Chrysler-Dodge Cava-Van production wins government approval

Chrysler-Dodge has obtained production license from National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to produce a new car model called Cara-Van, according to a NDRC announcement yesterday.

"If everything goes smoothly, Chrysler-Dodge cars made in China will be launched in the last quarter of this year," Chen Landing, an official from Southeast Auto Group in charge of the Chrysler-Dodge program told Shanghai Securities News.

Earlier reports last month said Chrysler-Dodge had some differences with its partner Southeast Auto Group. However recently development indicates the two sides have resolved their differences, if any.

Southeast Auto Group will be responsible for the sales of Chrysler-Dodge products, officials from both sides told Shanghai Securities News.

"Chrysler-Dodge has set up a task force in charge of Dodge Cara-Van program in April," a Daimler-Chrysler (China) press official told Shanghai Securities News.

According to the NDRC announcement, a total number of 14 automakers and 26 car models have obtained production licenses. Among the automakers and car models approved by NDRC, 7 are Sin-foreign partnership auto-makers, which have 10 car models and 7 are China's native automakers, which have 16 car models approved.

Except Cava-Van, a Chrysler SUV produced by Southeast Auto Group has also obtained production license from NDRC.