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Wednesday, April 5, 2000 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER D8 Cluysler takes aim at European market with Sebring 2001 C hrysler has interestingly picked Europe to debut the 2001 Sebring that looks for all the world like a pocket 300M. The Sebring is the follow-on model to the Stratus/Cirrus twins that were intro duced in the 1995 model year. The reason for the European launch of the Sebring may be found in the rationale behind the car. Chrysler states part of the design objective was to created Road Worthy an all-new -----------------------Sebring with a strong Chrysler identity." That, Chrysler said is because the "sophisticated image and detailing of Sebring is influenced by the latest European coupes and sedans. For instance the long, arching roofline suggests an almost coupe-like profile, while crisp and precise set lines reinforce the architectural qualities of the roof, body and arches." In addition, Chrysler noted that "the performance image of Sebring is enhanced by combining European motor racing influences with recognized Chrysler design cues." The above is worth remembering when the Sebring is shown here in Canada in about three months time. Not exactly a runaway best seller on this side of the Atlantic, Chrysler is going after the "D-segment" buyer in Europe and they are known for being intensely loyal to home-grown products. In Germany, for instance, 70 per cent of the D-segment (BMW, Opel and Mercedes) is made in that country. In France the figure is 50 per cent. Competition is seen as Alfa Romeo 156, Peugeot 406, Volvo S70, even the Rover 75, Opel Omega and Peugeot 607. In fact in 1999 across Europe, more than half the sales in the D-segment were Euromakes from which Chrysler notes it, JIM ROBINSON The 2001 "is traditionally difficult to gain conquest sales." The glimmer on the horizon is a per ceived trend for buyers to look outside brand loyalty or what are called "growing version of the Chrysler Sebring looks like a pocket version of the popular 300M sedan. brands" in Europe. made with the calibre of materials that are Standard engine is the 2.0-litre twin cam To get on the growing brands band reflected in the fit and finish. In other which has done long service in the Neon wagon, Chrysler above all is going to have words the entire package is going to be and the Plymouth Breeze. It is available to be seen as a quality maker. That means have to be notably better than the compe with a five-speed manual transmission or not just quality looking, which it is, but tition to entice D-segment buyers to optionally with the Chrysler AutoStick switch. that is fully automatic or can be shifted To do this Sebring will concentrate on manually. Most buyers on this side of the the "Americanness" of the Chrysler brand. pond will probably opt for the 2.7-litre V6 It will focus on: that comes standard with the AutoStick. A sophisticated and expressive Chrysler did not announce a diesel engine American design, for Europe and we will not see one in A spacious, open 'living environ North America. ment'. Standard tires will be 15-inch on the Warm and friendly technology and base car and 16-inch on the upmarket LX. features. The LX models in Europe, will be fitted as Exclusivity and high value. standard with ABS and pitch and yaw con The interior is very much Chrysler LX. trols. Electronic brake distribution ensures That means pulled leather seating, simul- optimum front/rear brake balance. wood insets and black number on white Chrysler already has the 300M on sale face main instruments. The new shape in Europe and it is going to follow up the means much less wind noise compared to Sebring with the newest version of the the car it replaces. Dodge Caravan. The Viper, which wins Chrysler has also gone to foam injec races by trouncing the Porsches, has cer tion between body pieces and even mini tainly raised the appreciation of Chrysler. mum openings for wiring and linkages to Now it's going to be interesting to see quell road noise. Power is the good news if Chryco can capitalize on its growing Instantly recognizable by the pulled leather seating and the white face gauges, and it will come from two stalwarts. persona in the European market. the 2001 Chrysler Sebring gets heavy dollops of Chryco styling cues. M H@ >> llil m LEASE FOR... $0 DOWN 3.0L V6,4-speed auto, trans., dual, power windows & locks, tilt, cruise, AM/FM/cassette, air conditioning. I 2000 DODGE DURANGO $3500 DOWN Fully loaded, AM/FM cassette, security alarm, fog lamps, keyless entry & much more. $2500 DOWN $ 4 in *337& *307^ YOUR c h o ic e Fully loaded SLT Plus with 7 passenger seating, rear air conditioning, 4.7L, V8, leather seats, CD player, ABS brakes, & much more. $0 DOWN $2500 DOWN $3500 DOWN vmiR so Down $2500 down $3500 down $548" *4715 9 $ 4407 6 choice *611" *533" *503'* DODGE CARAVAN 26T 3.0L V 6,4-speed auto, trans., tilt dual sliding doors, 7 passenger, power windows & locks, cruise, AM/FIW cassette, air conditioning, Easy Out roller seats, suncreeen glass. 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT Automatic, air, cruise control, fog lights, alloy wheels, deep tint, and more. 77TT1 LEASE fo r ... 2 .0 1 1 6 valve, 132tip engine, auto, air, AM/FM/cass., 4-wheel fully independent suspension, tilt, full console w/centre arm rest 60/40 split dual ext. p. mirrors, tinted glass, cnild protection rear door locks, dual airbags. ZEE LEASE $0 DOWN $2500 DOWN $3500 DOWN F O R *343li $ 270?L $ 24lit NO CHARGE Dual Sliding Door YOUR * $0 DOW N choice *458" $2500 DOW N *382" $3500 DOW N *352" M O TO W N $2500 DOW N $3500 DOW N $2 6 5 % x > 210"' + tax '188H CHRYSLER 300M M otor Trend Car of the Year 1999! Fully loaded, leatherAM.FM/cassette, CO, power sunroof. 17" chrome wheels, air, keyless remote, mem ory system more. A world class sedan! The ultimate Jeep that combines comfort in a stylish package. Fully loaded, 26K pkg., leather interior, AM/FM/cassette/CD, power sunroof, memory setting & more. TOWN & COUNTRY Fully loaded, leather interior, heated memory seats, CD player, and much much more. YOUR CHOICE $572°3 $0 DOWN $2500 DOWN $ 497w $3500 DOWN $467i2 YOUR CHOICE $0 DOWN $2500 DOWN $3500 DOWN YOUR c h o ic e $0 DOWN $2500 DOWN $3500 DOWN *639" *5622 1 *5313 8 *569°° *4951 2 *465 Leases based on 36 mths.,20,4Q0km/yr, excess at 120/km. Plus freight, administration, taxes and license. 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