Chrysler 2011 Annual Report Download - page 105

Report on
Operations
Operating
Performance
by Sector
104
The Freemont, available throughout Europe since June and in Latin America since September, is the first Fiat
brand vehicle based on a Chrysler platform to come out of the alliance with Chrysler Group.
In May, Fiat launched the new 500 TwinAir (both standard and cabriolet versions) in Europe. The “TwinAir”
badge now designates an entire range of products that offer the innovative two-cylinder turbo engine. During
the year, the Fiat 500 also received the “ADI Compasso d’Oro” (in the design award’s 22nd edition).
Alfa Romeo unveiled the captivating 4C Concept, a mid-engine, 2-seat compact “supercar”. The brand also
released refreshed versions of the Giulietta and MiTo, most notable of which were the new 120 hp Giulietta 1.4
Turbo LPG and MiTo Turbo TwinAir. Alfa Romeo products received several awards during the year, including
the compact category of “Die Besten Autos” awarded for the Giulietta by Auto Motor und Sport.
One year after beginning the integration of its product portfolio with Chrysler brand, Lancia launched 3 all-new
models – the Ypsilon, Thema and Voyager – in addition to presenting the Flavia Cabrio, to be launched in Europe
during 2012. The new 5-door Ypsilon, which combines luxury and technology, was offered in major European
markets beginning in June 2011. In November, the brand launched the Lancia Thema and the Voyager.
During 2011, the Jeep brand presented a diesel-powered version of the Grand Cherokee, together with
significantly refreshed versions of the legendary Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, as well as the Compass. All
are available in Europe with a new turbo-diesel. At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Jeep premiered three additional
products: the new Grand Cherokee SRT8, the fastest and most powerful Jeep model ever, equipped with
the new 470 hp 6.4L HEMI® engine; the 284 hp 3.6L Pentastar V6 gasoline engine that will power the 2012
Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited; and the Jeep Wrangler Arctic, a special edition designed to
tackle extreme terrain.
For Fiat Professional, May saw the launch of the new Ducato, the fifth generation of the best-selling van that
has garnered numerous international awards and sold more than 2.2 million units since 1981.
Services
The recent economic downturn also had an impact on after-sales activity in most markets around the world.
The liquidity crunch and drop in consumer spending resulted in reduced demand for repairs and, consequently,
spare parts leading to increased competition among service providers, as well as strong pricing and discounting
pressures.
In response, a number of initiatives have been implemented throughout the network to maintain and increase
customer loyalty, including improvements in levels of service. Those actions will continue in 2012 with the
objective of increasing the contribution of after-sales activities to the profitability of the networks for FGA and
Chrysler brands.
Distribution logistics is essential to maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly complex and demanding
market, and a key lever in increasing business and ensuring customer satisfaction. Accordingly, as part of the
World Class Logistics program, numerous measures have been put in place to optimize the logistics process.
Chrysler’s spare parts distribution activities were also integrated with the FGA distribution network during the
year.