CNN Money's Take On The Mercedes S65 AMG: It's Big, Fast And Pointless

eMERCEDESBENZ - - Although those considering the new Mercedes S65 AMG most likely take little heed to the thoughts and opinions of automotive reviewers, the gentlemen of CNN Money recently took their turn behind the new model, stating, quite bluntly, that it's "big, fast and pointless". That's funny... and here I thought that the Mercedes S65 AMG was the key to bringing about world peace, ending hunger and curing AIDS. Let me tell you something CNN Money: any car that costs $190,000 is pointless. Period. Nobody needs a $190,000 car; nobody needs a $100,000 car for that matter. Nobody needs a television; nobody needs a Rolex; as a society, we don't need 90 percent of the things we possess. That's not the point. A car review should be one thing and one thing alone: a review of the specific vehicle in question; not personal preference as to the validity of a vehicle; not making comparisons to other vehicles that have absolutely no relevance to the vehicle in question. So, for example, comparing the S65 AMG to a Porsche: ridiculous, because the S65 isn't meant to replace a Porsche, nor is it trying to. It's mean to be the fastest luxury sedan in the world. Comparing it to the S550: again, while the two share the same body, they're two entirely different beasts. One is meant to be a luxury sedan, while the other is meant to be what kids? The world's fastest luxury sedan. So to CNN Money and the rest of the world's automotive journalists across the globe, please, do us all a favor: review the S65; compare it to any other sedans capable of hitting 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of over 200 mph; but please, whatever you do, don't tell us that we don't need the S65; don't tell us the S65 is pointless; because quite frankly, we know... and we could care less. To read the full S65 AMG review, head over to CNN Money.

Mercedes GL320 CDI Added To Mercedes-Benz USA's Website

Posted December 6th, 2006 At 10:55 AM CST

eMERCEDESBENZ - - While scanning our inbox this late morning/early afternoon, an ever-alert reader by the name Andy tipped us off to the fact that the GL320 CDI has just been added to the Mercedes-Benz USA website. Before you get too excited, I should point out that while a broad list of the GL320 CDI specs are listed (including its fuel consumption stats of 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway, in case you were wondering), pricing, the "Build Your Own" feature and a few other bits of technical information are still missing in action. Nevertheless, if you've been waiting for the big diesel SUV to hit U.S. shores, it will at least wet your appetite a little more... Keep Reading "Mercedes GL320 CDI Added To Mercedes-Benz USA's Website"

'Update 2' - Looking into the Dodge Challenger Crystal Ball

HEMISPHERICAL BLOG | AUBURN HILLS MI - - Recently while watching Barrett-Jackson auction show, retro cars are at a growing popularity among collection owners and no wonder, they are vintage, powerful, and look classy. Even though most of the people collecting them are mostly baby-boomers and have a cash flow to spare. Even aftermarket companies still make them and boy do they look good with the exception of the sticker shocker.

The upcoming production Dodge Challenger R/T, 5.7-Liter / 6.1-Liter Hemi powertrains and you will know what I am talking about, on why muscle cars are in. The car was on this display at this year's auto show circuit and the first impressions were very enormous; you can tell that the guys at DaimlerChrysler were working hard on this model in bringing back muscle nostalgia. Now that the circuit is finally over, the team returned back to the assembling drawing board to figure out how to produce this great car with various limited run models.

What? Various limited models? As told by our famous insider, LD23 coupe [Dodge version] will be followed by several models but not built for the masses as other manufactures have done with a retro theme vehicle. I will say again, limited run means limited numbers. Chrysler Group intentions is not to build this platform with large numbers as it revivals cousins on the LX platform. Chrysler's flexable manufacturing method with multi-designs vehicles based on a single platform [LX soon to be the shortened LY] , the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, and the Dodge Charger will help to reduce the platform initial production costs.

Beside the initial production of the 2008 Dodge Challenger R/T, what other models could we expect?

First - let us clear up something. We had been hearing rumors of its "evil twin-sister" [LC23 -Chrysler version], awaits in the wing that was co-developed along with the Challenger at the Chrysler Advance Design Studio in Carlsbad California. Though, not to be undone as told, this car will bring back the retro Plymouth Barracuda design. For the muscle car collector, this is one car that is most sought after these days. Already told before, the Plymouth nameplate will "NOT" be resurrected and the model name will be shortened and labeled under the Chrysler brand for a limited historical production run. Remember the Plymouth Prowler? Man that was a short run for an awesome roadster. This lil-caper reminds me of our insider remarks: "WHEN THE THREE C's COME TOGETHER."

