Daimlerchrysler to Offer Dodge Models in Japan

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