Dodge Enters China with Bold, Powerful Statement

- Dodge brand officially enters Chinese market with first products revealed at Auto Shanghai 2007

- The best-selling Dodge Caravan will be locally produced in China for the Chinese market

- Dodge Caliber will be the first imported Dodge vehicle available to customers in China

- Portfolio of Dodge vehicles underlines the breadth and potential of the brand

SHANGHAI, China, April 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dodge officially enters China with a bold and powerful statement at Auto Shanghai 2007 as it premieres the first two products for the brand: the locally produced Dodge Caravan and imported Dodge Caliber. These two Dodge vehicles, in addition to the other Dodge products on display at the Shanghai show, clearly underline the scope and potential of the Dodge brand.

Each of these vehicles delivers the four key attributes of the Dodge brand: bold, powerful, capable and street smart ... and together they stress the exciting present and future of the brand as it continues to expand into the global automotive market.

"We have a clear and assertive brand identity for Dodge," said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director - International Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group. "We established a strong and distinct character for our new Dodge products and now expand the brand into China, one of the most promising automotive markets in the world. As we begin to define the brand through its products at Auto Shanghai 2007, we can clearly illustrate the breadth, potential and excitement that the brand offers."


Dodge Caravan

The new Dodge Caravan precisely interprets the mission of Chrysler Group to make the best-selling minivan in the marketplace the best looking, while staying true to the minivan formula of a right-sized vehicle designed from the inside out.

The 1984 introduction of the modern minivan by the Chrysler Group changed the way people thought about family and business transportation. Designed with a formula that has proven to be successful for 23 years, the new Dodge Caravan for the Chinese market continues to embrace the original minivan formula with modern enhancements.

The Dodge Caravan stays true to the original design theme, striving for more comfort and convenience. With easy entry and exit; chair-height seating; a low, flat floor; flexible seating options with the Stow 'n Go(TM) seating and storage system; and multiple safety and convenience features, the Dodge Caravan has matured into a pleasant, comfortable and useful vehicle.

The Dodge Caravan is instantly recognizable as a Dodge by its bold styling and distinctive crosshair grille that has become the "face" of Dodge.

The Dodge Caravan is the first Dodge vehicle to be built in China, and will be produced at Southeast Motor (SEM), a Chinese auto manufacturer based in Fuzhou, in the Fujian province of southeast China, under a license agreement reached between Chrysler Group and SEM. The Dodge Caravan will begin sales in China toward the end of 2007.

"The decision to build the Dodge Caravan in China for the local market is key to being competitive in a country where significant growth opportunities are anticipated for years to come. Our leadership is committed to the expansion of the Dodge brand outside North America, and partnerships such as this one will help us to ensure the brand's success," said Hausch.

Dodge Caliber

With its successful entry into markets around the world, and securing its place as the top-selling Chrysler Group product outside North America this year, the Dodge Caliber now arrives to China. Caliber is a new slant on the C- segment, combining bold styling with high value and utility. The Dodge Caliber will appeal to customers who want Dodge attitude packaged with the capability and versatility of a sport-utility type vehicle, plus high fuel efficiency.

Dodge Caliber is a five-door vehicle that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV. Dodge Caliber's sheer surface treatment commands attention and evokes attributes that define the Dodge brand: bold, powerful, capable and street smart. Smart engine options, innovative features and high levels of safety and security round out the appealing package.

The new Dodge Caliber will be available for Chinese customers starting in the first quarter of 2008.

Dodge Viper SRT10 and Dodge Avenger

Dodge Viper SRT10 is the ultimate American sports car and the icon of the brand. It offers unbelievable power with stunning performance from its 8.3- liter V-10 engine and instantly recognizable looks.

The Dodge Avenger is an all-new four-door mid-size segment sedan that combines bold, aggressive Dodge styling with power and performance, fuel efficiency, innovative interior features and high levels of safety and reliability.

Both of these vehicles on display at Auto Shanghai 2007 are further tangible proof of the progress of the Chrysler Group product offensive and the great potential for the Dodge brand in China and other international markets.

