DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler may run out of engines for its diesel-powered Jeep Liberty sport-utility vehicle based on interest the light truck is generating among prospective U.S. buyers, a top Chrysler marketing official said yesterday.Chrysler expects to sell 5,000 Liberty diesels in the United States next year after introducing it in 2005's first quarter. So far, the company has received at least 12,000 requests for information about the vehicle that is made in Toledo, said Jeff Bell, the executive in charge of advertising for Jeep and Chrysler-brand vehicles.
"Hand-raisers so far have been more than twice what we planned to sell," he said
Chrysler, the third-largest U.S. automaker, has the capacity to make a total of 50,000 diesel-powered Libertys for the United States and Europe next year, 45,000 of which it expects to sell in Europe, Mr. Bell said. Most Jeep-brand U.S. advertising will focus on the diesel-powered Liberty beginning in January and that may increase interest, Mr. Bell said
