Daimlerchrysler to Offer Dodge Models in Japan

The controversial DaimlerChrysler AG the automaker that would soon dissolve its union with its unprofitable Chrysler division will offer its Dodge brand vehicles in Japan for the first time since 2002.

Four Dodge models including the Caliber hatchback and the Avenger sedan are to be offered by DaimlerChrysler Japan Co., the automaker’s Japanese subsidiary. It can be remembered that the Dodge brand has been previously sold by independent Japanese importers after the automaker has stopped importing Viper sports cars in 2002.

And for this year the German-American automaker will once again try to succeed in the Japanese market by offering some Dodge models. And for the past three months it has been able to sell less than 1,000 Chrysler-brand vehicles. In the United States the decline in the reliance on pickup trucks such Dodge Ram and SUVs like the Jeep Commander have contributed to the continuous decline in the market share of Chrysler.---This prompt DaimlerChrysler to finally decide to seek a buyer for their money-losing Chrysler arm. It should be noted that Chrysler AG lost $1.5 billion in 2006.

According to Hans Tempel, President of DaimlerChrysler Japan during a conference in Tokyo, "No matter what the outcome of Chrysler is, we will continue making our business more profitable in Japan." He also said that every potential buyer of Chrysler should be interested in profitable business.

The other two Dodge models that are going to be offered in Japan include Nitro SUV and the Charger sports sedan. DaimlerChrysler is planning to offer a total of five new models in Japan for this year said Tempel. The Stuttgart-based DaimlerChrysler is considering the introduction of diesel powered vehicles in Japan such as Jeep and Dodge. It will also sell a diesel-engine powered Mercedes E-class model this coming August.

Stuttgart-based DaimlerChrysler has not yet released the pricing of its four models in Japan. It did not provide a sales goal either for its Dodge vehicles in Japan since the automaker is not yet sure on how Japanese car buyers would react on the Dodge models.

Sales of imported vehicles in Japan accounted for 4.3 percent of the world’s third largest vehicle market in the first quarter of this year compared to the 6.4 percent peak that it reached in 1996, as reported by Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. Sales of Chrysler-brand vehicles through March 31 totaled 943 units which fall by 8.1 percent a year earlier according again to Japan Automobile Dealers Association.

Dieter Zetsche, Chief Executive Officer of DaimlerChrysler said last April 4 that the company is negotiating the sale of its Auburn Hills-based Chrysler. And at present there are four contenders that are bidding for the money-losing arm of DaimlerChrysler namely the Blackstone Group and the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, the Canadian auto supplier Magna International Corporation and Kirk Kerkorian, an American Billionaire and president/CEO of Tracinda Corporation.

About DaimlerChrysler
DaimlerChrysler AG is a German car corporation and the world’s second largest car manufacturer. DaimlerChrysler is an automobile, trucks manufacturer and financial services provider through DaimlerChrysler Financial Services. The company also owns huge stake in EADS which is an aerospace group.

DaimlerChrysler produces cars and trucks under the following brands: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Smart, and Maybach. The Chrysler Group which is comprised of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge provides customers with parts and accessories such as Jeep window motor which is being marketed under the Mopar brand name.