2006 Paris Motor Show

[Rambit]

Looks like DCX is trying to make some serious inroads outside of North America. Maybe people over there tired of all the boring simlilar looking cars. For sure the 300 and Caliber are getting attention in a big way, now there's a lot more...

Paris, Sep 28, 2006 -
With its lineup at this year’s “Mondial de l’Automobile” in Paris, the Chrysler brand continues to showcase its unique ability to deliver refined driving performance and relaxed, elegant style, combined with high levels of quality, safety, innovation and value.
Dodge is putting the muscle behind the brand’s expansion in volume markets outside North America with an all-new concept vehicle and three production models that clearly deliver the four key attributes of the Dodge brand: bold, powerful, capable and street smart. The Dodge Avenger concept hints at the next-generation global D-segment vehicle from Dodge. The Dodge Caliber, Dodge Caliber SRT4 and Dodge Nitro are tangible proof of the Chrysler Group product offensive and the great potential for the Dodge brand in international markets.
The Jeep® brand is on a major product offensive, expanding globally from three models in 2005 to seven in 2007, the most available to retail consumers at one time in the 65-year history of Jeep vehicles. By the end of 2007, the Jeep brand lineup will include Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee (Liberty in North America) and Wrangler, plus the all-new Compass, Patriot and the four-door Wrangler Unlimited.

New Chrysler Sebring
The Chrysler brand inspires the D-segment with the all-new Chrysler Sebring saloon, which today takes its rightful place in the stunning Chrysler brand model range in Paris. The Chrysler Sebring builds on the winning formula begun with the award-winning Chrysler 300C in the E-segment, combining eye-catching design with interior craftsmanship, high levels of reliability and durability, customer-focussed technology and safety features, brisk performance and fuel efficiency, all at good value for money.
The new Chrysler Sebring will offer a choice of four engines in Europe. Standard is a 2.0-litre petrol World Engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT), and available are a 2.4-litre petrol World Engine with dual VVT and a modern 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine. Available at a later stage in Europe will be an enhanced 2.7-litre V-6 petrol engine.
Chrysler Sebring includes a host of new technology and features, ranging from a cutting-edge information, entertainment and communication navigation audio system to a heated/cooled front cup holder for keeping hot beverages hot and cool beverages cool. A long list of safety systems includes an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), supplemental side-curtain air bags and front-seat-mounted side air bags.
The new Chrysler Sebring is the first Chrysler Group D-segment vehicle not only to offer a diesel powertrain, but also right-hand-drive availability. The new Sebring is available outside North America in two models, Sebring Touring and Sebring Limited, and will begin to arrive to international dealerships in the first half of 2007.
Chrysler Brand
Based on new product offerings, the Chrysler brand has seen an increase in sales, culminating in 2005 calendar-year sales of 85,347 units in markets outside North America – a 3 per cent increase compared with 2004. Chrysler premium vehicles (comprised mainly of the Crossfire Coupe and Roadster, Sebring saloon and Cabrio and 300C saloon and Touring) increased year-over-year sales by 40 per cent.
For the first half of 2006, Chrysler brand sales outside North America were up 12 per cent over the same period last year. The Chrysler lineup for international markets now includes the following models: Crossfire Coupe and Roadster, Crossfire SRT6 Coupe and SRT6 Roadster, Sebring saloon and Cabrio, 300C saloon and Touring, 300C SRT8 saloon and SRT8 Touring, PT Cruiser saloon and Cabrio, Pacifica (for select markets), Voyager and Grand Voyager.
“The Chrysler brand’s succession of innovative product introductions continues to solidify the brand’s standing as a leader in design, purposeful technology and value,” said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director – International Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group. “With the launch of the all-new Chrysler Sebring – the first Chrysler Group D-segment vehicle to offer a diesel powertrain and right-hand drive – the momentum is sure to continue.”

Rambit

[Gord T]

the new sebring is a very important car for DC. Unfortunately, style-wise it is a mess. Instead of playing on the 300/charger styling meme the sebring looks like it is made by an entirely different manufacturer so dissimilar it is from those cars in styling. Sad to say, but I think it is going to be a big bust until it gets a major facelift.

[Rambit]

Originally Posted by Gord T

the new sebring is a very important car for DC. Unfortunately, style-wise it is a mess. Instead of playing on the 300/charger styling meme the sebring looks like it is made by an entirely different manufacturer so dissimilar it is from those cars in styling. Sad to say, but I think it is going to be a big bust until it gets a major facelift.

Yeah, but check out all those inovative new features it's got that we don't. Mygig is just one of 'em.

Rambit

[je_sc]

Suprised, nothing about the Dodge Hornet concept vehicle... I would think that would be the perfect vechicle for DCX to tangle with the Group B segment of Europe...

[srt8danno]

Good, maybe they can stir things up over there. But I’m sure they have some false impressions about our cars as bad if not worse than people have here. “What do you mean that’s a Chrysler….it can’t be!”