Chrysler Eyes Diesel, Minivan Growth

Chrysler Group CEO Dieter Zetsche, on hand at last month's Frankfurt auto show, says the auto maker has aggressive plans to maintain its position in the North American market via 10 new-product launches in 2004.

Zetsche is mum on whether those new products include a minivan with two rows of seats that fold into the floor. Sources tell Ward's that will be the case with a new '04-1/2 model.

Zetsche did, however, backpedal from comments he made earlier in the year, when he said there would be no need for a mid-model year change to make the minivans more competitive.

“We are always striving for competitive edge and we do that in all segments,” he says. “If and when and what we are doing we sometimes talk about — (but) mostly don't.”

Zetsche also is keen on the future for diesels in the U.S. market. Chrysler already has announced plans to market a diesel-powered Jeep Liberty SUV, with the option to expand the reach of diesels if demand warrants.

Chrysler also plans to offer the 300C Touring wagon in Europe with a diesel engine, which could pave the way for diesel to penetrate into other members of the LX platform family.