Chrysler returns to China and shows off Ruyi design concept

Iconic American brand, Chrysler announced its return to China at the 2012 Beijing International Motorshow. To commemorate this occasion, Chrysler unveiled the 300 Ruyi design concept, a vehicle based on the 300C (Also known as the $5 cab here).

Ruyi means "as one wishes" and is often crafted out of precious materials with beautiful design, promising abundant good fortune. A traditional ruyi has a long S-shaped handle and a head fashioned like a cloud. Ruyi symbolises authority, prosperity and good luck in Chinese tradition, and date back to the Han Dynasty in the first century AD.

"We celebrate our reentry into China with a vehicle that symbolizes an auspicious beginning for the Chrysler brand," said Saad Chehab, President and Chief Executive Officer – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

Cultural cues from the Ruyi were the inspiration behind the concept. Designers started with a Maximum Steel colour with dark chrome added to the exterior door handles, grille surround and lower grille tracer. The premium Chrysler wing badges and headlamps contrast with low side sills, rear fascia and dual exhaust tips. Final exterior touches include a polished dark chrome grille, bluish steel-grey tinted glass, and a ruyi character badge.

The ten-spoke 22-inch alloys has been designed to pay direct homage to the ruyi sceptre. The spoke face is polished with dark chrome pockets, and the Chrysler wing badge is featured on the center caps. Black chrome is also featured in the interior dash vents, vent surrounds, navigation screen among other prominent areas with brushed patterned trim. Machined metal accent trims are found surrounding the shift gate, center storage areas and steering wheel spokes. Custom seats feature light-tone leather and suede center inserts and side bolsters finishing off with contrasting French stitching, black piping and a ruyi-inspired cloud design imprinted on the seat backs

Chrysler also displayed the 300C sedan and Grand Voyager MPV first models to arrive in China. The Chrysler 300C Luxury Series will be equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission mated with a 3.6-litre V-6 engine and will begin sales in mid-2012, while the Grand Voyager is planned to follow in the fourth quarter of this year.