PICS: Chrysler and Nissan HAD A BABY - Dodge Trazo C1.8

Early this year Chrysler and Nissan formed a partnership to share
products. The big news at the time was that Nissan would be replacing
its Titan pickup with a version of the Dodge Ram. But before that deal
went down, the two automakers from different continents had already
agreed on a partnership that would see the Nissan Versa sold in some
South American markets as a Dodge. Today Dodge unveiled that vehicle
at the Sao Paulo Auto Show in Brazil as the Trazo C1.8 sedan. It is a
direct port of the Nissan Versa we know in the U.S. and the Tiida sold
in Japan, though will only be offered as a sedan in South America and
not as a five-door hatchback. As far as we can tell, not a body panel
or interior appointment has been changed, save for new Trazo badging
and slightly different black plastic grille. We couldn't even find a
Dodge logo on the car's exterior. The Trazo's engine also appears to
be the same 1.8L four-cylinder used in the Versa that's been made
E100 ethanol-capable for South American markets.

New Trazo C1.8 by Dodge Debuts at São Paulo Motor Show

* Trazo C1.8 by Dodge is the first sedan for the Dodge brand in
key Latin American markets
* Offers exceptional value, fuel economy and dependability for
customers new to the Dodge brand
* Trazo C1.8 is powered by a fuel-efficient, E-100 ethanol-capable
16-valve 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine
* Exterior and interior designs exemplify elegant simplicity and
efficiency
* Trazo C1.8 gives Chrysler LLC immediate access to new vehicle
segments in high-growth markets


São Paulo, Brazil, Oct 28, 2008 - Chrysler LLC launches into a new
segment in Latin America with the introduction of the new Trazo C1.8
by Dodge today at the São Paulo Motor Show. Trazo C1.8 will be
offered as a four-door sedan with exceptional value and fuel
efficiency in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The Trazo C1.8
will be built by Nissan Motor Co., providing Chrysler LLC a
high-quality entry into these fast-growing markets.

"The new Trazo C1.8 by Dodge allows us to enter into a segment in
which we currently do not compete," said Mike Manley, Executive
Vice President – International Sales, Marketing and Business
Development, Chrysler LLC. "The Trazo C1.8 offers customers a
high-quality vehicle with great value and provides our dealers with
further opportunities to expand their business."

The exterior of the Trazo C1.8 provides an athletic, yet modern design
that is consistent with the rapidly growing Dodge brand. Trazo C1.8's
maximized 102.4-inch (260-centimeter) wheelbase and short front- and
rear-overhangs create perfect proportions for city streets, while
expressively long rooflines highlight the comfortable and spacious
interior.

Trazo C1.8's grille features intricate louvers that create a
contemporary look while integrating the new Trazo emblem. Large
halogen headlamps wrap around to front fenders and provide a striking
appearance while improving illumination. These elements, combined with
a sporty, integrated body-color front fascia, reinforce Trazo C1.8's
youthful looks.

Trazo C1.8's side profile illustrates aerodynamic efficiency while
highlighting generous passenger space within. A raked-back windshield
improves Trazo C1.8's drag coefficient to a low 0.31 Cd while offering
a higher roof height for passengers seated in the front and rear.
Clean and crisp body-side forms provide a look of sophistication and
give balance to the large side glass that gives Trazo C1.8 passengers
great visibility.

A well-tailored rear end completes the exterior design while hinting
at Trazo C1.8's cargo versatility. An efficiently shaped deck lid is
sandwiched by large jeweled taillamps and provides a strong,
integrated look with the wide C-pillar. The deck lid also sits nicely
below the large rear window to avoid blocking the driver's rear view.
A large chromed license plate brow and centered Trazo line emblem
atop the deck lid ensures the Trazo C1.8 is not a bland,
run-of-the-mill four-door.

Space utilization and high-quality interior materials provide Trazo
C1.8 with a generously sized interior, rewarding its passenger with
comfort and craftsmanship.

Utilizing its longer wheelbase, an interior length of more than two
meters front to back makes Trazo C1.8 by Dodge roomy and provides the
space needed for an active lifestyle. An up-right seat height position
in both front and rear seats allows plenty of leg room. Front-row
seats are larger and more comfortable than most C-segment vehicles
and deliver comfortable leg room at any position with little
compromise to rear-seat passengers. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat
accommodates larger items, while adjustable head rests and a folding
arm rest add comfort for up to five passengers on longer road trips.

The instrument panel of the Trazo C1.8 by Dodge duplicates the
exterior's elegantly simple design with a horizontal layout and very
efficient use of space. The instruments are housed in three chromed
ringed pods, nested in clear view through the sporty three-spoke
steering wheel. The center stack contains easy-to-reach climate
controls and audio system in addition to a covered storage
compartment. A center console, with additional storage features and
an ergonomically designed shifter location, flows seamlessly from the
instrument panel and defines driver and front-passenger seating areas.
Metallic accents on the instrument panel, door panels, steering wheel
and other touch points finish off Trazo C1.8's modern look.

The Trazo C1.8 by Dodge will be available with a 1.8-liter DOHC
16-valve four-cylinder gasoline and E100 ethanol-capable engine with
both automatic and manual transmissions. The Variable Valve Timing
(VVT) powertrain offers fuel efficiency along with fun-to-drive
excitement the Dodge brand is known for.

Quality is a priority for the Trazo C1.8 by Dodge. A three-year,
50,000-kilometer limited warranty is standard on Trazo C1.8,
providing ownership confidence.

Chrysler and Nissan's OEM Agreement
In January 2008, Chrysler LLC and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. formed an
agreement for Nissan to supply Chrysler with a new car for sale in
select Latin American markets. The Trazo C1.8 by Dodge will be
supplied to Chrysler by Nissan on an Original Equipment Manufacturer
(OEM) basis in mid 2009.

The OEM supply agreement is the second product exchange between
Chrysler LLC and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Nissan affiliate JATCO has
been supplying Chrysler with transmissions for various
front-wheel-drive vehicles since 2004. The two companies have also
agreed to maintain an open dialogue to explore further
product-sharing opportunities.

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