Management Tips As Chrysler Goes Global

Weak revenue streams from the US market now has Chrysler taking a more serious look at global markets.

According to Wall Street Journal, the auto maker, which relies on North America for about 90% of its sales, is planning to bolster its dealer network in Russia and China this year in hopes of benefiting from the rapid growth in those two big, developing markets, Mike Manley, Chrysler's international-sales chief, said in an interview.

So what's the strategy? Well here are some of them as quoted from Wall Street Journal

1. Chrysler boosted the number of products offered overseas to 20 from nine. In China, Chrysler said it is reintroducing Dodge-brand vehicles after a 62-year absence. The Caravan minivan is in production. The Caliber hatchback and Avenger sedan are also slated to be sold in that country.
2. The auto maker has started using recruitment teams, investment forums and the promise of large territories with more products to expand its dealer network overseas.
3. They hired key management - CEO, Philip Murtaugh, who spurred GM's growth in China, this past September.
4. U.S., incentives will be kept to a minimum as the auto maker sticks with its vow to curtail production rather than fill dealer lots, North American sales chief Steve Landry said.
5. Chrysler is in the midst of eliminating shifts at five North American plants, resulting in job cuts of 8,500 to 10,000 hourly workers. The cuts are slated to be completed by April.
6. Introduction of the Dodge Journey, Chrysler's redesigned Dodge Ram pickup truck and the hybrid version of the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango to bolster sales.

These are their plans, whether they'll work or not only time will tell.