<PAGE> 1
Rule 424(b)5
Registration Statement No. 333-21589
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus Dated February 19, 1997)
$500,000,000
CHRYSLER CORPORATION LOGO
7.40% DEBENTURES DUE 2097
The 7.40% Debentures due 2097 (the "Debentures") of Chrysler Corporation
("Chrysler" or the "Company") being offered hereby will mature on August 1,
2097. Interest on the Debentures is payable semiannually in arrears on February
1 and August 1 of each year, commencing February 1, 1998. On or after August 1,
2087, the Debentures will be redeemable as a whole or in part, at the option of
the Company from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the
principal amount thereof plus accrued interest on the principal amount being
redeemed to the date of redemption. In addition, prior to August 1, 2087, the
Debentures will be redeemable as a whole or in part, at the option of the
Company from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i)
100% of the principal amount of such Debentures and (ii) the sum of the present
values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments (as defined herein) discounted to the
redemption date on a semiannual basis at the Treasury Rate (as defined herein)
plus 20 basis points, together in either case with accrued interest to the date
of the redemption. Upon the occurrence of a Tax Event (as defined herein), the
Company will have the right (x) to shorten the maturity of the Debentures to the
extent required so that the interest paid on the Debentures will be deductible
for United States federal income tax purposes or (y) under certain circumstances
to redeem the Debentures in whole (but not in part) at a redemption price equal
to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures and (ii)
the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments discounted to
the redemption date on a semiannual basis at the Treasury Rate plus 35 basis
points, together in either case with accrued interest to the date of redemption.
See "Description of Debentures -- Optional Redemption" and "-- Conditional Right
to Shorten Maturity".
The Debentures will be represented by one or more Global Securities registered
in the name of a nominee of The Depository Trust Company, as Depositary.
Beneficial interests in the Global Securities will be shown on, and transfers
thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary and
its participants. Except as provided in the accompanying Prospectus, individual
Debentures will not be issued. See "Description of Debt Securities -- Global
Securities" in the accompanying Prospectus. Settlement for the Debentures will
be made in immediately available funds. The Debentures will trade in the
Depositary's Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and secondary market trading
activity in the Debentures will therefore settle in immediately available funds.
See "Description of Debentures -- Book-Entry System" and "-- Same-Day Settlement
and Payment".
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Price to Underwriting Proceeds to
Public(1) Discount Company(1)(2)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Debenture................................... 99.914% 1.000% 98.914%
Total........................................... $499,570,000 $5,000,000 $494,570,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from July 18, 1997 to the date of delivery.
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by Chrysler estimated to be $500,000.
The Debentures are offered subject to receipt and acceptance by the
Underwriters, to prior sale and to the right of the Underwriters to reject any
order in whole or in part and to withdraw, cancel or modify the offer without
notice. It is expected that delivery of the Debentures will be made in
book-entry form through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company on or
about July 18, 1997.
SALOMON BROTHERS INC
CHASE SECURITIES INC.
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
J.P. MORGAN & CO.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is July 15, 1997.
<PAGE> 2
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE DEBENTURES,
INCLUDING PURCHASES OF THE DEBENTURES TO STABILIZE THEIR MARKET PRICES,
PURCHASES OF THE DEBENTURES TO COVER SOME OR ALL OF A SHORT POSITION IN THE
DEBENTURES MAINTAINED BY THE UNDERWRITERS AND THE IMPOSITION OF PENALTY BIDS.
FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING".
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<PAGE> 3
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the ratios of earnings to fixed charges for
Chrysler and its consolidated subsidiaries for the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
- ----------------- --------------------------------
1997 1996 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- ------- ------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
4.68x 5.79x 5.51x 3.45x 5.52x 3.62x 1.48x
</TABLE>
For purposes of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
are determined by adding back fixed charges to earnings from continuing
operations (including equity in net earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries)
before taxes on income and excluding undistributed earnings from less than 50%
owned affiliates. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, credit line
commitment fees and the interest portion of rent expense.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds from the sale of the Debentures will be used for general
corporate purposes, including the payment on August 7, 1997 of a portion of the
redemption price (aggregating approximately $526 million) of the Company's
outstanding 10.40% Notes due 1999 and 10.95% Debentures due 2017.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBENTURES
The following description of the particular terms of the Debentures offered
hereby supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces, the
description of the general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities set forth
in the Prospectus, to which description reference is hereby made.
