Chrysler 2012 Annual Report Download - page 71

70
Products
The Fiat Viaggio, the Group’s latest product offering in the region, began appearing in Chinese dealerships
in September following the world premiere at the Beijing Auto Show earlier in the year. The first C-class
sedan to be produced locally by the Group, the Fiat Viaggio is assembled through the joint venture with
Guangzhou Automobile Group in Changsha. Demand grew rapidly and by the end of the fourth quarter the
Viaggio had already established itself as the Group’s second best-selling vehicle in China (after the Jeep
Compass). In terms of network development, plans are underway to double the number of Fiat dealerships
in China by the end of 2013.
The Chrysler brand also returned to the Chinese and Japanese markets in 2012. Making its comeback
appearance at the Beijing Auto Show in April, the all-new Chrysler 300C was launched in China in Q3 followed
by the Chrysler Grand Voyager in Q4. In Japan, during the fourth quarter Chrysler launched the Ypsilon, the first
small hatchback in the brand’s lineup.
During the year, the SRT8 and Overland Summit versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee were also launched
across the region.
Other initiatives to strengthen the Group’s presence in the APAC region included the formation of a new Fiat
company to take over the commercial and distribution activities for the Fiat brand in India, previously managed
through a JV with Tata. The distribution network is currently being reorganized under the new company. All
activities relating to vehicle and powertrain production will continue to be conducted through the joint venture.
In Australia, 2012 saw the further integration of activities, with Chrysler Australia taking over distribution for the
Fiat (cars and LCVs), Alfa Romeo and Abarth brands from May 1st. As a result, the existing Chrysler distribution
network was expanded by 17 car dealerships and 22 commercial vehicle outlets.
On the industrial development side, agreements were reached in the first half of 2012 for the Indian JV to
supply up to 328,000 1.3-liter diesel engines to Suzuki and Premier over a period of three years.
Commercial
Performance
by Segment
Report on
Operations