Philip Murtaugh Meets with Media, Dealers in Japan at 2007 Tokyo Motor Show
Tokyo (ots/PRNewswire)
- As CEO of Asia Operations, Murtaugh will have first speaking engagement
at a major motor show
- Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge brands will each have vehicle premieres for
Japan and Asia
- Chrysler LLC continues its international expansion with sustainable,
profitable growthChrysler LLC will reconfirm its commitment to Japan and Asia at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show this week, with five vehicle premieres for the region, a new Dodge lineup for Japan, and the participation of Philip Murtaugh, CEO of Asia Operations for Chrysler. This will be Murtaugh's first speaking engagement in his new role at a major motor show, taking place within his first 30 days on the job.
While in Tokyo, Murtaugh will meet with Japanese and international media, as well as the Japanese dealer body. The Tokyo Motor Show, which takes place once every two years, has its press days on October 24-25, 2007, and is expected to draw approximately 1.5 million visitors during public days.
"Our product offensive is going strong in Japan, with six new vehicles introduced this year and a total of 14 models now available in the market," said Murtaugh. "As we continue to expand our presence in global markets, we will bring even more unique Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge vehicles to Japan and Asia. I am looking forward to working with our excellent team and our great dealer network to grow our presence here."
Murtaugh joined Chrysler LLC in October 2007 and is responsible for all Asian operations, including Japan, China and potential opportunities in India.
Prior to joining Chrysler, Murtaugh was the Executive Vice President in charge of international operations for SAIC Motor Corporation Ltd. Murtaugh also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the General Motors China Group from June 2000 through May 2005. Based in Shanghai, Murtaugh was responsible for GM's extensive operations in mainland China and Taiwan. He was also a member of GM's Asia Pacific Strategy Board, which oversaw planning and growth for the region.
"I can't think of anyone more qualified to lead our business activities in this critical growth region," said Michael Manley, Executive Vice President - International Sales, Marketing and Business Development. "Phil has a proven track record, and we are excited to have him as a part of our team. He will pursue new opportunities, new customers and continue the targeted growth strategy that allowed us to achieve record profits outside North America last year."
At the Tokyo Motor Show, Chrysler will feature the Asian premieres of the new Chrysler Grand Voyager and new Jeep Cherokee. In addition, the restyled Chrysler 300C, restyled Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Demon Concept will also be shown for the first time in Asia.
The full Dodge product portfolio for Japan, announced earlier this year, will be displayed together for the first time in Tokyo and includes Avenger, Caliber, Charger SRT8 and Nitro. The Jeep Patriot and Wrangler Unlimited are also new to Japan in 2007, and all six vehicles are available in right-hand drive.
Fueled by demand for new Jeep and Dodge models, third-quarter sales for Chrysler LLC in markets outside North America were up 20 percent to 62,516 units. For the month of September, sales increased 12 percent to 23,016 units, setting a sales record for the best September ever and bringing the number of consecutive months for year-over-year sales improvement to 28. Year-to-date sales were up 18 percent through September (176,829 units).
In 2007, Chrysler LLC will launch a record eight new vehicles outside North America; and by the end of this year, the Company will have more vehicles available in key markets than ever before, doubling from nine vehicles in 2003 to 20 or more. Chrysler sells and services vehicles in more than 125 countries around the world, and Chrysler sales outside North America currently account for approximately 8 percent of the Company's total global sales. Vehicles available range across all three Chrysler brands, with limited availability on some trucks and SUV models.
Web site: http://media.chrysler.com http://www.chrysler.com
Contact:
Lori McTavish of Chrysler LLC, +1-248-512-2642 (office),
+1-248-202-9908 (cell), +81-90-5194-2403 (cell). NOTE TO EDITORS:
For more information, please visit the Chrysler media site at
http://cgmedia.daimlerchrysler.com. For more information about 2007
labor negotiations, please visit http://www.chryslerlabortalks07.com.