GENERAL
The Debentures will be limited to an aggregate principal amount of
$500,000,000 and will mature on August 1, 2097. The Debentures will rank equally
with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. The
Debentures will bear interest at the rate per annum set forth on the cover page
of this Prospectus Supplement from July 18, 1997 or from the most recent
Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or provided for, payable
semiannually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning
February 1, 1998, to the persons in whose names the Debentures are registered at
the close of business on January 15 or July 15, as the case may be, next
preceding such Interest Payment Date. The Debentures will be subject to
defeasance as provided in "Description of Debt Securities -- Defeasance" in the
accompanying Prospectus. Principal of and interest on the Debentures will be
payable (and the Debentures may be presented for repayment) at the office or
agency of the Company maintained for such purposes in Chicago, Illinois. Payment
of the purchase price of each Debenture may be made, and the payment of the
principal of and interest on the Debentures will be made, only in U.S. dollars.
Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months. Except as provided in the accompanying Prospectus, individual Debentures
will not be issued. See "Description of Debt Securities -- Global Securities" in
the accompanying Prospectus. See the Prospectus for a further description of the
Trustee and the Debentures, including the covenants, modification provisions and
event of default provisions relating to the Debentures.
CONDITIONAL RIGHT TO SHORTEN MATURITY
Chrysler intends to deduct interest paid on the Debentures for United
States federal income tax purposes. However, there have been proposed tax law
changes over the past year that, among other things, would have prohibited an
issuer from deducting interest payments on debt instruments with a maturity of
more than 40 years. While none of these proposals has become law, there can be
no
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<PAGE> 4
assurance that similar legislation affecting Chrysler's ability to deduct
interest paid on the Debentures will not be enacted in the future or that any
such legislation would not have a retroactive effective date.
Upon the occurrence of a Tax Event (as defined below), Chrysler will have
the right to shorten the maturity of the Debentures to the minimum extent
required, in the opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel, such
that, after the shortening of the maturity, interest paid on the Debentures will
be deductible for United States federal income tax purposes or, if such counsel
is unable to opine definitively as to such a minimum period, the minimum extent
so required as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the
Company, after receipt of an opinion of such counsel regarding the applicable
legal standards. There can be no assurance that Chrysler would not exercise its
right to shorten the maturity of the Debentures upon the occurrence of such a
Tax Event or as to the period by which such maturity would be shortened. In the
event that Chrysler elects to exercise its right to shorten the maturity of the
Debentures on the occurrence of a Tax Event, Chrysler will mail a notice of
shortened maturity to each Holder of the Debentures by first-class mail not more
than 60 days after the occurrence of such Tax Event, stating the new maturity
date of the Debentures. Such notice shall be effective immediately upon mailing.
The Company believes that the Debentures should constitute indebtedness for
United States federal income tax purposes under current law and, in that case,
an exercise of its right to shorten the maturity of the Debentures would not be
a taxable event to Holders for such purposes. Prospective investors should be
aware, however, that Chrysler's exercise of its right to shorten the maturity of
the Debentures will be a taxable event to Holders for United States federal
income tax purposes if the Debentures are treated as equity for United States
federal income tax purposes before the maturity is shortened, assuming that the
Debentures of shortened maturity are treated as debt for such purposes.
