Chrysler news

The U.S. carmaker plans to launch more than seven vehicles this year to propel brand recognition, according to Ulf Ausprung, general manager of marketing and product management at Chrysler Group (China) Sales. Chrysler this week began selling the imported Dodge Calibe , with prices starting at $31,950. It joins the imported Dodge Avenger sedan, which went on sale last month, and the Dodge Caravan , which is being assembled in Fuzhou in a joint venture with Fujian Auto and Mitsubishi Motors.

A partnership with Beijing Auto is assembling the midsize Chrysler Sebring sedan. In March, the company will begin importing the Jeep Wrangler . In the meantime, Chrysler has been seeking local partners and dealers to expand its presence in China since it separated in 2007 from Daimler AG. The U.S. firm signed an agreement last year with Chery Automobile to produce cars in China.

Ausprung said the two carmakers are still working on preliminary plans for exports to Latin America rather than meeting local demand in China. What this means to you: Chrysler’s new Asia boss, Phil Murtaugh, has wasted little time in trying to build up the company’s image in China.