Dodge Brand

With a U.S. market share of 6 percent, Dodge is the Chrysler Group's best- selling brand and the fifth-largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. The Dodge brand has been producing vehicles for over 90 years.

In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million (1,345,517) vehicles in the global market. The Dodge global portfolio includes a range of cars, trucks, minivans and sport-utility vehicles.

"The expansion of the Dodge brand into our key volume markets outside North America allows us to increase volume while leveraging our established dealer network and distribution structure," said Hausch. "Dodge also appeals to a different type of customer than Chrysler and Jeep(R), and its global expansion will contribute to our sustainable, profitable growth."

With continued strong sales, Dodge leads the Chrysler Group's brands in growth outside North America and could account for approximately 30 percent of Chrysler Group's sales outside North America by the end of 2009.

Additional information and news on the Dodge brand and its vehicles is available on the Internet at: http://www.discoverdodge.com.cn/


Source: Chrysler Group

GM Family Brings Record Number of Vehicles to Auto Shanghai 2007

Shanghai, China, 2007-04-19 - Under the theme of Driving China’s Automotive Industry into the Future, General Motors Corp. and its China joint ventures are showcasing a record number of vehicles of today and tomorrow at Auto Shanghai 2007.

The 41 vehicles from GM, Shanghai General Motors and SAIC-GM-Wuling represent an array of production, concept and clean-energy products. All six brands offered by the GM family in China are represented on their 4,500-square-meter stand at this year's leading auto show in China.

"GM is proud to be joining our joint ventures to show the people of China our unmatched lineup of vehicles in addition to some new products and technologies that are making their first appearance in China," said GM China Group President and Managing Director Kevin E. Wale. "Our stand demonstrates how China's vehicle buyers are benefiting from our partnerships today and will continue to benefit from our partnerships well into the future."

Global Concepts of Tomorrow

The highlight of GM's stand is two concepts that are making their worldwide premiere. Both products were personally introduced by GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner.

The Buick Riviera is a stunning coupe developed with global design input by GM's Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in Shanghai by GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) automotive engineering and design joint venture in Shanghai. It was creatdesigned to showcase Buick's new global design direction in a stylish vehicle that combines East and West. It also marks the return of a renowned Buick nameplate after an eight-year hiatus.

GM's latest achievement in electric and fuel cell technologies is appearing in the next iteration of the E-Flex electric architecture. This second variant of theThe E-Flex system being shown for the first time in Shanghai uses GM's new fifth-generation fuel cell propulsion technology and a lithium-ion battery. The system was first initially shown in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in the Chevrolet Volt concept vehicle, which is also appearing on GM's stand.

Among the other concept vehicles from around the world appearing on the GM stand are the Chevrolet Camaro sports car, the Chevrolet WTCC race car and the Cadillac Cien sedan.

Production Vehicles of Today

In addition to highlighting several of its vehicles of the future, GM and its joint ventures are also displaying an arraya range of products that are currently or will soon be offered in China.

New from Buick is the Buick Park Avenue luxury sedan, the brand's top-of-the-line model, which is fresh off its worldwide debut in Shanghai on April 10. Buick's lineup also includes all three members of the Excelle family, Shanghai GM's best-selling model, as well as the ever-popular Buick GL8 executive wagon and the hot-selling Buick LaCrosse premium sedan.

Cadillac, GM's American luxury brand, has on display all five vehicles that it currently offers in China. One of the five models and Cadillac's best-selling product, the Cadillac SLS luxury business sedan, is making its maiden appearance at Auto Shanghai.

Chevrolet has on display a range of cars that begin with the Chevrolet Spark mini-car and go all the way up to the new Chevrolet Epica intermediate sedan, which went on sale across China beginning in March. Visitors will also see standard and sporty versions of the Chevrolet Aveo hatchback as well as the popular Chevrolet Lova compact sedan.