"Tax Event" means that Chrysler shall have received an opinion of
nationally recognized independent tax counsel to the effect that, as a result of
(a) any amendment to, clarification of, or change (including any announced
prospective amendment, clarification or change) in any law, or any regulation
thereunder, of the United States, (b) any judicial decision, official
administrative pronouncement, ruling, regulatory procedure, notice or
announcement, including any notice or announcement of intent to adopt or
promulgate any ruling, regulatory procedure or regulation (any of the foregoing,
an "Administrative or Judicial Action"), or (c) any amendment to, clarification
of, or change in any official position with respect to, or any interpretation
of, an Administrative or Judicial Action or a law or regulation of the United
States that differs from the theretofore generally accepted position or
interpretation, in each case, occurring on or after July 15, 1997, there is more
than an insubstantial increase in the risk that interest paid by Chrysler on the
Debentures is not, or will not be, deductible, in whole or in part, by Chrysler
for United States federal income tax purposes.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
On or after August 1, 2087, the Debentures will be redeemable as a whole or
in part, at the option of the Company from time to time, on not less than 30 or
more than 60 days' notice mailed to Holders thereof, at a redemption price equal
to 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures to be redeemed, together with
accrued interest on the principal amount being redeemed to the date of
redemption.
In addition, prior to August 1, 2087, the Debentures will be redeemable as
a whole or in part, at the option of the Company from time to time, on not less
than 30 or more than 60 days' notice mailed to Holders thereof, at a redemption
price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures
to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled
Payments thereon discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis
(assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury
Rate plus 20 basis points, together in either case with accrued interest on the
principal amount being redeemed to the date of redemption.
In addition, if a Tax Event occurs and in the opinion of nationally
recognized independent tax counsel, there would, notwithstanding any shortening
of the maturity of the Debentures, be more than an insubstantial risk that
interest paid by the Company on the Debentures is not, or will not be,
deductible, in
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<PAGE> 5
whole or in part, by the Company for United States federal income tax purposes,
the Company will have the right, within 90 days following the occurrence of such
Tax Event, to redeem the Debentures in whole (but not in part), on not less than
30 or more than 60 days' notice mailed to Holders of the Debentures, at a
redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the
Debentures and (ii) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled
Payments thereon discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis
(assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury
Rate plus 35 basis points, together in either case with accrued interest on the
principal amount being redeemed to the date of redemption.
"Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per
annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity (computed as of the
second business day immediately preceding such redemption date) of the
Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable
Treasury Price for such redemption date.
"Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security
selected by an Independent Investment Banker that would be utilized, at the time
of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new
issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term
of the Debentures. "Independent Investment Banker" means one of the Reference
Treasury Dealers appointed by the Company.
"Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (i)
the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third
business day preceding such redemption date, as set forth in the daily
statistical release (or any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York and designated "Composite 3:30 p.m. Quotations for U.S.
Government Securities" or (ii) if such release (or any successor release) is not
published or does not contain such prices on such business day, (A) the average
of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date, after
excluding the highest and lowest of such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations,
or (B) if the Trustee obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer
Quotations, the average of all such Quotations. "Reference Treasury Dealer
Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any
redemption date, the average, as determined by the Trustee, of the bid and asked
prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage
of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Trustee by such Reference
Treasury Dealer as of 3:30 p.m., New York City time on the third business day
preceding such redemption date.
"Reference Treasury Dealer" means each of Salomon Brothers Inc, Chase
Securities Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Goldman, Sachs & Co.,
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.,
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and their respective successors; provided,
however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary U.S.
Government securities dealer in New York City (a "Primary Treasury Dealer"), the
Company shall substitute therefor another nationally recognized investment
banking firm that is a Primary Treasury Dealer.
"Remaining Scheduled Payments" means, with respect to each Debenture to be
redeemed, the remaining scheduled payments of the principal thereof and interest
thereon that would be due after the related redemption date but for such
redemption; provided, however, that, if such redemption date is not an interest
payment date with respect to such Debenture, the amount of the next succeeding
scheduled interest payment thereon will be reduced by the amount of interest
accrued thereon to such redemption date.
On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the
Debentures or any portion thereof called for redemption. On or before any
redemption date, the Company shall deposit with a paying agent (or the Trustee)
money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest on the
Debentures to be redeemed on such date. If less than all the Debentures are to
be redeemed, the Debentures to be redeemed shall be selected by the Trustee by
such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate.
