05/07/2008 01:30. AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — Chrysler is casting a wider net in China, hoping to find additional partners to help it develop and build more compact vehicles to meet the sudden surge in demand in North America, as well as expand its presence in the China market. Its latest deal: a memorandum of understanding with Great Wall Motor, a truck and SUV specialist based in northern China that is just moving into passenger cars.

Chrysler said the MOU is intended to explore "long-term business ties in areas including distribution, components and technology."

Unlike most other major Chinese automakers, Great Wall has no existing ties with any overseas vehicle manufacturers. Nor is it state owned; the company's stock is traded in Hong Kong. It is not a large-volume player — sales last year totaled... // Edmunds.com/Inside Line