China is quickly emerging in the car markets as a major player, both in regards to building as to buying cars. Chrysler is very well aware of this and has increased its model range in China from just two models in 2004 to twelve in 2008. The latest addition are the Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Journey which will be known in China as the Dodge JCUV.
The Dodge JCUV joins the Dodge Caliber, Caravan and Avenger range and will go on sale in 2009. The JCUV will open up a new market segment to Dodge in China and straight away claim best-in-class power, torque and safety features. The minivan – passenger car crossover seats 5+2 with plenty of storage space.
“This product offensive, together with an expanded and strengthened dealer network, is allowing us to continue our sustainable profitable growth in this critical market for our Company,” said Phil Murtaugh, Chief Executive Officer – Asia Operations. Four of the Chrysler Group cars are built in China, namely the Chrysler 300C and Sebring by BeijingBenz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive and the Chrysler Grand Voyager and Dodge Caravan are produced at Southeast Motor in Fuzhou.
Press release:
Chrysler LLC Introduces New Dodge Journey for China at Auto China 2008 in Beijing
- The Dodge brand shows its potential for future expansion in China with the introduction of the Dodge Journey
- Dodge ZEO and Jeep® Renegade concepts also have their Asian premieres
- Legendary Jeep Wrangler will start sales in China in April
- The Company’s line-up in China has grown from two models offered in 2004 to twelve models today
The Dodge brand is making strides in one of the fastest growing markets in the world with the introduction of the Dodge Journey at Auto China 2008. The Journey, locally named JCUV, continues the aggressive Dodge product offensive in China, by joining ranks with Dodge Avenger, Caliber and Caravan.
The Dodge Journey offers to the Chinese market a unique combination of bold and powerful Dodge design, sporty performance, versatility and flexibility, appealing to customers that need practicality in a “cool” and unique crossover package.
“We are very pleased with our recent growth in China and, with the introduction of vehicles with global appeal like the all-new Dodge Journey, we expect our momentum in the market to continue,” said Michael Manley, Executive Vice President – International Sales, Marketing and Business Development, Chrysler LLC. “Dodge JCUV, as we will call it in China, will allow us to appeal to a new set of customers here that want the flexibility and versatility of a minivan combined with the performance and fuel efficiency of a passenger car.”
The Dodge Journey will offer best-in-class power, torque and safety systems, in addition to smart features with a MyGIG™ infotainment system, optional rear-seat entertainment system and 19-inch wheels with tire pressure monitoring.
Clever, flexible seating and storage combinations abound with 5+2 seating. Spacious storage bins are hidden in the floor and under the front passenger seat cushion, and the front passenger seat, second-row and third-row seats can all fold flat.
Chrysler LLC intends to introduce the Dodge Journey in China in 2009.
Other highlights at Auto China 2008 include the Asian premieres of the Dodge ZEO and Jeep® Renegade concept vehicles. These two advanced technology concepts first debuted in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Additionally, the legendary Jeep Wrangler will now join the line-up in China, as the Company announces that sales will begin in April in this fast-growing market.
“With Jeep Wrangler, the Chrysler LLC product portfolio in China now encompasses twelve models—up from just two models offered in 2004. Also, we now produce four vehicles in China, for China,” said Phil Murtaugh, Chief Executive Officer – Asia Operations. “This product offensive, together with an expanded and strengthened dealer network, is allowing us to continue our sustainable profitable growth in this critical market for our Company.”
Chrysler LLC sales in China more than doubled during the first quarter of 2008 (4,839 units), the greatest percent increase of any volume market in the world for the Company. Much of this growth can be attributed to incremental sales of the locally produced Chrysler Sebring, which accounted for 22 percent of the market’s first-quarter sales. Sales in the Asia Pacific region are up 45 percent for the quarter versus last year.
The Chrysler LLC product portfolio in China now includes:
- Chrysler: 300C sedan, Grand Voyager, PT Cruiser sedan, Sebring sedan
- Dodge: Avenger, Caliber, Caravan
- Jeep: Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited
Four of these vehicles are built locally in China. The Chrysler 300C and Sebring are produced at BeijingBenz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive Ltd. (BBDC) in Beijing. The Chrysler Grand Voyager and Dodge Caravan are produced at Southeast Motor (SEM) in Fuzhou.