Chery A1 to export in 2008 as Dodge / Chrysler minicar

Shanghai, May 8 (Gasgoo.com) The Chery A1 which is to be re-branded as a Dodge mini vehicle will go on sale in Europe, North America and Asia later this year. The A1 cars are designed and built in Chery's Wuhu plant, and then exported to these markets with Chrysler's subsidiary Dodge branding, or Chrysler's own badge for some.

The Chinese car maker said that the Chery A1 has passed the road trial and crash test, and will be exported to the European, North American and Asian markets in the second half of 2008 as the first car model in the strategic cooperation between Chery and Chrysler for Chery's overseas growth. As their partnership warms up, Chrysler is likely to set up a joint venture with Chery in the near future.

Chrysler and Chery will choose to consummate their corporate marriage by launching this Dodge-badged Chery A1 because this mini-car model has met three international standards in technologies, services, and sales. The recent monthly sales of Chery A1 in the domestic market topped 5,730 units.

However, the brand promotion division of Chery Auto said that it is not finally decided yet whether all the Chery A1 cars for export will be re-branded as a Dodge mini vehicle, and that some of them will probably carry Chrysler's brand.