DaimlerChrysler will launch 11 new Chrysler vehicles over the next two years in a bid to return its struggling American operation to profitability.

The vehicles are part of a £21bn investment programme between now and 2007. They include the Chrysler Crossfire, Pacifica, PT Cruiser Cabrio, Dodge/Chrysler Viper and Dodge Ram.

“It's exciting to be around so many new products, but it is our task now to get as many as possible in right hand drive,” says Simon Elliot, managing director of Chrysler UK. Chrysler Group president Dieter Zetsche says efficiencies were beginning to pay off with the group saving £2.32bn.

He also revealed the spending programme was well under the previous plan of £29.5bn, but that five more products had been added to the model line-up. Meanwhile Chrysler UK is introducing the Motability Finance Scheme, signalling the company's desire to win more fleet sales.