Second - initial production will begin with a 30,000 or a possible 50,000 maximum units production at the Canadian Brampton plant. The plant will be in full swing in April and could face a possible overtime. A leaked memo to the local Canadian Newspaper did tell us that if production is running at maximum assembly, the extra Chrysler 300s vehicles will be moved to the St.Louis plant.

Following this, 3,000 to 4,000 copies of an SRT8 model will appear shortly there after and will sport the next SRT's top Hemi brand hot engine. Currently, this new powertrain, coupled with the latest Viper 6-Speed manual tranny is under going testing in other modified SRT8 mules. Though, I was told "MUM" is the word on this powertrain; being silent means for the Shelby fans. SRT rather surprise them with an embarrassing moment at the track then give them edge.

Third - SRT and members of the SkunkWerks Engineering team, will attempt a "Unique Model" above the SRT version. As told by our friend, something that will be inline with performance cars north of 80,000 dollars range but affordable. What will be the negative aspect of this model? You are looking at a limited production run about a year or so. That being the case, this HO model will require a hefty down deposit and adding your name to a waiting list months prior to production. I am sure that this will arise the curiosity of the age old question -"How much horsepower are we expecting?" Remember the dollar range I spoken about to figure out what level of performance to expect.

Fourth - What about a convertible version? The answer is YES! It can be done and expect something within 24-months of initial production. There is already a drawing of a hard folding top convertible that looks like a real coupe when attached.

Fifth - last is the myriad of options from power train to optional gearing will follow these variations to help beef up MOPAR SPEED Shop pockets.

Dodge is very eager to make the car as fast as possible and as told earlier, there is unexpected release to help with sales. The two door Dodge Challenger looks great and drives like a dream, yet the price and production difficulties may limit many eager collection owners from purchasing the initial product.

DCX recalls Jeep Cherokees in Japan

Detroit Free Press - United States
TOKYO — DaimlerChrysler’s Japan unit on Thursday told the Transport Ministry it is recalling 4,122 Jeep Cherokees to replace a defective ball joint in the ...
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US LIGHT-VEHICLE INVENTORIES

NORTH AMERICA CAR & TRUCK PRODUCTION

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Scheduled Plant Overtime

Chrysler group offers $500 million in dealer incentives

Reuters / December 5, 2006 - 4:00 pm
DETROIT -- The Chrysler group is offering half a billion dollars to U.S. dealers in an effort to clear 2006 inventory, a person familiar with the situation said today.

The Chrysler group is giving dealers up to $7,000 per vehicle in "dealer cash" for certain 2006 models, the person said. Dealers can either pass the money on to buyers or pocket it as profit.

The program, offered alongside a new round of rebates on 2007 models, should help ease tensions between Chrysler and its dealers, many of whom have complained about being pressured to order cars they cannot sell.

The U.S. arm of the German automaker reduced its inventory from 647,000 vehicles in July to 499,000 in November, but 2006 models still account for 32 percent of the total.

The Chrysler group is offering roughly $500 million in dealer cash on the remaining 164,000 2006 models.

The Chrysler group also has about 50,000 more vehicles in its "sales bank:" previously undisclosed parking lots full of vehicles unassigned to dealers.

The number of such vehicles swelled to 100,000 this year before dropping to about 50,000 last month, the Chrysler group has said. Last week, the automaker said it was on track to eliminating the surplus by year-end.

The dealer cash ranges from $2,500 on models such as the Dodge Charger to $7,000 on the Dodge Ram pickup and Durango SUV, the person said.

Chrysler spokesman Kevin McCormick confirmed the automaker was offering dealer cash, but declined to provide more details. "This is pretty standard practice to help clear out remaining prior-year inventory," he said.

The Chrysler group this year has been offering the most aggressive incentives of the Detroit 3, beating out larger rivals Ford Motor Co. and General Motors for discounts.

