Dodge to sell SRT8 in Japan
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AutoWeek | Updated: 04/17/07, 2:41 pm et |
TOKYO - The Chrysler group is restructuring. Parent DaimlerChrysler may sell it.
So it might seem an odd time to launch the Dodge brand in Japan. No matter. The show must go on.
DaimlerChrysler will add Dodge vehicles in June at the 67 outlets in Japan that sell Chrysler and Jeep products.
The Dodge Nitro, Avenger, Caliber and Charger SRT8 will make up the Japan lineup. The company declines to give sales targets. Chrysler and Jeep sales in Japan in 2006 totaled 6,060, almost double the sales of General Motors vehicles from North America.
The Japan launch is part of Chrysler's plan to rebuild profits in part by entering markets outside North America.
The Chrysler group this year will introduce eight nameplates in Japan, bringing the total to 14, says DaimlerChrysler Japan Ltd. President Hans Tempel. The Jeep Wrangler led off in March.
As part of the launch, the company is sponsoring events under the "Dodge Bold Night" theme. The first event brought Japanese media and celebrities to a black tent. Hip-hop dancers and BMX cyclists performed. The Hard Rock Cafe catered the food. About 2,000 Japanese booked spots at similar events over three days.
"There are not that many roads around Tokyo where you can tap the performance" of the Charger's 6.1-liter hemi engine, admits Christopher Ellis, DaimlerChrysler Japan vice president for the Chrysler group. "But in a few months I'll get my Charger and go find them."
So it might seem an odd time to launch the Dodge brand in Japan. No matter. The show must go on.
DaimlerChrysler will add Dodge vehicles in June at the 67 outlets in Japan that sell Chrysler and Jeep products.
The Dodge Nitro, Avenger, Caliber and Charger SRT8 will make up the Japan lineup. The company declines to give sales targets. Chrysler and Jeep sales in Japan in 2006 totaled 6,060, almost double the sales of General Motors vehicles from North America.
The Japan launch is part of Chrysler's plan to rebuild profits in part by entering markets outside North America.
The Chrysler group this year will introduce eight nameplates in Japan, bringing the total to 14, says DaimlerChrysler Japan Ltd. President Hans Tempel. The Jeep Wrangler led off in March.
As part of the launch, the company is sponsoring events under the "Dodge Bold Night" theme. The first event brought Japanese media and celebrities to a black tent. Hip-hop dancers and BMX cyclists performed. The Hard Rock Cafe catered the food. About 2,000 Japanese booked spots at similar events over three days.
"There are not that many roads around Tokyo where you can tap the performance" of the Charger's 6.1-liter hemi engine, admits Christopher Ellis, DaimlerChrysler Japan vice president for the Chrysler group. "But in a few months I'll get my Charger and go find them."
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