Being shown for the first time in Asia are two models courtesy of GM's Opel import brand from Germany. The Opel Astra GTC with a panorama windshield offers both the driver and front seat passenger an almost unlimited field of vision. Passengers experience their surroundings just like in the cockpit of an airplane because there is no crossbeam restricting the view. The Opel Astra TwinTop, which was launched in Europe last May, is a slimline four-seat cabrio-coupe that is one of the first cars in its class to feature an innovative three-part roof system.

Saab, GM's premium brand from Sweden, is showcasing four members of its Saab 9-3 family: the Convertible, Linear sedan, Sporthatch and Vector sedan. Also appearing is the Saab 9-5 Aero sedan.

The Wuling mini-vehicle brand from SAIC-GM-Wuling is represented by the Hong Tu minivan, which is making its first appearance at the Shanghai auto show, and the GM China family's most popular model, the Sunshine minivan.

Auto Shanghai 2007 begins on April 22 and runs through April 28 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. Vehicles from GM, Shanghai GM and SAIC-GM-Wuling are being displayed on the GM stand in Hall E1.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.

More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com

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Source: General Motors China

DaimlerChrysler Shows Broad Portfolio at Auto Shanghai 2007

* DaimlerChrysler displays almost 50 vehicles
* Dodge has arrived in China – Dodge Caliber, locally-produced Dodge Caravan minivan
* Chrysler shows Sebring, to be built at BBDC
* Jeep® Compass Rallye Asia Premier
* Mercedes Car Group celebrates 100 years of 4MATIC
* Mercedes shows S350; AMG and SUV lineup
* New Mercedes-Benz E-Class, produced at BBDC

Shanghai, Apr 20, 2007 -- DaimlerChrysler will show almost 50 vehicles this year at Auto Shanghai, including vehicles from Mercedes Car Group, Chrysler Group and Truck Group, in addition to its history as a safety pioneer, roadmap to sustainable mobility and new vehicle financing products in China.

The Chrysler Group is formally introducing Dodge in China, showing two new vehicles for local production – the new Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Caravan minivan – and, for the first time in Asia, unveiling the Jeep® Compass Rallye. Mercedes Car Group, celebrating 100 years of 4MATIC all-wheel drive this year, is unveiling the new S350, its AMG lineup, the “fantastic four” SUV lineup and the new E-Class vehicles produced at BeijingBenz-DaimlerChrysler (BBDC) joint venture in Beijing. The Truck Group is showing Mercedes-Benz Actros and Axor heavy duty trucks for various logistics and construction applications.

“From the two-seat Mercedes-Benz SLK convertible roadster and GL55 AMG off-road powerhouse, to the largest Mercedes-Benz Actros heavy duty truck; and from the locally produced Chrysler Sebring and all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, to the 500 hp Dodge Viper - DaimlerChrysler’s display is emblematic of the breadth and depth of its strong brands, and its intention to sell and produce vehicles in China in almost every segment,” said Ulrich Walker, Chairman and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Northeast Asia. “All of our divisions and regional partners have a presence at Auto Shanghai, which is symbolic of our continued growth and expansion in this dynamic market.”


Chrysler Group

The Chrysler Group will show 24 vehicles at Auto Shanghai, representing all of its brands – Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge. The Chrysler Group is embarking on an unprecedented product offensive and has very ambitious plans to increase sales and production in the region.

The Chrysler Group is showing two new vehicles which will be produced in China this year – The new Chrysler Sebring mid-size sedan, which will be produced at the BBDC JV; and the Dodge Caravan minivan, which will be produced at Southeast motors, via a licensing agreement, in Fuzhou.

The new Chrysler Sebring Sedan combines eye-catching design with interior refinement, customer-focused technology and safety features, brisk performance and fuel efficiency. Together with the Chrysler 300C, PT Cruiser and Grand Voyager, the Chrysler Sebring continues to expand the Chrysler brand’s presence in China.

The Dodge brand has arrived in China! The Dodge Caravan, the best selling minivan in the world, is the first Dodge vehicle to be produced and sold in China. It joins the Dodge Caliber, which goes on sale in 2008 in China. Dodge is also showing its icon – the 500+ hp Dodge Viper Roadster, along with the Avenger, high performance Dodge Caliber SRT4 and special edition Dodge Caliber SEMA Concept.