But some dealers have pushed back, accusing the Chrysler group of trying to force too many vehicles into its sales channel when it should have been cutting production.

In November, the Chrysler group offered an average incentive of $4,224 per vehicle, according to industry research firm Edmunds.com. Ford's average was $3,226 while GM's average was $2,539 per vehicle for the same period.

The Chrysler group also recently launched a direct-mail campaign, offering $1,000 coupons to 3.4 million customers shopping for a new car.

DaimlerChrysler won't join Avtovaz-Magna Russian plant

Reuters / December 7, 2006 - 9:00 am

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MOSCOW -- DaimlerChrysler AG denied a report today that it may join a project of Russia's largest carmaker Avtovaz and Canada's Magna International to build a $2 billion plant in Russia.

"DaimlerChrysler is currently not planning any car production in Russia within the framework of possible cooperation between Avtovaz and Magna in Russia," a spokesman for the world's fifth-biggest carmaker said.

Avtovaz and Magna, Canada's biggest auto parts maker, have been discussing a joint project to develop new models and build a plant for some time.

The Vedomosti newspaper quoted industry sources as saying the plant would cost up to $2.26 billion (1.7 billion euros) and would produce up to 480,000 cars a year in addition to Avtovaz's current output of 721,000 units.

The documents could be signed before the end of this year, while the plant could be built by 2010. The new plant would produce a new Lada model and a premium-class model of Daimler, it said.

Avtovaz, which already has a joint venture with General Motors, had named French carmakers Renault SA and PSA/Peugeot-Citroen among its potential partners.

Foreign carmakers are seeking to expand in Russia as car sales are booming due to people's rising income amid record high oil, gas and metals prices.

Will another shoe drop, with Bernhard in the wings?

Edward Lapham is the executive editor of Automotive News. He writes commentaries for Automotive News online every business day. His commentaries also can be found here.

Edward Lapham | | Automotive News / December 5, 2006 - 4:01 pm If you squint, the shakeup in Auburn Hills, Mich., looks a lot like it did six years ago, right before DaimlerChrysler CEO Juergen Schrempp fired Jim Holden.

Back then, a glut of carryover 2000-model minivans clogged the launch of the new, improved - and more costly - 2001 models, which meant using beefy incentives to move the iron.

In what seems like deja vu, Joe Eberhardt's sudden departure comes after Chrysler slapped an obese $7,000 dealer incentive on carryover 2006 models to get them out of the way of 2007 models.

The cheers and laughter you hear cascading across America aren't coming from early holiday parties. It's just the resounding joy of Chrysler's dealers who are dancing and singing in the streets like Munchkins now that the automaker's head of global marketing and sales is gone.

Dealers have been in open revolt for more than a year over the company's vehicle ordering and incentive policies, which they say makes it tough for them to sell the right cars and trucks - or make money.

Fast-tracker

Yes, Eberhardt was the point man with dealers, and his manner troubled them. But the sales exec who came to Auburn Hills as a fast-tracker from Mercedes-Benz wasn't the sole author of Chrysler's situation.

You have to figure that Chrysler group CEO Tom LaSorda had a hand in it. Some even point their fingers at DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche, suggesting this year's overly optimistic build schedules may have been used to boost his candidacy for the top job in Stuttgart.

That seems like a stretch. Zetsche got the nod more than a year ago, and the company could have turned off the production spigot at any time after he was elevated in January.

Still, you have to wonder what, or who, is next. If Eberhardt won't be alone, is LaSorda the next to go?

Sure, it looks a lot like 2000, but there are differences.

Schrempp, in a single surprising stroke, fired Holden and dispatched Zetsche and Wolfgang Bernhard to Auburn Hills to fix things, which they did.

It's a little different this time, largely because of the buzz in Auburn Hills, Stuttgart and Wolfsburg about the possible return to Chrysler of Bernhard, whose future at Volkswagen is far from certain these days.

Dump Chrysler?

Many German analysts and media say Chrysler isn't worth the effort. They suggest that DaimlerChrysler ought to spin off or sell Chrysler, forgetting that it was the American side of the family that brought home the groceries while Stuttgart struggled to fix Mercedes' quality, image and profit issues.

Down deep, even the diehard Mercedes parochialists must know that divesting Chrysler wouldn't be easy.

