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.

2006 Chrysler 300 Review, Pic and Safety

The 2006 Chrysler 300 is classified as a large sedan, but it’s not your grandfather’s sedan. The 2006 Chrysler 300 series has a sleek, classy design and was given the distinction of Edmund’s “most wanted sedan” after full test drive and is ranked one of the 10 Best full-sized sedans by Car and Driver reviews. The 300C comes with a standard 5.7-liter HEMI® Multi Displacement System (MDS) engine, while the SRT8 has a standard 6.1-liter SRT HEMI®.

Specs

With a fuel tank capacity of 18 to 19 gallons, the 2006 Chrysler 300 series has an EPA fuel efficiency rating of as much as 18 city/28/highway miles per gallon (mpg). There is 105.8 cubic feet of passenger room with 40.2 inches of rear seat legroom on a 120-inch wheelbase including an additional 15.6 cubic feet of trunk space. A 60/40 split folding rear seat is standard. The 2006 Chrysler 300 features power everything and is SIRIUS satellite ready.

Safety

The Chrysler 300 was awarded the highest rating, five stars, in government frontal crash tests. The vehicle has a safety cage architecture that manages and controls energy to protect occupants in the event of an accident. The steering wheel and column are energy-absorbing to minimize injury in a front end collision and the spare tire is strategically placed to roll away from the gas tank in the event of rear impact.

Airbag safety is standard on every 2006 Chrysler 300 with front multi-stage airbags powered by an occupant classification system (OCS) that deploys the passenger side airbag according to weight. Front and rear side-curtain airbags are also available. Reviews

Edmund’s consumer reviews give the 2006 Chrysler 300 an average rating of 9 out 10 and the automotive editors at Consumer Guide awarded the 300C a Best Buy of 2006 distinction with a value-in-class rating of 8 points in 10.

By Tina Root.