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<PAGE> 6
BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM
The Debentures will be represented by one or more Global Securities
registered in the name of the nominee of the Depositary. Each Global Security
will be issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding Debentures represented
thereby and will be held by or on behalf of the Depositary. Beneficial interests
in the Global Securities will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be
effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary and its
participants. Except as provided in the accompanying Prospectus, Debentures in
definitive form will not be issued.
The Depositary has advised the Company and the Underwriters as follows: The
Depositary is a limited-purpose trust company organized under New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of New York Banking Law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. The
Depositary was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate
the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among its participants
in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. The Depositary's participants include securities brokers and
dealers (including the Underwriters), banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations, and certain other organizations, some of which (and/or their
representatives) own the Depositary. Access to the Depositary's book-entry
system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust
companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a
participant, either directly or indirectly.
A further description of the Depositary's procedures with respect to the
Global Securities representing the Debentures is set forth in the accompanying
Prospectus under "Description of Debt Securities -- Global Securities". The
Depositary has confirmed to the Company, the Underwriters and the Trustee for
the Debentures that it intends to follow such procedures.
SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
Settlement for the Debentures will be made by the Underwriters in
immediately available funds. All payments of principal and interest will be made
by the Company in immediately available funds or the equivalent.
The Debentures will clear in the Depositary's Same-Day Funds Settlement
System until maturity, and secondary market trading activity in the Debentures
that is effected through the Depositary will therefore be required by the
Depositary to settle in immediately available funds.
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement
dated July 15, 1997 (the "Underwriting Agreement") among Chrysler and the
Underwriters named below (the "Underwriters"), Chrysler has agreed to sell to
the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters has severally agreed to purchase,
the principal amount of Debentures set forth opposite its name below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
UNDERWRITER OF DEBENTURES
----------- ----------------
<S> <C>
Salomon Brothers Inc ....................................... $ 71,428,574
Chase Securities Inc. ...................................... 71,428,571
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation...................... 71,428,571
Goldman, Sachs & Co. ....................................... 71,428,571
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated.................................... 71,428,571
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ................................ 71,428,571
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated........................... 71,428,571
------------
Total.................................................. $500,000,000
============
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 7
In the Underwriting Agreement the several Underwriters have agreed, subject
to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to purchase all of the Debentures
offered hereby if any Debentures are purchased.
Chrysler has been advised by the Underwriters that the Underwriters propose
initially to offer the Debentures to the public at the public offering price set
forth on the cover page of this Prospectus Supplement, and to certain dealers at
such price less a concession not in excess of 0.60% of the principal amount of
the Debentures. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a
concession to certain other dealers not in excess of 0.25% of the principal
amount of the Debentures. After the initial public offering, the public offering
price and such concessions may be changed from time to time.
The Debentures will not have an established trading market when issued. The
Debentures will not be listed on any securities exchange. The Underwriters may
make a market in the Debentures, but the Underwriters are not obligated to do so
and may discontinue any market-making at any time without notice. There can be
no assurance as to the development or liquidity of a trading market for any
Debentures.
The Underwriting Agreement provides that Chrysler will indemnify the
Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or contribute to payments the Underwriters
may be required to make in respect thereof.
In connection with this offering, certain Underwriters and selling group
members and their respective affiliates may engage in transactions that
stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the Debentures. Such
transactions may include stabilization transactions effected in accordance with
Rule 104 of Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
pursuant to which such persons may bid for or purchase Debentures for the
purpose of stabilizing their market price. The Underwriters also may create a
short position for their respective accounts by selling more Debentures in
connection with this offering than they are committed to purchase from the
Company, and in such case may purchase Debentures in the open market following
completion of this offering to cover all or a portion of such short position. In
addition, Salomon Brothers Inc, on behalf of the Underwriters, may impose
"penalty bids" under contractual arrangements between the Underwriters whereby
it may reclaim from an Underwriter (or dealer participating in this offering)
for the account of the Underwriters, the selling concession with respect to
Debentures that are distributed in this offering but subsequently purchased for
the account of the Underwriters in the open market. Any of the transactions
described in this paragraph may result in the maintenance of the price of the
Debentures at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open
market. None of the transactions described in this paragraph is required, and,
if they are undertaken, they may be discontinued at any time.