Perhaps the only way to salvage the situation in Auburn Hills is to bring in another German savior.

Right.

2007 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Priced at $189,000

Well, now that 2007 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG has had its coming out party, the price tag is officially $189,000.

Union files charges against Chrysler

The local UAW branch files an unfair labor practice charge over temporary workers

By Alex Gary
ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
Click here for more information about Alex Gary

BELVIDERE — The number of temporary workers building the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass continues to dwindle even as the battle over their use in the first place heats up.

The National Labor Relations Board is the latest entity being drawn into the dispute over the use of two-year temporary workers at DaimlerChrysler’s assembly plant in Belvidere.

In October, Tom Littlejohn, president of United Auto Workers Local 1268, filed an unfair labor practice charge against DaimlerChrysler for negotiating with the international UAW to change the contract covering Belvidere employees without including local representatives.

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The charge comes to light a week after a Lake County woman, Kathy Hungness, filed suit in U.S. District Court in Chicago alleging breach of contract by the international UAW, UAW Local 1268 and DaimlerChrysler. Hungness was one of the 600 workers classified by the company as “enhanced temporary employees” with far fewer rights and benefits as her more tenured coworkers. Of the 600, 100 were eliminated in September and 90 more are being let go this month.

The unfair labor practice charge before the NLRB appears to be unique, a labor law expert says. It alleges in 2003 international UAW officials agreed to changes in the contract that covered workers at Belvidere with DaimlerChrysler without including UAW Local 1268 negotiators in the process.

Those negotiations led to the company pouring $419 million in the plant to retool it to build three new models. It also allowed the company to interpret a clause in the contract governing the use of temporary workers to mean it could hire workers on two-year contracts with no guarantee of future work and giving DaimlerChrysler the right to end the contract at any time.

Previously, temporary workers were hired for no more than 119 days.

“The UAW is known for centralized bargaining, so it’s not unusual that the UAW handled the situation in that way,” said Michael LeRoy, a professor at the University of Illinois College of Law. “It’s unusual but not unprecedented for locals to get into disputes with the international. The A.E. Staley lockout (of the mid-1990s in Decatur) was similar. In that case, the local ended up breaking away and joining another union.

“But I have not seen it result in an unfair labor practice charge before the NLRB.”

NLRB officials said they are investigating the charge and expect to hand down a preliminary determination by the end of January. But LeRoy said final decisions are often appealed and take “years to decide.”

Michael Palese of Chrysler’s legal communications division said the charge before the NLRB is “without merit and we are confident we will prevail.” Littlejohn did not return phone calls. He has not been talking to the media since late August after giving an interview to Crain’s Communications Inc., which publishes Automotive News.

This summer, Daimler-Chrysler added 600 workers under the “enhanced temporary employee” classification to beef up the work force as the plant moved to three shifts. Many were new hires, but some were workers hired in 119-day temporary positions who were forced to sign the two-year deals.

Of those 600, 100 were let go in September because of a lack of need as the more tenured workers finished taking vacations. An additional 90 are being let go as “part of the normal plant efficiency process,” Chrysler spokesman Michelle Tinson said by e-mail Tuesday night.

Hungness, who used to live in Oregon, was among the workers eliminated in September and she is seeking class-action status for her lawsuit. Hungness and other current and former temporary workers scheduled a Sunday benefit in Rockford to raise money for the legal battle.

The Belvidere plant employs about 3,600 workers who assemble the Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber and beginning this month, the Jeep Patriot. The company is the largest manufacturing employer in the area with an annual payroll of about $200 million.

Assistant Business Editor Alex Gary may be reached at agary@rrstar.com or at 815-987-1339

S-class gets V8 diesel power

Wednesday 6 December 2006

MOTOR AURTHORITY - - Mercedes-Benz is extending its S-Class range with another diesel variant, the S 420 CDI. The new eight-cylinder model is powered by a V8 CDI engine developing 235 kW/320 hp and 730 newton metres of peak torque.

The new V8 model’s strengths are superior performance combined with moderate fuel consumption. The S 420 CDI powers from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and goes on to reach 250 km/h (electronically governed), all while returning fuel consumption figures below the magic ten litre threshold, burning 9.4-9.6L of diesel per 100km. With a fuel tank capacity of 90L, this equates to ranges approaching the 1000 kilometre mark.

