Detroit-based Chrysler will slash its global marketing spend by a fifth next year.

Sources at the carmaker, which makes the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep marques, told Marketing Week it plans to shave $100 to $150m (£68m to £101m) off its budget in 2009. Its global budget for 2007-08 was $500m (£338m).

In the UK, Chrysler plans to switch its marketing from a retail focus to a national communications campaign, using TV, print and radio, to highlight the different ranges and boost brand awareness, despite it having no major car launches to promote.