CHRYSLER is entering a new phase in its UK history and the corporate market is set to play an increasingly vital role in its long-term strategy. On January 1, 2000 Chrysler Jeep Imports UK officially ceases to exist and a new company, DaimlerChrysler UK, will be launched following the global merger of the two companies announced last year.

At the London Motor Show, Chrysler Jeep gave UK public debuts to a trio of new models - the dramatically different Neon now entering showrooms, a £30,995 3.1-litre turbodiesel version of the Grand Cherokee which will go on sale next month and the uniquely different PT Cruiser which, says the company, will give its range a 'halo effect'. The show also saw the first public appearance of new director Simon Elliot, who officially takes over from present managing director Richard Mackay on January 1.

UK corporate sales are 26% up year-on-year and looking ahead to the future corporate sales director Graham Powell said: 'The Neon is a good car to get our feet into the fleet market. Its design is more aligned to European tastes than the previous model, specification is high, prices are sharp and residual values are good. The loyalty to the Voyager MPV and the 4x4 is very strong and PT Cruiser will be a magnificent car to give us brand identity.' Powell has circulated wholelife cost information to key fleet operators ahead of the Neon's entry into showrooms last week as part of a growing awareness campaign.