"Conveying American optimism, the Chrysler Java show car represents a fresh design approach to an important European market segment. With its clean, yet refined and elegant "one box" profile, Java's "Passenger Priority Design" makes maximum use of its exterior dimensions.

Chrysler Java

Photo: DaimlerChrysler

Java's unique Panoramic Seating with high H-points enhances visibility, comfort, space and ease of entry and exit for both driver and passengers. Additional interior space was achieved by moving the windshield forward and keeping the car's front and rear overhang to a minimum. Java's interior is practical and flexible yet decidedly upscale and comfortable. Said Gale: "This being the first time we created a distinct Chrysler-branded design study for Europe, we had to make sure that Java conveys a sense of solidity and looks and feels like a Chrysler."

The design of the Chrysler Java is almost architectural, rather than automotive. Its classic architectural proportions are complemented by dynamic contemporary character lines. A single low egg crate grille conveys Chrysler's sophisticated lineage and performance character. Its chiseled compact body lends substance and visual weight, suggesting a low center of gravity and stable stance with a long wheelbase (2,49 meters/98.3 inches) and wide track (1,50 meters/59.1 inches front, 1,49 meters/58.7 inches rear). Tall upright tail lamps provide a unique rear signature and maximum visibility in congested European city traffic. Java's athletic exterior design is rounded off by prominent, detailed head lamps, taut body side surfacing and large, mechanically inspired 18-inch wheels. The show car features a new light green silver metallic finish. "As small as it is, Java looks substantial, grown-up and sophisticated," said Gale.

This visual language is carried on in the interior. Inspired by Swedish furniture showrooms, Java's spacious interior sports a lighter palate in colors and materials. Featured are brushed aluminum, chrome, cream and light green leather and curly maple wood. Enhancing Java's performance character, the gauge cluster has a unique three-dimensional execution.

"The design was completed just before the DaimlerChrysler merger was announced. In the fabrication phase, in which we actually start the construction of the show car, we were able to include our merger partner and achieve substantial synergies by using their knowledge and resources," Verduyn added. "Since this is a design study, we had the freedom to use European-based DaimlerChrysler components such as the powertrain, transaxle and suspension on the Java. By working together on the components, the result was a much faster completion of the show car."

Java is powered by a 60 kW (80 bhp)/130 Nm (95 lb.-ft.) 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine coupled to a five-speed manual transaxle. The front suspension incorporates wishbones, MacPherson struts, double-tube shock absorbers and a torsion-bar stabilizer. Trailing links with coil springs with single-tube shock absorbers and a torsion-bar stabilizer make up the rear suspension. Java rolls on P185/50R18 tires on 18"x6" wheels.

* Java is a trademark or registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Sun Microsystems, Inc. did not participate in the design or development of this DaimlerChrysler vehicle, nor does the vehicle contain any software or hardware manufactured or sold by Sun Microsystems.

The Partnership Training Centre, at Wide Lane, Swaythling, represents an Investment of more than £700,000 by Ford, Hampshire Training and Enterprise Council and a group of major suppliers of high-tech robotic equipment and computer hardware and software companies.

The project is unique in Southern England with the facilities being made widely available to members of the local community in the Eastleigh and Southampton areas. This means that engineering training in robotics and courses on information technology will be on offer to members of the general public in addition to university students and schoolchildren. And local businesses will also have access to the centre for staff training purposes.

Ford's usage of the Partnership Centre - which was formerly a warehouse for tyres and Transit seats - will be as the headquarters of Southampton Plant's Education and Development Department, which is responsible for additional skills training for a workforce of 1,700 employees who manufacture Britain's top-selling Transit van.

The centre is expected to play a role in the Government's 'New Start' programme which provides facilities and encouragement for people to re-train in preparation for returning to employment.

With funding from Hampshire Training and Enterprise Council – through Eastleigh Action for Skills - the Centre has the services of a resident teacher, Pat Brady. She took up the appointment earlier this month, on secondment from Wyvern Community School, Fairoak, a local secondary school which has long-established links with the Ford Southampton Plant.

The Partnership Training Centre comprises of a 12-station Open Learning Unit, a Robotic Manufacturing Cell, a Multi-purpose Presentation Room and a large Partnership Room, containing seating for 30 people and 10 personal computers. Two smaller classrooms are also on the site. The Partnership Room is dedicated for use by educational establishments and community groups. The opening will be performed jointly by John Denham, MP for Southampton Itchen, and Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test. They will cut a ceremonial ribbon in the centre's reception area.