Chrysler LLC, which has weathered job cuts and cost-cutting in the United States market, is launching new models in China to boost sales in the world's second-largest car market.

The US car maker plans to introduce more than seven vehicles under three brands, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep, this year to propel brand recognition, according to Ulf Ausprung, general manager of marketing and product management at Chrysler Group (China) Sales Ltd.

Chrysler is lagging behind its rivals, such as General Motors, Volkswagen and Toyota, in China's vehicle market where sales have grown more than 20 percent each year on average over the past three years.

Chrysler yesterday started selling an imported Dodge Caliber compact sedan to appeal to cross-over enthusiasts and take on the imported Opel Astra and Renault Scenic in China. The two-liter engine model costs 230,000 yuan (US$31,944) in China.

Chrysler began selling the imported Avenger sedan last month, while the Dodge Caravan multi-purpose vehicle was assembled at a joint venture between Fujian Automotive Industry Corp and Japan's Mitsubishi Motors in coastal Fujian Province.

Other new models include a Chrysler Sebring mid-sized sedan, made by venture with Beijing Automotive Industry Corp, and an imported Jeep Wrangler next month.

Besides the launch of new products, Chrysler has been seeking partners and dealers to expand its presence in China since it separated from Daimler AG last year.

Chrysler signed an agreement with China's Chery Automobile Co Ltd to produce cars in China last year.

But Ausprung said the two car makers are still working on preliminary plans for exports to Latin America rather than meeting local demand.

(Shanghai Daily, February 27, 2008)