| The introduction of two of Chrysler group's concept | | | | customers seeking style, performance and utility. |
| vehicles on opposite sides of the Atlantic hints how the | | | | The Dodge Nitro Concept Car |
| Dodge Brand could expand into the global automotive | | | | "We have a clear brand identity for Dodge. The brand |
| market. At company press events in London and | | | | is all about attitude - it's bold, confident and assertive," |
| Chicago, the new Dodge Caliber and Dodge Nitro | | | | said Joe Eberhardt, Executive Vice President - Global |
| were unveiled to convey the brand's potential future | | | | Sales, Marketing and Service. "And we have |
| direction. | | | | established a strong and distinct identity for our new |
| "Today is a great day for Dodge," said Dieter Zetsche, | | | | Dodge products. That's what allowed us to tease |
| Chrysler Group President and CEO. "These two new | | | | international markets with the introduction of the Dodge |
| concepts suggest the global potential of the brand as it | | | | Viper SRT10 roadster last year and hint at where we |
| prepares to expand into world markets. While different | | | | can go in the years to come." |
| in product expression, both Caliber and Nitro embody | | | | Speaking in London, Eberhardt said consumer research |
| the bold, powerful and capable values of Dodge. Our | | | | among 20,000 participants in Germany, France, Italy |
| international positioning for the brand and its future | | | | and the UK identified a segment of potential buyers |
| model lineup will be entirely consistent with these | | | | that align themselves with the core values of Dodge. |
| established core values." | | | | He said that research also showed that there is not a |
| The Dodge Caliber Concept Car | | | | single brand that leads this segment, creating |
| Exhibited to a select group in London for the first time, | | | | opportunity for the Dodge brand to grow the Chrysler |
| the new Dodge Caliber Concept is a five-door vehicle | | | | Group business internationally, while maintaining its |
| that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the | | | | unique brand identity. |
| strength, stance and functionality. The sheer surface | | | | Chrysler Group has said that, between 2003 and 2007, |
| styling commands attention and evokes the Dodge | | | | with the expansion of the Dodge brand, the company |
| brand attributes. The Dodge Caliber concept will be | | | | will more than double the number of Chrysler Group |
| revealed to the public at the 75th Salon de l'Automobile | | | | models available outside of North America. The |
| in Geneva, Switzerland. | | | | number of right-hand drive and diesel-equipped models |
| Simultaneously in the USA, the mid-size Dodge Nitro | | | | also will more than double during this same time period. |
| SUV concept was revealed at the Chicago Auto | | | | Beginning in 2006, Eberhardt said the Dodge product |
| Show, providing even further proof of the brand's | | | | portfolio for markets outside of North America will |
| future potential. With a bold and powerful design | | | | consist mainly of C- and D-segment vehicles, both left- |
| statement, the five-passenger Nitro would be the first | | | | and right-hand drive, offering powerful yet fuel-efficient |
| mid-size SUV for Dodge, designed to attract | | | | petrol engines and state-of-the-art diesel engines. |