The Chrysler group’s new family of rear-drive cars will draw 20% of its components, by value, from Mercedes-Benz, Automotive News reported.
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Parts such as front-seat frames, steering columns, automatic transmissions and electronic stability control systems are being drawn from Mercedes’ C-class and E-class models, the paper added, noting that, while the design for the rear suspension was adapted from the E class, elements such as the spring and shock absorber settings are unique to the Chrysler and Dodge brands.
The 2005 Chrysler 300 sedan and Dodge Magnum wagon [for US sales and a Chrysler 300C wagon for export only] represent the first mass-volume cars developed since Chrysler was acquired by Daimler-Benz AG in 1998, Automotive News said, adding that the cars were developed off the group’s new rwd LX platform, which shares some componentry with Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The paper said Chrysler and Dodge cars, which go on sale next spring, will replace the front-drive Chrysler 300M and Concorde and the Dodge Intrepid.
Joseph Grace, senior manager of large car platform engineering, told Automotive News the plan for a rwd platform was conceived prior to Chrysler’s acquisition and, once the deal was completed, “then we started to discuss the possibilities of sharing componentry.”
