Detroit Free Press - Chrysler is exploring the possibility of producing Jeep or Chrysler vehicles at a plant Fiat is building in China to help the automaker boost its presence there.
Fiat, which owns 52% of Chrysler, is building a new plant in China with Guangzhou Auto Group, or GAC, and could give Jeep a quick way to boost production capacity in the fast growing market, said Mike Manley, CEO of the Jeep brand and head of Chrysler's international operations.
"The plant is under construction now, so if there is an opportunity ... our speed to market is going to be so much quicker, so it is something we are trying to explore aggressively," Manley said today at a product event at Chrysler's proving grounds in Chelsea.
Fiat has not said what vehicles it plans to build in the plant, which opens in 2012. Manley also wants to expand Jeep's dealership network in China from 70 dealers to 120 and is planning an event this fall to recruit new dealers.
While Jeep is Chrysler's lead brand in China, Manley also sees potential for Chrysler.
"Chrysler as a brand, despite very small volumes, resonates very highly in the Chinese market," Manley said. "Those who know Chrysler consider it very strongly."
About 150 reporters and industry analysts are in Chelsea today for an annual product day that Chrysler hasn't held for the past two years because of financial troubles.
