Chrysler 300 to Be Produced in Europe

Chrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche spoke of DC's European strategy, commenting, "Since the introduction of the Chrysler 300C

"Since the introduction of the Chrysler 300C Touring and sedan in markets outside of North America, the public response to the vehicles has been greater than we expected." (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

Touring and sedan in markets outside of North America, the public response to the vehicles has been greater than we expected. For next year, demand from the markets is far beyond our original projections."

Producing the 300 at a European facility is good news for Chrysler and its clientele, because overall costs should be reduced with cross-continental shipping no longer needed, and delivery wait times should also be slashed. Austrian-built 300s would take the additional load of producing European-spec vehicles off of the Brampton plant, freeing up production room to manufacture the upcoming Dodge Charger sedan, an exclusive for North American markets.

Given General Motors' decision to increase its presence in Europe by re-branding its Daewoo arm as Chevrolet, and reintroducing the

Chrysler intends to increase its market share in Western Europe from 0.7 percent to a full 1 percent in four year's time. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Cadillac luxury brand, there is no question that European-produced 300s will help Chrysler fight back and perhaps even take the upper hand. Chrysler intends to increase its market share in Western Europe from 0.7 percent to a full 1 percent in four year's time. Although current sales figures of the 300 are unavailable, the brand hopes to sell 8,000 300s in the Western European region by this time next year. With the capabilities to produce right-hand drive vehicles, Chrysler will also expand its market horizons to Japan, Australia and all-important Great Britain, capturing prime global markets in one fell swoop. No doubt, it will be interesting to see just how well this popular piece of Americana is received in dramatically different cultures.