This latest addition to the model line-up means that the luxury saloon range from Mercedes-Benz now encompasses two diesel engines, six petrol models and two body variants, along with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

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Draw to be held on December 10, 2006

Big challenges ahead

By Bob Margolis, Yahoo! Sports
December 6, 2006

As NASCAR closes the book on the 2006 season and turns its full attention to 2007 and beyond, a gaze into our crystal ball shows a less-than-clear future.

America's biggest and most popular motor sport faces several important challenges – including what some perceive are two of the most critical in its history.

THE BIG TWO

Car of Tomorrow
After years of development, NASCAR's all-new and designed-to-be-safer stock car has finally been deemed ready for prime time. Thousands of developmental hours, critical input from teams and several hundred laps have gone into producing the next generation of stock cars.

Nextel Cup teams have already spent millions to build an infrastructure to assemble the new car, although it still faces strong criticism from within the Cup garage.

NASCAR officials stand by the new car and say that there is no turning back. However, the proof will be in its on-track performance.

The new car makes its debut on March 25, 2007, at Bristol Motor Speedway. Circle that date as the start of a new era in NASCAR.

Declining television ratings/Sinking attendance figures
Lower television ratings for many key races in 2006 have some NASCAR officials concerned, but they're nowhere near panic mode. That decline, coupled with empty grandstand seats in markets like Charlotte, Texas and Talladega, has them searching for answers.

Some may be obvious.

Watching a NASCAR race broadcast, which admittedly can be a boring affair, has become even more difficult. The constant bombardment of television commercials (usually every five minutes) has made it nearly impossible for even the most diehard fans, much less the casual fan, to watch a race in its entirety.

Ticket prices have steadily increased over the past five years and now the average cost of a NASCAR weekend for a family of four has easily surpassed that of any other major sports activity. However, creative ticket pricing, such as free or greatly reduced admission to fans under 15 or over 60, could help soften the blow to the family's pocketbook and encourage more fans to fight the crowds and traffic to see a race in person.

Despite the flat or declining television ratings and the apparent drop in attendance, NASCAR officials see this as part of the natural cycle of growth of the sport and wave off any serious concern.

VW brand boss Bernhard could return to Chrysler

Discussions center on canceling his contract

By HENNING KROGH | AUTOMOBILWOCHE AutoWeek | Published 12/06/06, 9:04 am et

Wolfsburg. The uncertainty over Wolfgang Bernhard's future at Volkswagen is blocking incoming VW group Chairman Martin Winterkorn's personnel reshuffle. "Bernhard is seething," said a confidant of Winterkorn. "It's clear that Bernhard will leave us," said the insider who works at VW Wolfsburg headquarters. Bernhard was taken by surprise by VW supervisory board Chairman Ferdinand Piech's success in forcing current VW group Chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder to resign his post at the end of the year. Internal discussions now center on canceling Bernhard's contract, said the insider. Bernhard wants a clause in his contract that prevents him from working for a rival for up to two years to be eased, as well as a substantial pay off and pension payments. Bernhard has VW product plans "Bernhard would be a highly dangerous man for VW until at least 2012," said a company insider. "He has internalized details of all the product and manufacturing strategies." VW wants a quick decision over Bernhard's future. Otherwise, a planned reshuffle of top management posts could be considerably delayed. Winterkorn plans to appoint Audi production boss Jochem Heizmann to the new position of VW group production chief. Juergen Lunemann would take Heizmann's post at Audi. Lunemann is manager of Audi's Neckarsulm plant in Germany. Winterkorn wants Audi technology chief Ulrich Hackenberg to become head of development for the VW group. Michael Dick, who heads Audi's new model development, would take Hackenberg's post. DaimlerChrysler rumors grow stronger Rumors that Bernhard will return to DaimlerChrysler are getting stronger. Bernhard recently met with DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche to sound out the possibility of returning to his former employer, a source said. DaimlerChrysler's German works council would not accept Bernhard as head of the Mercedes Car Group, a post he was due to get in 2004. Zetsche is considering with U.S. managers whether Chrysler group CEO Tom LaSorda should continue in his post following recent heavy losses at the group. Bernhard could succeed LaSorda. "Bernhard would be welcomed back in the U.S.A.," said one of his confidants.