An affiliate of Chase Securities Inc. is administrative agent and a lender
under certain lending facilities of the Company and its affiliates and otherwise
engages, and may in the future engage, in general financing and banking
transactions with the Company and its affiliates.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Debentures will be passed upon for Chrysler by William
J. O'Brien, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, and
for the Underwriters by Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton, New York, New York.
S-7
<PAGE> 8
PROSPECTUS
$1,500,000,000
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
DEBT SECURITIES
Chrysler Corporation ("Chrysler" or the "Company") intends to issue from time to
time in one or more series its debt securities consisting of unsecured and
unsubordinated debentures, notes, bonds and/or other evidences of indebtedness
(the "Debt Securities") having an aggregate initial public offering price or
purchase price of up to $1,500,000,000. The Debt Securities will be offered on
terms to be determined at the time of sale.
The Debt Securities of a series may be issuable as individual securities in
registered form without coupons ("Certificated Securities") or as one or more
global securities in registered form (each, a "Global Security").
The terms of the Debt Securities, including, where applicable, the specific
designation, aggregate principal amount, authorized denominations, maturity,
premium, rate (which may be fixed or variable) and time of payment of interest,
terms for redemption, terms for sinking fund payments, initial public offering
price, and any other terms of the Debt Securities in respect of which this
Prospectus is being delivered, will be set forth in an accompanying Prospectus
Supplement (a "Prospectus Supplement").
Chrysler may offer and sell Debt Securities directly to purchasers, through
underwriting syndicates led by one or more managing underwriters or through one
or more underwriters or through agents designated from time to time. See "Plan
of Distribution". If underwriters or agents are involved in the sale of any Debt
Securities the names of such agents or underwriters will be set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. If an underwriter, agent or dealer is involved
in the sale of any Debt Securities, the discount, commission or purchase price,
respectively, will be set forth in, or may be calculated from the information
set forth in, the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The net proceeds to Chrysler
from such sale also will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of Debt Securities unless
accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement.
------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
------------------------
The date of this Prospectus is February 19, 1997.
<PAGE> 9
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Chrysler is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance
therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the principal
office of the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the following regional offices of the Commission:
Citicorp Center, Suite 1400, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois
60661-2511; and Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048.
Copies of such material can be obtained by mail from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates and such material is contained on
the worldwide web site maintained by the Commission at http://www.sec.gov.
Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning Chrysler can be
inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street,
New York, New York 10005; the Midwest Stock Exchange, Inc., 440 South LaSalle
Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605; the Pacific Stock Exchange, Inc., 618 South
Spring Street, Los Angeles, California 90014, and 301 Pine Street, San
Francisco, California 94104; and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc., 1900
Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.
Chrysler has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the
Debt Securities offered hereby. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the
Commission, this Prospectus does not contain all of the information included or
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and
schedules thereto. Statements contained in this Prospectus, any Prospectus
Supplement or in any document incorporated herein or therein as to the contents
of any contract or other document referred to herein or therein and filed as an
exhibit to, or incorporated by reference in, the Registration Statement are not
necessarily complete and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of
such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to, or incorporated by
reference in, the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified in
all respects by such reference. For further information with respect to Chrysler
and the Debt Securities, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement
and the exhibits and schedules thereto.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
Chrysler's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December
31, 1996, which was previously filed with the Commission pursuant to the
Exchange Act (File No. 1-9161), is incorporated herein by reference.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the termination of the offering of the Debt Securities shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the
date of filing such documents. Any statement contained herein or in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to
be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a
statement contained herein, in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement or in any
other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated
by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THIS PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED
HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THESE DOCUMENTS (NOT INCLUDING EXHIBITS TO SUCH
DOCUMENTS, UNLESS SUCH EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN
SUCH DOCUMENTS) ARE AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST
DIRECTED TO: ASSISTANT SECRETARY, CHRYSLER CORPORATION, 1000 CHRYSLER DRIVE,
AUBURN HILLS, MICHIGAN 48326-2766 (TELEPHONE: (810) 512-3992).
