Chrysler's Zetsche sees rise in auto sales this year due to new vehicles

AFX News Limited

January 8, 2004

LONDON (AFX) - Chrysler Corp chief executive Dieter Zetsche said he is confident the company will see a rise in auto sales this year, due to a new crop of vehicles led by the 300 C range, reported Wall Street Journal.

At a presentation to automotive industry analysts at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Zetsche said: "I'm finally satisfied. I wasn't ever before. That's the kind of satisfaction I was dreaming of."

The paper reported that Zetsche blames the 4 pct drop in the company's sales last year on a lack of new products, and a poorly executed launch of the Pacifica vehicle.

"We somewhat underestimated the reality of slow flow of product from the pipeline," he said.

He declined to give financial details about the fourth quarter or profit forecasts for Chrysler next year, except to say the company expects increases in sales and market share.

This year, Chrysler will launch the 300 C and eight other new vehicles, including the Dodge Magnum, a brawny station wagon and a new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

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