Jeep® will unveil the Compass Rallye for the first time in Asia. Starting today, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander go on sale in China. The Jeep Compass will go on sale in the second half of the year, and the venerable Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will come to China in 2008.

Mercedes Car Group

Mercedes Car Group will display 20 new models on the stand, including the new Mercedes-Benz S350, which has a new rear seat entertainment system customized for China. The Mercedes-Benz S350 joins the Mercedes-Benz S300 (developed exclusively for China), Mercedes-Benz S600 and Mercedes-Benz SL500 as part of the lineup of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedans. China has one of the highest sales of S-Class vehicles in the world. For the first quarter of 2007, Mercedes-Benz sold 3,000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans, which accounted for almost half of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold in China.

Following the increasing demand for luxury in China, the ultra-luxurious Maybach 62S has a special VIP area in the MCG stand.

Mercedes-Benz celebrates 100 years of 4MATIC, all-wheel drive technology this year. In 1907 the Company created the world’s first all-wheel drive vehicle. As of 2007, Mercedes-Benz has implemented 4th generation 4MATIC all-wheel drive technology in forty-eight models across seven series including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the SUV family, far more than any other luxury car maker in the world. Two weeks ago, Mercedes-Benz officially launched some of its fastest sedans in the world’s fastest growing market; the legendary AMG high-performance vehicles are now available China - S65 AMG, E63 AMG, G55 AMG and ML63 AMG. Renowned for their high-performance, specially tuned engines, and unique interior and exterior appointments, AMG vehicles represent the best attributes of Mercedes-Benz, taken to the next level.

“With the rapid growth of affluence in China and increasing desire for individuality and personal expressiveness, we are bringing the most dynamic Mercedes-Benz vehicles to the most dynamic market in the world,” added Walker. “Chinese consumers are increasingly differentiating themselves through high-end fashion, design, travel and lifestyle choices. Automobile enthusiasts have long considered their vehicles as extensions of themselves. AMG offers a new level of automotive aspiration and expression for the growing number of passionate car enthusiasts in China.”

Mercedes-Benz is also showing the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans, built at the BBDC joint venture (E 200; E280 and E350). Production of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class continues ramping up at the plant from when it began last November. A history journey from Paris to Beijing over 28 days heralded the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class in China last year.

Mercedes-Benz will demonstrate why it is the number one in luxury SUV’s in China with its “Fantastic Four” lineup: The full-size Mercedes-Benz R-Class SUV, the award-winning full-size Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, the high-performance mid-size Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, and the 28-year-old classic, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a truly professional off-road warrior.

Mercedes-Benz will also show its transporters – the Mercedes-Benz Viano and Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo Viano Multi Purpose Vehicles. Mercedes-Benz transporters set new benchmarks for family or business transportation needs, providing best-in-class comfort, space and reliability.

Truck Group

DaimlerChrysler’s Truck Group will show four heavy-duty trucks in its outdoor display. Three versions of the Mercedes-Benz Actros will be shown, the Actros Tractor, Actros Wrecker and Actros Pump. These trucks, which are renowned for their reliability, safety, quality and technical innovations, show various adaptations which serve the fast-growing construction, logistics and concrete industries in China.

Mercedes-Benz will also show its Axor Heavy Duty Tractor, a more economical solution for construction and utility usage.

Mercedes-Benz Truck continues to expand sales in China due to its best in class reliability, quality and safety. Mercedes-Benz Trucks are the leaders in their segments in China (Imported vehicles from Western Europe), with 44% market share.

DaimlerChrysler Auto Finance is staring a new promotion at Auto Shanghai – finance a Mercedes-Benz E280 for 280 RMB per day.

DaimlerChrysler is expanding sales and production of passenger cars and commercial vehicles in Northeast Asia. DaimlerChrysler's joint venture BBDC has been ramping up production of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Chrysler 300C. DaimlerChrysler imports passenger cars and commercial vehicles to Northeast Asia under the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, smart, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Freightliner and Fuso brands.


Source: DaimlerChrysler