Chinese carmaker Chery Automobile and the US Chrysler Group
committed on Wednesday to a joint exploration of the North American
and European markets.
The cooperation deal will make for a strong combination of
Chery's background developing and producing low-cost small-and
medium-sized cars and Chrysler's branding and marketing expertise,
according to a joint statement from the two companies.
Chrysler chairman Tom LaSorda seemed enthused about the project,
saying that being "young and promising, Chery is the best partner
Chrysler could have found anywhere."
Chrysler will handpick several Chery models and release them in
North America and Europe under Chrysler Group brands after some
necessary modifications, said the joint statement.
Industry insiders say that the first vehicle exported -- due to
be based on the Chery A1 compact model that premiered at the
Shanghai auto show in April -- will be packaged under the Dodge
brand. It could be released as early as the end of the year, with
Mexico and Southern Europe likely to be first markets tapped.
"Cooperating with Chery will improve Chrysler's competitive edge
in the small-and medium-sized segment," said LaSorda, adding that
the partnership will permit a speedier and cheaper manufacturing
process for new Chrysler products.?
"Chrysler can teach Chery a lot and the cooperation will
strengthen Chery's international competitiveness," said Chery
chairman and CEO, Yin Tongyao.
Chery, one of China's most successful brands, became the
country's seventh largest automaker and fourth largest sedan
producer in 2006, having sold 305,200 vehicles. It is looking to
boost its export market this year, doubling last year's 50,000
exported vehicles.?
(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2007)