| The controversial DaimlerChrysler AG the | | | | Stuttgart-based DaimlerChrysler has not yet |
| automaker that would soon dissolve its union | | | | released the pricing of its four models in |
| with its unprofitable Chrysler division will | | | | Japan. It did not provide a sales goal either |
| offer its Dodge brand vehicles in Japan for | | | | for its Dodge vehicles in Japan since the |
| the first time since 2002. | | | | automaker is not yet sure on how Japanese car |
| | | | buyers would react on the Dodge models. |
| Four Dodge models including the Caliber | | | | |
| hatchback and the Avenger sedan are to be | | | | Sales of imported vehicles in Japan accounted |
| offered by DaimlerChrysler Japan Co., the | | | | for 4.3 percent of the world's third largest |
| automaker's Japanese subsidiary. It can be | | | | vehicle market in the first quarter of this |
| remembered that the Dodge brand has been | | | | year compared to the 6.4 percent peak that it |
| previously sold by independent Japanese | | | | reached in 1996, as reported by Japan |
| importers after the automaker has stopped | | | | Automobile Manufacturers Association. Sales |
| importing Viper sports cars in 2002. | | | | of Chrysler-brand vehicles through March 31 |
| | | | totaled 943 units which fall by 8.1 percent a |
| And for this year the German-American | | | | year earlier according again to Japan |
| automaker will once again try to succeed in | | | | Automobile Dealers Association. |
| the Japanese market by offering some Dodge | | | | |
| models. And for the past three months it has | | | | Dieter Zetsche, Chief Executive Officer of |
| been able to sell less than 1,000 | | | | DaimlerChrysler said last April 4 that the |
| Chrysler-brand vehicles. In the United States | | | | company is negotiating the sale of its Auburn |
| the decline in the reliance on pickup trucks | | | | Hills-based Chrysler. And at present there |
| such Dodge Ram and SUVs like the Jeep | | | | are four contenders that are bidding for the |
| Commander have contributed to the continuous | | | | money-losing arm of DaimlerChrysler namely |
| decline in the market share of | | | | the Blackstone Group and the private equity |
| Chrysler.---This prompt DaimlerChrysler to | | | | firm Cerberus Capital Management, the |
| finally decide to seek a buyer for their | | | | Canadian auto supplier Magna International |
| money-losing Chrysler arm. It should be noted | | | | Corporation and Kirk Kerkorian, an American |
| that Chrysler AG lost $1.5 billion in 2006. | | | | Billionaire and president/CEO of Tracinda |
| | | | Corporation. |
| According to Hans Tempel, President of | | | | |
| DaimlerChrysler Japan during a conference in | | | | About DaimlerChrysler |
| Tokyo, "No matter what the outcome of | | | | |
| Chrysler is, we will continue making our | | | | DaimlerChrysler AG is a German car |
| business more profitable in Japan." He also | | | | corporation and the world's second largest |
| said that every potential buyer of Chrysler | | | | car manufacturer. DaimlerChrysler is an |
| should be interested in profitable business. | | | | automobile, trucks manufacturer and financial |
| | | | services provider through DaimlerChrysler |
| The other two Dodge models that are going to | | | | Financial Services. The company also owns |
| be offered in Japan include Nitro SUV and the | | | | huge stake in EADS which is an aerospace |
| Charger sports sedan. DaimlerChrysler is | | | | group. |
| planning to offer a total of five new models | | | | |
| in Japan for this year said Tempel. The | | | | DaimlerChrysler produces cars and trucks |
| Stuttgart-based DaimlerChrysler is | | | | under the following brands: Chrysler, Dodge, |
| considering the introduction of diesel | | | | Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Smart, and Maybach. The |
| powered vehicles in Japan such as Jeep and | | | | Chrysler Group which is comprised of |
| Dodge. It will also sell a diesel-engine | | | | Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge provides customers |
| powered Mercedes E-class model this coming | | | | with parts and accessories such as Jeep |
| August. | | | | window motor which is being marketed under |
| | | | the Mopar brand name. |