Jeep jubilation

TOLEDOBLADE.COM - - WHEN much of the news from the domestic auto industry leaves little to celebrate, it's terrific to discover one industry development worth cheering. One of Toledo's signature corporations recently announced it was having trouble keeping up with demand for its product.

But the North Toledo Jeep plant will take that kind of problem any day of the week.

DaimlerChrysler AG's new Jeep Wrangler plant has to add some Sunday overtime shifts to help fill about 59,000 pending Wrangler orders. Employees working those rare shifts get paid double-time. For the average Chrysler worker earning $27 an hour, that means $54 an hour on Sundays. And just in time for the holidays. Some of the work will be filled by temporary workers whose regular starting pay is typically $18 an hour.

The head of Jeep's UAW Local 12 isn't thrilled that temporary help will be brought into the Toledo Jeep Assembly complex when Chrysler workers want the overtime. "We've got enough of our people to work it," said Dan Henneman. "The product should be built by the people in the plant."

But judging from the robust sales of the new Dodge Nitro and the newly redesigned 2007 Wrangler, there should be work enough to go around. As it is, Jeep customers ordering the popular four-door Unlimited Wrangler model have to wait until next year for delivery.

Besides pending Wrangler orders, there are roughly 50,000 Nitro orders that must also be filled. For more than two months Chrysler and its on-site suppliers have been working six 20-hour days a week on overtime to satisfy customer and dealer demand - and it wasn't enough.

So workers at the Jeep complex, which employs more than 4,500 people, including 1,100 hired by suppliers, will be building the fast-selling sport utility vehicles on occasional Sundays until supply catches up with demand.

With sales of the Jeep Liberty slowing, the success of the Wrangler and the Dodge Nitro presents a nice production predicament that management, labor, and all of Toledo can cheer.

Given all the problems facing Ford, General Motors, and, yes, DaimlerChrysler, Jeep is a bright beacon in an otherwise gloomy night.

Dodge logo cost 1-million dollars? Fantastic Four Movie

Life, comic books, and movies have always borrowed heavily from each other, but you know superheroes have gone corporate when they start seeking sponsors.

Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer presents Marvel Comics fans with the first screen-incarnation of one of comicdom's most endearing superhero vehicles, The Fantasticar.

The car is characterised by a less aggressive, more friendly feel -- just like all of Mr Fantastic's inventions. For the movie, releasing in June 2007, Tim Slattery -- who made the Batmobile in Batman Forever -- designed the iconic wheels.

In the movie, the Fantasticar is powered by a proton accelerator, can hover, fly at 500 mph and break into separate flying machines.

In real life, Dodge Automobiles forked over $1 million to have their name on the front [see inset.] What's next? A Hayabusa for Ghost Rider? Bruce Wayne in a Lamborghini?

Don't be surprised if it happens. [Found by an Allpaian]

Eberhardt leaves Chrysler group

Joe Eberhardt

Automotive News / December 5, 2006 - 2:06 pm / UPDATED: 12/5/2006 2:28 P.M.

Joe Eberhardt, executive vice president of global sales, marketing and service for the Chrysler group, is leaving the automaker. He will "return to automotive retailing within the Mercedes-Benz network in the United States," the automaker said today.

No replacement for Eberhardt at the Chrysler group was named.

Chrysler says non-U.S. sales rose 17 percent in November

Published: December 5, 2006

The Associated Press |FRANKFURT - - Germany: Chrysler Group, a unit of DaimlerChrysler AG, said Tuesday that non-U.S. sales rose 17 percent in November compared with the same month last year.

Year-to-date sales have already surpassed the total for all of 2005, the company said in a statement.

This month was the best November sales for Chrysler's international operations in 10 years, with the company selling 18,900 vehicles.

Dodge Caliber sales accounted for much of the growth, with 2,867 units sold, while top-selling vehicles such as Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300C, continued to perform well, the company said.

"We are confident that we made a sound decision by increasing the number of vehicles equipped to meet the needs of customers outside North America," said Chrysler Thomas Hausch, executive director of international sales and marketing.

Chrysler Group's year-to-date sales of 186,080 units outside North America climbed 14 percent compared to the same time period last year.