Independence Day showcases Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler models

It is a busy time for the senior management at Chrysler Group UK.

Already this year they have introduced a raft of new models to the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep ranges and last week they were attending the UK media launch of the Chrysler Sebring executive D segment four door saloon range.

This week they have been holding roadshows at six venues for their 88 UK dealers unveiling the new models and outlining the future of the company following the recent sale of the manufacturer to private equity company Cerberus. Past partner Daimler-Benz will still retain a reduced shareholding in Chrysler.

Dealers will be eager to reassure their customers that nothing has changed and they will continue to sell and even wider variety of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models and seven are planned for this year.

The latest new models will be shown to customers at American Independence Day showroom promotions, aptly starting on 4 July.

In addition to their dealer roadshows, Chrysler Group UK this week has been launching to the motoring media two more new model ranges, the Dodge Nitro, a mid-sized, in-your-face American styled SUV and the Jeep Patriot an affordable, lightweight traditional Jeep no bigger than a five door hatchback.

Still not finished, the Dodge Avenger, a cheaper version of the Chrysler Sebring saloon, will be shown to the media in right hand drive form in August with sales starting in the new registration plate month of September.

Already this year Chrysler Group UK has launched the all-new Jeep two and four door Wrangler models and the Jeep Compass an urban lightweight SUV.

Last year was a record one for Chrysler Group in the UK. The group launched seven new vehicles, the Dodge brand was introduced, Chrysler sales showed a 26 per cent increase and Jeep sales grew by nearly 23 per cent.

This year the company has seen another healthy growth in overall sales boosted by the introduction of the Dodge Caliber C segment five-door hatchback. However sales of both Chrysler and Jeep brand models are marginally down.

Peter Lambert, managing direct for Chrysler Group said this downturn in their fortunes was more to do with the lack of products to sell and the introduction of new, compact and fuel efficient new models. Once the new vehicles are on stream he expects Group sales overall to show an increase of around 25 per cent.

The decline in the 4x4 market, where Jeep is a major supplier, has seen a six per cent fall in overall demand for the year to date and sales of larger SUVs have been hit even harder.

The increase in running costs and taxation on 4x4s and other less fuel efficient models have all had an effect on customer’s decisions on what to buy.

Figures recently issued by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show a 17 per cent increase in sales of low CO2 emission cars since 2000.

Sales figures based on exhaust CO2 figures showed 60.7 per cent of new cars sold last year fell within the cleanest A-D vehicle excise duty bands.

However there is still a mixed message coming from new car buyers. In May a Mori survey for the SMMT found only 13 per cent of consumers rated low emissions the most important factor when buying a car.

Chrysler Group in the UK appear confident that customer freedom of choice and their new value for money, fuel efficient, high profile American style distinctive vehicles will give them and their dealers a boost now they are under new ownership.

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