Southeast and Chrysler to co-develop sales network for Dodge

At the Shanghai Auto, Simon Elliott, President and CEO of Chrysler Group (China) Sales, unveiled that Chrysler will build a sales network for the Dodge brand in China through cooperation with Southeast Motors, signaling that Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrylser Automotive Co as DaimlerChrysler's only venture in China may not participate in the selling business of the Dodge brand.

If succeed it will be the first time for Dodge to enter China. Chrysler also announced their plans to begin producing Chrysler Sebring in China by their joint venture in Beijing toward the end of this year. They are also planning to launch their Caliber small sport-utility vehicle in china starting next year, which will be taken charge by Southeast Motor.

Simon Elliott said that more than 163 dealers have showed their interests to the establishment of a Dodge sale channel in China. Chrysler Caliber and Avenger will be imported through this channel in 2008. Dodge sedan will go on sale starting the first quarter next year while the partner for producing Dodge in China hasn’t been decided.