Chrysler appoints Gilles VP

U.S.-based Chrysler LLC said that Ralph V. Gilles would succeed Trevor M. Creed as vice president of design in the struggling carmaker effective September 1. Chrysler said Creed would retire end of August after 23 years in the company, where he helped design product stalwarts such as the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Viper and Chrysler 300C. Chrysler has recently sought design and production joint venture opportunities to rejuvenate its brand and offset the weakened United States demand due to higher fuel prices. Chairman and Chief Executive Robert Nardelli said Gilles will be responsible for all product design activities of the company. He now alsoserves as vice president of Jeep/Truck and Advance Interior Design. (August 19, 2008)