------------------------
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<PAGE> 10
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Chrysler operates in two principal industry segments: automotive operations
and financial services. Automotive operations include the research, design,
manufacture, assembly and sale of cars, trucks and related parts and
accessories. Substantially all of Chrysler's automotive products are marketed
through retail dealerships, most of which are privately owned and financed.
Financial services include the operations of Chrysler Financial Corporation and
its consolidated subsidiaries ("CFC"), which are engaged principally in
providing consumer and dealer automotive financing for Chrysler's products.
Chrysler also participates in short-term vehicle rental activities through
certain of its subsidiaries (the "Car Rental Operations").
Chrysler manufactures, assembles and sells cars and trucks under the brand
names Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Eagle and Jeep(R), and related automotive parts
and accessories, primarily in the United States, Canada and Mexico ("North
America"). Passenger cars are offered in various size classes and models.
Chrysler produces trucks in pickup, sport-utility and van/wagon models, which
constitute the largest segments of the truck market. Chrysler also purchases and
distributes certain passenger cars manufactured in the United States by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation's ("MMC's") subsidiary, Mitsubishi Motors
Manufacturing of America.
Although Chrysler currently sells most of its vehicles in North America,
Chrysler also participates in other international markets through its
wholly-owned subsidiaries located in Argentina, Brazil, Taiwan, Korea, Italy,
France and Venezuela, through a majority-owned distributor in Japan, through a
joint venture in Austria and through minority-owned affiliates located in China,
Egypt and Thailand. Chrysler sells vehicles and parts, and provides related
services, to independent distributors and dealers in various other markets
throughout the world.
Chrysler's strategy is to focus on its core automotive business. As part of
this strategy, Chrysler has sold certain assets and businesses that are not
related to its core automotive business, and is exploring the sale of other such
assets and businesses in the near term.
CFC, Chrysler's wholly owned subsidiary, is a financial services
organization that provides retail and lease financing for vehicles, dealer
inventory and other financing needs, dealer property and casualty insurance and
dealership facility development and management primarily for Chrysler dealers
and their customers.
Through its Pentastar Transportation Group, Inc. subsidiary, Chrysler owns
Thrifty Rent-A-Car System, Inc. ("Thrifty") and Dollar Rent A Car Systems, Inc.
("Dollar"). Both Thrifty and Dollar are engaged in leasing vehicles to
independent businesses they have licensed to use their trade names, systems and
technologies in the daily rental of cars for business, personal and leisure use.
They also maintain and operate a number of their own locations.
Chrysler was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on March
4, 1986, and is the surviving corporation following mergers with a number of its
operating subsidiaries, including Chrysler Motors Corporation which was
originally incorporated in 1925. Chrysler's principal executive offices are
located at Chrysler World Headquarters, 1000 Chrysler Drive, Auburn Hills,
Michigan 48326-2766. The telephone number of those offices is (810) 576-5741.
3
<PAGE> 11
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the ratios of earnings to fixed charges for
Chrysler and its consolidated subsidiaries for each of the last five years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
- -------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
5.51x 3.45x 5.52x 3.62x 1.48x
</TABLE>
For purposes of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
are determined by adding back fixed charges to earnings from continuing
operations (including equity in net earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries)
before taxes on income and excluding undistributed earnings from less than 50%
owned affiliates. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, credit line
commitment fees and the interest portion of rent expense.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the net
proceeds from the sale of the Debt Securities will be added to Chrysler's
general corporate funds and used for general corporate purposes.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following description of the terms of the Debt Securities sets forth
certain general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities to which any
Prospectus Supplement may relate. The particular terms of the Debt Securities
offered by any Prospectus Supplement and the extent, if any, to which such
general provisions may apply to the Debt Securities so offered will be described
in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Debt Securities.
