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“In a 13-hour meeting … with the Cerberus board of directors, Cerberus praised and was highly complimentary of Chrysler’s progress to date and unanimously approved our 2008 plan. We have a solid strategic direction to return the company to long-term profitability. We are on target and have the unwavering support of Cerberus, as well as our other key partner, Daimler AG.
“Cerberus met with its investors last Thursday to share the progress that has been made and to convey to these investors that the company was meeting – and in many cases – exceeding – its targets. The report was well received.
“Like many companies in today’s uncertain economic environment, Chrysler is moving aggressively to improve its business. We recognized in advance the increasingly competitive vehicle market heading into 2008. With that, we have been moving aggressively to make our company leaner. The steps we are taking include previously announced volume-related reductions at several North American assembly and powertrain plants and the elimination of four products from our lineup, which is very customary in the auto industry.
“However, we are very excited about the new products coming in 2008. These include the legendary Dodge Ram pickup truck, the Dodge Journey crossover, the relaunch of the historic Dodge Challenger – which has already generated 8,851 customer orders – and two, all-new, large hybrid SUVs, the Chrysler Aspen and the Dodge Durango, demonstrating our support for the environment and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
“For our current vehicle line-up we have already approved more than 260 line item improvements to enhance our products – most for the 2008 calendar year.
“The recently completed national labor agreement with the United Auto Workers – which includes the establishment of an independent retiree health care trust – provides a framework to improve the long-term competitiveness of the company.
“Since August and the first day of the new company, the management team has been working to improve Chrysler’s working capital, disposing of non-core (or non-earning) assets and reinvesting this cash into product development, new technology and new innovations for our customers.” [01/02/08]
WHAT A CONCEPT!
Here is a look at the Dodge ZEO Concept car. It is a four-passenger, 2+2 sport wagon that embraces the bold, expressive look of the Dodge brand, exhibiting a new, youthful breed of muscle car for the 21st century. Built for driving enthusiasts, it features an electric-only propulsion system with a lithium-ion battery pack capable of at least 250 miles. Unlike other such vehicles, the Dodge ZEO Concept is a four-door, four-passenger model that 
delivers function as well as environmental responsibility.
Specifications
Length: 172.8 inches (4390 mm)
Width at H-point: 68.6 inches (1743 mm)
Height: 50.8 inches (1290 mm)
Wheelbase: 109.9 inches (2792 mm) [01/02/08]