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 Vehicles to be Equipped with Backseat TV

Innovations in the auto industry continuously pour in year in and year out. The race among auto makers to provide their consumers with the best features has led to the development of advanced vehicle features.

Partnering with other industries, car makers are able to provide their customers with the latest in auto convenience and comfort. Chrysler is one car maker to join the force with another company so as to provide promising features for their vehicles.

The member of the Big Three recently announced that they have formed a partnership with the SIRIUS Satellite Radio to equip the 2008 model year Chrysler Group vehicles with SIRIUS’ Backseat TV™.

The Backseat TV™ is an innovative and cutting edge television technology which delivers TV signals directly to cars on or off the road. The TV service provides family TV for backseat occupants which are mostly occupied by kids. Backseat TV™ allows owners of selected Chrysler models to gain access to three family entertainment channels.

The initial lineup of TV programming that SIRIUS offer consists of Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network. These programmings are aimed for children, who more often than not, will occupy the backseat of a vehicle. Chrysler will equip select 2008 model year vehicles with the feature and the list of vehicles does include the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Jeep Commander, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Frank Klegon, the Executive Vice President for Product Development at Chrysler group, has this to say at the announcement of the partnership: “Chrysler Group is committed to offering innovative technologies that are right for our customers. SIRIUS Backseat TV makes its world debut in Chrysler Group's all-new 2008 minivans and marks the third SIRIUS service - - along with SIRIUS radio and SIRIUS real-time traffic -- available to Chrysler Group customers.”

For the SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Mel Karmazin, the Chief Executive Officer, has this to say: “SIRIUS is dedicated to bringing Chrysler Group customers the best in-vehicle entertainment available anywhere, whether it is through radio or video. SIRIUS Backseat TV, with its best-in-class programming from our partners -- Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network -- further enhances the already exceptional driving experience for Chrysler Group customers. In SIRIUS' first venture in visual entertainment, I am pleased to have the three most original family-centered programming providers in TV. Just as we provide the Best Radio on Radio, this allows us to launch SIRIUS Backseat TV as the Best TV in the Backseat.”

This technology is just starting its career in the auto industry. With the expected success of the technology, it is just a matter of time before features such as the Backseat TV™ become standard feature for many vehicle models.

By Anthony Fontanelle.