The Debt Securities are to be issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of
March 1, 1985 between Chrysler and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, which
has been succeeded by State Street Bank and Trust Company as successor Trustee
(the "Trustee"), as supplemented from time to time by supplemental indentures
(such indenture as so supplemented being hereafter referred to as the
"Indenture"). A copy of the Indenture has been filed with the Commission and is
incorporated by reference as part of this Registration Statement. The following
summary of certain provisions of the Indenture does not purport to be complete
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the
Indenture. Numerical references in parentheses below are to sections of the
Indenture. Wherever particular sections or defined terms of the Indenture are
referred to, such sections or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference
as part of the statement made and the statement is qualified in its entirety by
such reference.
GENERAL
Debt Securities offered by this Prospectus will be limited to an aggregate
initial public offering price or purchase price of up to $1,500,000,000. The
Indenture provides that Debt Securities in an unlimited amount may be issued
thereunder from time to time in one or more series. (Section 301)
The Debt Securities will rank pari passu in right of payment with all
existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company.
Reference is hereby made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the
particular series of Debt Securities offered thereby for the terms of such Debt
Securities, including, where applicable: (i) the designation of such Debt
Securities; (ii) the price (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal
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<PAGE> 12
amount thereof) at which such Debt Securities will be issued; (iii) the date or
dates on which, and the place or places where, the principal, and premium, if
any, of such Debt Securities is payable; (iv) the rate or rates (which may be
fixed or variable) at which such Debt Securities will bear interest; (v) the
date from which such interest on such Debt Securities will accrue, the dates on
which such interest will be payable, the related record date and the date on
which payment of such interest will commence; (vi) the periods within or dates
on which and the price or prices at which such Debt Securities will, pursuant to
any mandatory sinking fund provision, or may, pursuant to any optional
redemption or required repayment provisions, be redeemed or repaid and the other
terms and provisions of any such optional redemption or required repayment;
(vii) whether such Debt Securities are to be issued in whole or in part in the
form of one or more Global Securities and, if so, the identity of the Depositary
(as defined below) for such Global Security or Securities; (viii) the terms on
which interests in a Global Security, if any, may be exchanged for individual
Debt Securities of the series; and (ix) any other terms of such Debt Securities
not inconsistent with the provisions of the Indenture.
The Debt Securities of a series may be issuable as Certificated Securities
or may be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global
Securities, as described below under "Global Securities". Unless the Prospectus
Supplement relating thereto specifies otherwise, Certificated Securities will be
issued only in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiples thereof. One or
more Global Securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate
denominations equal to the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Debt
Securities of the series to be represented by such Global Security or
Securities. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of Debt
Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any
tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. (Sections 302
and 305)
At the option of the Holder upon request confirmed in writing, and subject
to the terms of the Indenture, Certificated Securities of any series will be
exchangeable into an equal aggregate principal amount of Certificated Securities
of the same series (with the same interest rate and maturity date) of different
authorized denominations. (Section 305)
Debt Securities may be presented for exchange, and Certificated Securities
may be presented for transfer (with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly
executed), at the office of any transfer agent or at the office of the Security
Registrar, without service charge and upon payment of any taxes and other
governmental charges as described in the Indenture. Such transfer or exchange
will be effected upon the transfer agent or the Security Registrar, as the case
may be, being satisfied with the documents of title and identity of the person
making the request. (Section 305)
Debt Securities may be issued under the Indenture as Original Issue
Discount Securities to be offered and sold at a discount below their stated
principal amount. Federal income tax consequences and other special
considerations applicable to any such Original Issue Discount Securities will be
described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. "Original Issue
Discount Securities" means any Debt Securities that provide for an amount less
than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of
acceleration of the Maturity thereof upon the occurrence of an Event of Default
and the continuation thereof. (Section 101)
GLOBAL SECURITIES
The Debt Securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the
form of one or more Global Securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf
of, a depositary (the "Depositary") identified in the Prospectus Supplement
relating to such series. Global Securities may be issued in registered form only
and in either temporary or permanent form. Unless and until it is exchanged in
whole or in part for individual Debt Securities represented thereby, a Global
Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary for such
Global Security to a nominee of such Depositary or by a nominee of such
Depositary to such Depositary or another nominee of such Depositary or by such
Depositary or any such nominee to a successor of such Depositary or a nominee of
such successor. (Sections 303, 304 and 305)
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<PAGE> 13
The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any Debt
Securities of a series will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating
to such series. The Company anticipates that the following provisions will apply
to all depositary arrangements.
