a move of this scale, GM couldn’t even come to an understanding with the Renault-Nissan Group let alone with Chrysler.

Talking about the Renault-Nissan Group, and if and I repeat "if", DaimlerChrysler is seriously searching for someone to “dump” Chrysler and it’s not some sort of tactic to push forward a "hands-down" restructuring plan, I’d say that a scenario concerning an alliance between the American and French-Japanese Groups sounds quiet sane to me. What do you think?

Technorati: Hyundai, Chrysler+Group, DaimlerChrysler, GM, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Scooped: 2008 Dodge “JC49” mid-sized crossover

Swedish Automotorsport has published a couple of pics featuring ChryslerGroups’s answer to the new Ford Edge that goes by the codename “JC49”. From what we learned, the “JC49” will most probably be presented in September with sales starting in the US towards the end of the year (as a 2008 model). While it’s still unclear whether the mid-size crossover or CUV if you prefer, will get a third row seat, we do know for certain that it’s based on the Chrysler Sebring / Dodge Avenger platform and that it'll be built at Chrysler's Toluca, Mexico, factory starting in December 2007.

So I guess the next question you’ll make is whether we’ll see a Chrysler version of the CUV. Although unconfirmed, rumors have it that Chrysler’s version codenamed “JZ49” is expected sometime in 2009 as a 2010 model. Via: Automotorsport

Technorati: Dodge+JC49, Chrysler+JZ49, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images