China Is Chrysler Growth Test Track

By Gordon Fairclough | Wall Street Journal

Word Count: 470

SHANGHAI -- China is becoming a critical test ground for newly private Chrysler LLC in its strategy to expand outside North America by licensing vehicle production, outsourcing manufacturing and building cars in joint ventures with local partners, a senior executive said.

Last week, the first Chrysler minivan rolled off the assembly line at a plant in southern China owned by South East Motors Inc., a joint venture between companies from China and Taiwan. The Grand Voyager minivan is being produced under a licensing agreement reached in 2005 with Chrysler. Financial terms of the deal haven't ...