Chrysler sells 1,042 vehicles in China in Sept

Oct. 26, 2009 (China Knowledge) - Chrysler Group LLC, the third largest car maker in the U.S., sold 1,042 vehicles in China last month, while its rivals like General Motors Corp and Ford Motor Co reported booming sales in the country, sources reported.

The auto maker sold a total of 2,024 vehicles in the Asia Pacific region in September, 30% less than the same period of last year. China tops the auto maker's sales list in the region for the period.

In contrast, GM sold a total of 181,148 vehicles in September and 1.29 million in the first nine months of the year, while Ford saw its sales hit 23,616 units last month and rise 32% year on year to 316,639 units in the first nine months.

Chrysler currently owns a 25% stake in Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co Ltd. Founded in 2004, the JV is principally engaged in the production of Mercedes-Benz E-class and C-class luxury sedans as well as Chrysler 300C and Chrysler Borui sedans. Daimler AG holds 25% of the JV and Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp owns the remaining 50%.

Philip F. Murtaugh, CEO of Chrysler's Asian operations, earlier said Chrysler has no plan to withdraw from its Chinese JV, clarifying media speculation that the U.S. automaker would quit BBDC after separation with Daimler.