Chrysler Sticks It Out In China

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

While other companies, from the Michelin man to Fiat, Renault and Daihatsu, say bu hao (no good) to the Shanghai Auto Show in late April and stay at home, Chrysler is obstinate. They’ll be there, come hell or the PTFOA (Presidential Task Force on Automobiles). Chrysler has no plans to quit the Chinese market and it will join the upcoming Auto Shanghai 2009 late April despite the great pressure it is facing in the U.S., Gasgoo writes. Today’s distinguished BS medal with oak leaf cluster-NSFW goes to this fine example of Chinese chutzpa:

The crisis in the North American auto market has somewhat affected Chrysler’s global strategy, said a spokesman for Asia unit of Chrysler, adding that the automaker will keep committed to the Chinese market.

Somewhat? Committed to the Chinese market? As if they ever were since they littered the landscape with cheap Cherokees.

In the netherworld according to Gasgoo, “the automaker plans to introduce three imported models under its Dodge brand to the country in 2009, in a bid to lure more customers and gain more market share.”

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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  • JK43123 JK43123 on Apr 06, 2009

    Sebring--gotta dump em somewhere. John

  • Superbadd75 Superbadd75 on Apr 06, 2009

    They're smart to expand in China. Compared to the competition there, Chrysler's build quality should be pretty much top notch!

  • Wsn Wsn on Apr 06, 2009
    superbadd75 : April 6th, 2009 at 2:17 pm They’re smart to expand in China. Compared to the competition there, Chrysler’s build quality should be pretty much top notch! ------------------------------------------------ So, you are saying Chrysler China is beating GM China, Toyota China, Honda China and Hyundai China in terms of build quality?
  • Runfromcheney Runfromcheney on Apr 06, 2009

    Doesn't matter. Chrysler will be leaving China in a month........

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