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CHRYSLER

Iconic American car and truck producer Chrysler began its existence as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925 and is based in Auburn Hills, MI. Chrysler is now formally known as FCA US LLC, for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and is among the top ten largest manufacturers of vehicles globally.

After founding Chrysler in 1925, founder Walter Chrysler oversaw a large-scale expansion of the company beginning in 1928, the year it purchased the Dodge Brothers Co. and started producing Dodge cars and trucks. Soon afterward, Chrysler launched the Plymouth line of vehicles.

After unsuccessful attempts to penetrate European markets in the 1960s and 70s, Chrysler faced severe financial difficulties, prompting the hiring of legendary CEO Lee Iacocca who presided over the company’s successes during the 1980s.

After nearly two decades of solid performance, Chrysler entered into a merger agreement with Mercedes parent company Daimler-Benz AG in 1998, forming the DaimlerChrysler conglomerate. After being bought by Cerberus Capital Management in 2007, Chrysler suffered significant losses during the financial crisis that afflicted global markets beginning in 2008, resulting in the company filing for bankruptcy and receiving a substantial bailout from the federal governments of both the United States and Canada in 2009.

In 2011, Chrysler unveiled an ambitious advertising campaign featuring superstar rapper and Detroit native Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, and licensed the use of his song “Lose Yourself” for the television spots. The TV ads were broadcast during the Super Bowl and featured the use of Chrysler’s new branding concept and phrase, “Imported from Detroit”.

It wasn’t until 2014 that carmaker Fiat acquired a major stake in Chrysler from the United Auto Workers union, who had contributed to Chrysler’s financial rescue by purchasing shares in the company.

For 2015, Chrysler has presented a variety of new vehicle options to consumers, including the 200, the 300 and the Town & Country. The company has also expanded its lineup of commercial vehicles, from spacious delivery vans to pickup trucks and 4-wheel drive optional vehicles, and offers comprehensive financing services for businesses and individuals alike.

According to specifications, the 2016 Chrysler 200 sedan is powered with front wheel drive and features a 4-wheel anti-lock brake system, 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine and a trunk capacity of 16 cubic feet.

Chrysler continues to be regarded as a major American car brand, and is one of the ‘Big Three’ vehicle designers and manufacturers to call Michigan home, alongside Ford and General Motors.