Phil Murtaugh, CEO, Asia Operations Chrysler LLC, introduces Dodge Journey at Auto China . Click image to enlarge

Beijing, China – Dodge has introduced the Journey at Auto China 2008 in Beijing, which will be sold alongside the Dodge Avenger, Caliber and Caravan under the local name of JCUV. The new model continues the company’s aggressive push into the Chinese market.

“We are very pleased with our recent growth in China and, with the introduction of vehicles with global appeal like the all-new Dodge Journey, we expect our momentum in the market to continue,” said Michael Manley, Executive Vice President – International Sales, Marketing and Business Development, Chrysler LLC. “Dodge JCUV, as we will call it in China, will allow us to appeal to a new set of customers here that want the flexibility and versatility of a minivan combined with the performance and fuel efficiency of a passenger car.”

Chrysler intends to introduce the Journey to China in 2009. During its press event, the company also presented the Asian premieres of the Dodge ZEO and Jeep Renegade concept vehicles, and announced that the Jeep Wrangler will go on sale in China this April.

With the Wrangler, Chrysler will increase its overall product portfolio in China to twelve models, up from two in 2004. The company produces four of them, the Chrysler 300C, Sebring, Chrysler Grand Voyager and Dodge Caravan, in China under a partnership for local sales.