Chrysler: Dodge Caliber headed overseas
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
In a demonstration of its new strategy, Chrysler Group LLC has announced plans to export the diesel-powered Dodge Caliber. American carmakers have tended to pass up export sales to concentrate on the domestic market in the United States. However, executives from Fiat, which now has a controlling interest in Chrysler, have indicated interest in expanding export sales from the United States to other markets around the world. Right now, BMW of North America’s manufacturing operation in South Carolina is the largest exporter of American-made vehicles. Roughly 70 percent of the vehicles built at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, which opened 15 years ago, are exported outside the United States.
“It says something about (American companies); you can come in here and become the biggest exporter,” BMW North America Chief Executive Officer Jim O’Donnell said.
The lack of exports has drawn fire from other critics of the domestic industry’s management, who suggest American carmakers should consider building vehicles for export to help offset sales declines in the U.S.
Chrysler spokesman David Elshoff, however, confirmed Tuesday that the new Dodge Caliber is slated for export from a Chrysler plant in Illinois.
The diesel-powered Caliber will not be sold in the U.S., but it will be equipped with an all new 2.2-liter common-rail diesel engine that delivers 16 percent more power and 3 percent more torque, while reducing fuel consumption by 5 percent and emissions of carbon dioxide by 3 percent.
Dodge Caliber appeals to buyers looking for a C-segment hatchback that stands out from the crowd and gives them the flexibility to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear, Chrysler executives say.
The Caliber will also get an all-new interior design, featuring a cleaner, more refined design theme, highlighted by detailed chromed accents, soft-touch premium materials and additional storage spaces.
New door-trim panels and center console with armrest split-lid feature padded soft-touch materials also have been added for improved passenger comfort.
The new Dodge Caliber debuts at the 2009 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany in mid-September, Elshoff said.
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