Chrysler Intends to Save by Using 'Imported' Parts

To cut costs, Chrysler is outsourcing beyond North America and employing frugal plans to reduce expenses by $1,000 per vehicle.

"We are willing to import with the focus on being competitive," said Tom LaSorda, Chrysler head during the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. LaSorda also stated that within 6-12 months, Chrysler would point out cost reductions averaging $1,000 per vehicle, a portion of which comes from outsourcing. He added, "We are going to source where we can get good low-cost components and high quality."

LaSorda also noted that the automaker will concentrate on increasing sales beyond North America. It can be recollected that in said territory, Chrysler usually generates 85-91 percent sales.

Further, LaSorda reported talks about a production alliance with China's Chery and a non-Chinese company. However, LaSorda did not give further detailsabout the possible alliance. Chrysler, an American automobile manufacturer, existed independently from 1925 to 1998. Then, Chrysler and its subsidiaries became part of DaimlerChrysler AG when merger with Daimler-Benz was acknowledged in 1998.

It can be recalled that last year was one of the most remarkable years for Chrysler. Last year, a bench trial in Wilmington Delaware has started. The parties of said trial are Kirk Kerkorian and DaimlerChrysler AG. It was all about the allegations about Jürgen Schrempp of Daimler Benz AG, regarding uttering lies and manipulating the Security and Exchange Commission as well as the Chrysler Corporation's shareholders. Kerkorian was one of the biggest stockholders then. Said case delved on merger of the companies as a merger of equals and not an outright acquisition. Further, the judge favored DaimlerChrysler. Nevertheless, another case was amicably settled for $300 million in 2003.

Nowadays, Chrysler takes extra effort to clear the clouds blurring its reputation. It is also concentrating on how to cut costs without compromising the quality of Chrysler car parts hence; the decision of outsourcing from other territories.

Critics in the auto industry are eyeing on the workflow and performance of Chrysler vehicles. Moreover, the automaker is struggling to put up a good fight with other automakers. Now it is devising several plans to augment its production and sales.

By Joe Wayne.

Chrysler 300

Thanks to characteristic styling, powerful performance and the roomy interior, the Chrysler 300 has become popular in the sedan category. Thanks to the V8 engine the 300C trim is known to be an impressive vehicle. This beautiful model is bracketed between another two V6 models that are affordable at the one end and at the other end is the high-performance SRT8.

The Chrysler 300 made its debut in 2004. It was designed to attract consumers that have the desire for personality compared to a regular sedan. The mechanicals underlying the 300 derive from technology used in Mercedes-Benz, and this is an obvious benefit. The style of the 300 is without a doubt American. The beltline, large grille, bulging fenders, doubled-lens headlights and large wheels make the presence of the Chrysler strong on the road.

The wheelbase is 120 inches and this shortens at the front of the car and overhangs on the rear. This way it provides plenty of space for the occupants inside the car. The dimensions of the cabins are generous no matter how you look at it, and with the Chrysler 300 there is more legroom compared to most of the competitors. The interior design of the 300 many would say simple, but it is also elegant. The dash combines luxury, semi-retro and sporty motifs.

The consumer has a choice of 5 Chrysler 300s styles to choose from: Chrysler base, Chrysler Touring, Chrysler Limited, Chrysler 300C and finally the Chrysler 300C SRT8. The base model will probably appeal to the budget-orientated customer because of the vehicle’s low price, but you will probably be suggested to settle with either the Limited or the Touring, because the trim levels on these cars have standard features. The Chrysler 300C and the Chrysler SRT8 are models that are for the performance-orientated. The difference between the two models is the SRT8 is tuned to provide maximum performance.

When one talks power, they talk Chrysler. The base for instance, has an amazing 200 horsepower V6 engine connected to a transmission that is automatic and four-speed. The Limited and the Touring have slightly more horsepower than the base. It has a 250-horsepower V6 engine connected to a transmission that is five-speed. The 300C and SRT8 have a V8 engine, and although the 300C has an amazing 340-horsepower engine, the SRT8 sits at 425-horsepower. The SRT8 has stiffer suspension, the tires and wheels are larger and the brakes are more powerful. Chrysler offers the consumers front and rear-wheel-drive vehicles when considering the 300C and the Limited.

Experiencing the Chrysler 300 behind the wheel, one would say that the 300 is one of the best sedans that have been tested. With the style, the size and the design, the Chrysler 300 retrains its characteristics and could easily be described an American unique. Measured by its efficiency and its responsiveness, the 300 has international quality. For consumers who have become a little wary for rear-drives for the day to day driving, and those in show-filled areas, the 300 was proved suitable enough to take to the road.

By Dennis J James.