Chrysler still hopes to form new JV in China

Shanghai, April 15 (Gasgoo.com) Although its future in the U.S. is uncertain, Chrysler LLC said it has no plan to quit the Chinese market, where its presence will be kept. The ailing American auto giant still hopes to form a new joint venture in China while focusing on car import to the country.

Chrysler has recently launched its new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon SUV to China. In next week's 2009 Shanghai auto show, Chrysler will display its nine models of its three brands -- Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge -- despite the financial difficulties it is facing in the domestic U.S. market.

The crisis in the North American auto market has somewhat affected Chrysler's global strategy, said a spokesman for the Asia unit of Chrysler, adding that the automaker will keep committed to the Chinese market. Chrysler plans to import more models under its Dodge brand to China in 2009.

Chrysler, which pulled out of Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler (BBDC) in late 2008, will not give up its hope of forming a new joint venture in China, according to an executive of Chrysler's China sales company. The U.S. automaker is in alliance talks with Italy's Fiat.

Chrysler has had a bumpy journey in China in recent years. When it left BBDC last year, Chrysler ceased its talks for partnership with Chery Auto. Then its plan for small-car venture with Great Wall Motor came to an end last month due to financial crisis.