Chrysler Group said on Wednesday it plans to add about 100 new dealerships in established markets such as Western Europe over the next two years, as it focuses on expanding sales outside North America.
The automaker, which has been losing market share in the United States, said it plans to double last year's sales outside North America to about 400,000 units in the next five years. Sales outside North America currently account for about 8 percent of the company's total sales. The automaker is looking to grow overseas as it struggles with US sales amid high gasoline prices, a weak housing market and tough competition from Asian rivals.
Its US sales fell 2.2 percent through May this year. Chrysler said about 70 international investors and dealers were visiting the company's headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, this week to learn about the potential for franchises in their respective markets.