Chrysler Steers Jeeps Toward Japan

Chrysler on Thursday unveiled its right-hand-drive Jeep Cherokee, the first U.S. car to be sold in Japan with the steering wheel on the right to match Japanese roads.

Other U.S. makers and trade officials are sure to closely watch sales of the Cherokee. Japanese officials have long said American cars do not sell well here because of steering wheel placement.

Like the British, Japanese drive on the left side of the road.

According to Osamu Nagata, general manager of marketing for Chrysler Japan Sales, 380 people have already placed orders for the right-hand Jeeps, which go on sale Jan. 20 and will cost $29,800. Chrysler hopes to sell a modest 2,500 Jeeps here this year, up from 1,457 last year.