2006年VOA标准英语-DaimlerChrysler to Sell Low-Cost Chinese-Made C

By Mil Arcega
Washington, DC
28 September 2006
 
watch Chrysler China Car report

A Chinese-built DaimlerChrysler car  
  

German-US carmaker DaimlerChrysler AG says it is cutting production of U.S.-made vehicles so it can focus on producing smaller, more fuel-efficient cars in China.  The company is reportedly in talks with potential Chinese partners to produce lower-cost automobiles¹ for the U.S. market.

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DaimlerChrysler has joined the rush of foreign automakers for a share of the booming Chinese market. 

This month, the German-based automaker formally opened its new plant in Beijing -- complete with traditional pomp and fireworks. Chairman Dieter Zetsche  says it's all part of the company's $1.9 billion investment in China.

Dieter Zetsche  
  
"This, obviously as everybody knows, is one of the most dynamic if not the most dynamic countries and economies on the face of the earth," said the chairman. "And DaimlerChrysler, we are very proud to play a role in contributing to China's economic growth and development."

China is the world's second-largest car market after the United States, with seven million new vehicle sales a year.   The company is said to be in talks with a state-owned company to sell Chinese-built subcompact cars in the U.S. and Europe.

 
Tom Lasorda 
  
Chrysler Group Chairman Tom Lasorda says the company plans to introduce 10 new models this year. "Bottom line, we need to partner with someone who has low cost, high quality. We can't rule out China and we can not rule out European markets or other parts of Asia because there are a lot of key players in the "B" segment today and we are going to look at all of them."

Unlike other automakers that have produced specially² designed cars targeted for a Chinese market, Dieter Zetsche said Mercedes and Chrysler models made in China will be identical to models sold abroad.

"The only difference ought to be the country of origin.  As far as quality is concerned, there can only be one quality we are striving for with Mercedes or with Chrysler products around the globe."

The company plans to reduce dealer³ shipments in the U.S. by 15 percent because of declining sales of pick-up trucks and sport utility vehicles. 

Although DaimlerChrysler claims its international operations have been profitable, its U.S. sales are down about  10 percent this year resulting in a projected loss of $1.5 billion in the third quarter. 

1 automobiles   

n.汽车( automobile的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• When automobiles become popular,the use of the horse and buggy passed away. 汽车普及后，就不再使用马和马车了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Automobiles speed in an endless stream along the boulevard. 宽阔的林荫道上，汽车川流不息。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

2 specially   

adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地

参考例句：

• They are specially packaged so that they stack easily.它们经过特别包装以便于堆放。
• The machine was designed specially for demolishing old buildings.这种机器是专为拆毁旧楼房而设计的。

3 dealer   

n.商人，贩子

参考例句：

• The dealer spent hours bargaining for the painting.那个商人为购买那幅画花了几个小时讨价还价。
• The dealer reduced the price for cash down.这家商店对付现金的人减价优惠。