June 20, 2007. Copyright 2007, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Daimler divorcee Chrysler launches Dodge Nitro in Europe
By Neil Winton

LONDON, June 20, Graphic News:  German luxury car maker Daimler has finally shaken itself free from its Chrysler subsidiary after the U.S. company made huge losses because its oversized, gas-guzzling vehicles were rejected by the American public.

It comes as something of a surprise then to find that Chrysler does produce many smaller, handsome vehicles, which are set to storm European markets.

Chrysler has had a big success in Europe with its iconic 300C, and although it is certainly not small, the originality of its looks still turns heads two years after its introduction. Chrysler has two other brands -- Jeep and Dodge. Jeep produces big Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) and People Carriers. In the U.S., Dodge makes pickup trucks like the Ram, and smaller, more downmarket cars. Dodge has already introduced the Caliber into Europe -- a compact SUV which takes up about the same road space as a Volkswagen Golf and which stands out from the crowd because of its edgy looks and low prices.

Dodge is about to unveil another moody looking SUV, the Nitro, which is based on the same engineering as the Jeep Liberty. The Nitro has in-your-face looks which will not please everybody, but will certainly attract car buyers who like to be noticed. With its high, flat bonnet, and outrageous flared wheel arches, the Nitro looks like a cross between a 1930s armoured vehicle which delivered cash to banks in gangster movies, and a modern military transport. It looks as though it wonÕt be messed with.

Chrysler, and its Dodge and Jeep subsidiaries, have used three powerful tools to lure customers -- good looks, low prices, and a comprehensive list of standard equipment. The American company is able to do this because the dollar is currently weak against currencies like the euro.

Dodge will offer a choice of one petrol and one diesel engine together with four-wheel drive on the Nitro. The all-new 2.8-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine has four cylinders, and a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic. Maximum power is 174bhp with a claimed fuel economy of 30.1mpg. The 3.7-litre 203bhp V-6 petrol engine is only available with an automatic gearbox.

UK prices for the diesel start at £18,995 (28,150 euros), and the petrol automatic costs £23,490 (35,000 euros). The engines are powerful but lack smoothness. The interiors are practical and roomy, with a reversible and removable rear cargo floor.

Chrysler sold 109,920 vehicles in Europe in 2006, and expects to double this by 2009. Eastern Europe will be a big target market, with Russia a priority, and press reports suggest the company may set up a factory there. Chrysler expects to do well in the East because its vehicles are rugged, cheap, and attractive, with powerful brand names, if often lacking the sophistication and quality of mainstream European cars.

Daimler expects to complete the divorce from Chrysler by the end of September. Its Mercedes luxury cars might not be under threat, but more mundane European manufacturers will be on the look out as Chrysler increases the pace of its new launches with the Sebring coupe convertible and Dodge Avenger this summer.
/ENDS