Chrysler looks forward to life without Mercedes

Date: 22 August 2007   |   Author:

Chrysler Group is predicting a bright future despite the divorce from Mercedes-Benz, with a raft of new product on the way.

What was termed 'the first day of Chrysler' took place in America earlier this month, with the official launch of the solus UK operation due before the end of the year. The new company will remain at what was DaimlerChrysler's UK headquarters in Milton Keynes, although the Chrysler departments are likely to be split from their Mercedes colleagues and relocated to another floor. A new name for DaimlerChrysler Financial Services will be announced "in due course," according to the firm, and DCFS has signed a deal with new Chrysler owner Cerberus that sees it appointed as financial services provider to the new firm.

There is also a host of new Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models in the pipeline. At next month's Frankfurt motor show the firm will reveal the new Jeep Cherokee and Chrysler Grand Voyager, as well as a seven-seat Dodge mini-MPV called Crew. The Crew is effectively the group's replacement for the Chrysler Voyager, as the new Chrysler people carrier will only be sold in long-wheelbase Grand Voyager form when it arrives in 2008.

As well as these new vehicles, model-year changes to the Grand Cherokee and 300C are coming late this year, focussed on improving the interior quality. There's also a cabrio version of the Chrysler Sebring coming next year, joining the saloon that recently went on sale along with the Jeep Wrangler, Patriot and Compass models. The Dodge Nitro and Avenger are also about to hit showrooms.

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