Chrysler rolls out SUV even after govt scolding

This is a very important vehicle for us. Its one of the primary legs of the Chrysler stool, Chrysler spokesman Rick Deneau said. Customers have told us they want this vehicle and that it8217;s the right size.

The 2011 model is 11 percent more fuel efficient than its predecessor,powered by a cleaner and more powerful engine. Still,Chryslers decision to debut an SUV as its only new car at the New York International Auto Show seems like odd timing to say the least. On March 30,the Obama administration issued a scathing rejection of the companys survival plan and gave it 30 days to secure a merger with another automaker,most likely Italys Fiat SpA.

The White House slammed Chrysler for having a product lineup so heavily weighted with trucks and SUVs. It added that the automaker does not have enough products in the pipeline to meet an expected increase in demand for small cars.

But Chrysler is standing by the Grand Cherokee. Its profitable,recognizable and the No. 2-selling vehicle in the Jeep lineup. Grand Cherokee sales fell by almost half during the first three months of the year,but its market share has remained steady,according to Autodata Corp.