Chrysler to focus on car import to China market

Shanghai, March 24 (Gasgoo.com) After its unfruitful talks with Chinese automaker Chery Auto and Great Wall Motor, U.S. auto giant Chrysler LLC will have to shift its focus onto importing more car models to China for its sustainable presence in the world's second largest auto market, Beijing Business News said today.

Chrysler has had a bumpy journey in China in recent years. In late 2008, it pulled out of Daimler's joint venture with Beijing Auto -- Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co Ltd (BBDC) and meanwhile ceased its talks for partnership with Chery Auto. Then its plan for small-car venture with Great Wall Motor came to an end earlier this month due to the lingering global financial crisis.

A PR executive of Chrysler's China sales company said that Chrysler LLC has not approached other Chinese automakers yet for cooperation. Its Chinese operation will focus on the imported car business, by which the U.S. car company will sustain its presence in the China market.

Chrysler is set to launch its Jeep-branded Dodge Journey and Wrangler Rubicon to the Chinese market next month. The Dodge Journey will be priced at 299,900 yuan ($43,910) and the Wrangler Rubicon at 478,900 yuan-499,900 yuan. This year Chrysler will import another model to China. It is code-named "MK", a revamped model of Jeep Compass.

Jeep Wrangler Sahara, Chrysler LLC's fourth imported vehicle (after Jeep Grand Cherokee, Compass and Commander) under the Jeep brand hit the Chinese market in March 2008.

In January Chrysler LLC said it would not produce any more of its 300C and Sebring sedans in Daimler's Beijing venture after their current inventories were sold out. The two Chrysler sedan models will then be imported to the Chinese market for sale.