Chrysler Wants to Increase Dealer Ranks Outside the U.S.

Chrysler Group may want to cut dealers in the U.S., but it is looking to expand its global sales network of 1,400 outlets outside North America by about 100 dealerships over the next two years.

Last month, about 70 international investors and dealers visited the auto maker's Auburn Hills, MI, headquarters for a peek at future product plans and a pitch on the profit potential of a Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge franchise.

The recruitment effort, involving prospective investors from 19 countries, including Russia, Japan and Middle East nations, follows a similar program in China that drew 140 dealers.

Chrysler wants to double sales outside North America to more than 400,000 units annually in the next five years. Model offerings have grown from nine to 20 internationally since 1993, and Chrysler has tripled the number of vehicles available in right-hand drive to 18, and quadrupled models with diesel engines to 16.