Chrysler 2002 Annual Report Download - page 15

13 Report on Operations Customers and Products
PRODUCTS
In 2002 the Group’s automotive Sectors demonstrated their
vitality by introducing a large number of new products. These
models are highly diversified in terms of their concept and use,
but share the ability to introduce innovation in their respective
market segments.
Fiat Auto
In June 2002, Fiat introduced the new Ulysse multipurpose
vehicle, which features a totally new style, interiors, powertrain,
and safety equipment. The biggest event of the year for the
Fiat brand was introduction of the Stilo Multi Wagon in the
fall: versatile and modular, this car rounded out the Stilo line
and thus the choice of models offered by Fiat in segment C,
introducing features and equipment to this segment that had
previously been the exclusive prerogative of vehicles in higher
classes.
With the introduction of the new Thesis and Phedra
models, Lancia can now offer customers in the elite segment
aflagship and multipurpose vehicle that combine the refined
elegance, comfort, and cutting-edge technical solutions that
are a tradition of the brand. These two models marked the
start of a thorough renewal of the Lancia line, that will
continue in 2003 with the launch of the new Ypsilon, which
was presented to great acclaim at the recent Geneva Motor
Show.
At Alfa Romeo, 2002 witnessed the birth of the GTA versions,
afamous mark in the motor racing tradition. In fact, the 147
GTA, 156 GTA, and Sportwagon GTA are vehicles that combine
driving pleasure with high sports performance.
Alfa Romeo also adopted the first second generation
common rail engine: the 1.9 JTD 16 valve Multijet installed
on the 147 and the 156. Characterized by high power, great
elasticity, and reduced emissions, this engine represents an
innovation of similar magnitude to that of the first common
rail engine Unijet introduced in 1997, and it is the fruit of Fiat’s
research, that gave birth in 2003 to the small 1.3 JTD 16v
Multijet, which is destined to be used on the Group’s future
compact models.
CNH Global
Renewal of the product line in the agricultural equipment
segment made major progress with the introduction of products
capable of guaranteeing higher profit margins than the models
they replaced.
The newly launched vehicles include the New Holland TG and
the Case IH MX Magnum, the first tractors produced on global
platforms, which share many components in absolute respect
of their different brand identities.
Case IH further expanded its line by entering the baler
sector and introducing new series of tractors: JX Maxxima,
JXU Maxxima, and MXM Maxxum. This last model is targeted
at the important 100-200 horsepower market segment, which
is growing strongly.
New Holland introduced the innovative CR combine, based
on twin rotor technology, and the CS, conceived expressly to
address the needs of farmers who also work in the livestock
sector.
CNH agricultural equipment received many awards in both
Europe and America.
A renewed line of products was also introduced in the
construction equipment segment. The Fiat Kobelco joint
venture created in July consolidated the position of CNH as
the third largest maker of construction equipment in the world.
Among the advantages of this new global alliance are the
acquisition of Japanese technology for crawler excavators;
in-house production of mini-excavators, a class of products
that is growing strongly; and the possibility of accessing
new geographical areas that were previously uncovered.
Finally, the Case brand expanded its product line with new
excavators and wheel loaders.
Iveco
In the light commercial vehicle segment, Iveco introduced the
Daily HPI. The strong point of this vehicle is its new 2.3 liter
engine that develops either 96 or 116 horsepower, featuring 4
valves per cylinder and a second generation common rail fuel
injection system that guarantees the Daily will perform even
more brilliantly while consuming less fuel.
Introduction of the new Daily contributed significantly to
consolidation of Iveco’s position as co-leader in Europe.
Instead, in the heavy range vehicle segment, Iveco launched
the Stralis Active Space at the beginning of 2002. This vehicle
features a highly innovative line, a modular cabin offering
maximum comfort, and intensive use of electronics to reduce
consumption even further.
An immediate, widespread success on the market, partly
because of the high performance of its powerful and reliable
Cursor 10/13 engines, the Stralis Active Space was conferred
with the prestigious international “Truck of the Year 2003” award.