Upon the issuance of a Global Security, the Depositary for such Global
Security will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the
respective principal amount of the individual Debt Securities represented by
such Global Security to the accounts of institutions that have accounts with
such Depositary ("participants"). The accounts to be credited shall be
designated by the underwriters of such Debt Securities or, if such Debt
Securities are offered and sold directly by the Company or through one or more
agents, by the Company or such agent or agents. Ownership of beneficial
interests in a Global Security will be limited to participants or persons that
may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in
such Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will
be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary for such Global
Security or by participants or persons that hold through participants. The laws
of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical
delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such limits and such laws may
impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Security.
So long as the Depositary for a Global Security, or its nominee, is the
owner of such Global Security, such Depositary or such nominee, as the case may
be, will be considered the sole Holder of the individual Debt Securities
represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the Indenture. Except
as set forth below, owners of beneficial interests in a Global Security will not
be entitled to have any of the individual Debt Securities represented by such
Global Security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of such Debt Securities and will not be considered the
Holders thereof under the Indenture.
Payments of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on individual Debt
Securities represented by a Global Security will be made to the Depositary or
its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global Security. None of
the Company, the Trustee for such Debt Securities, any Paying Agent or the
Security Registrar for such Debt Securities will have any responsibility or
liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account
of beneficial interests in such Global Security or for maintaining, supervising
or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
The Company expects that the Depositary for Debt Securities of a series,
upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or interest in respect of a
Global Security, will credit immediately participants' accounts with payments in
amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal
amount of such Global Security as shown on the records of such Depositary. The
Company also expects that payments by participants to owners of beneficial
interests in such Global Security held through such participants will be
governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case
with securities held for the accounts of customers and registered in "street
name", and will be the responsibility of such participants.
The Depositary will take any action permitted to be taken by a Holder of
Debt Securities only at the direction of one or more participants to whose
accounts interests in the Global Securities are credited and only in respect of
such portion of the aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities as to which
such participant or participants has or have given such direction.
If a Depositary for Debt Securities of a series is at any time unwilling or
unable to continue as depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by
the Company within ninety days, the Company will issue individual Debt
Securities of such series in exchange for the Global Security or Securities
representing such Debt Securities. In addition, the Company may at any time and
in its sole discretion determine not to have any Debt Securities of a series
represented by one or more Global Securities and, in such event, will issue
individual Debt Securities of such series in exchange for the Global Security or
Securities representing such Debt Securities. Further, if the Company so
specifies with respect to the Debt Securities of a series, an owner of a
beneficial interest in a Global Security representing Debt Securities of such
series may, on terms acceptable to the Company and the Depositary for such
Global Security, receive individual Debt Securities of such series in definitive
form in
6
<PAGE> 14
exchange for such beneficial interest. In any such instance, an owner of a
beneficial interest in a Global Security will be entitled to physical delivery
of individual Debt Securities of the series represented by such Global Security
equal in principal amount to such beneficial interest and to have such Debt
Securities registered in its name. Individual Debt Securities of such series so
issued will be issued as Certificated Securities in denominations, unless
otherwise specified by the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto, of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof. (Section 305)
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS
Payment of principal of, and premium, if any, on Debt Securities will be
made against surrender of such Debt Securities at the Corporate Trust Office of
The First National Bank of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. Unless otherwise
indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, payment of any installment of interest
on Debt Securities will be made to the person in whose name such Debt Security
is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such
interest payment. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement,
payments of such interest will be made at the Corporate Trust Office of The
First National Bank of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, or, at the option of the
Company, by check mailed to the address of, or by wire transfer to an account
designated by, the Holder entitled thereto as such address or account is shown
in the Security Register. (Sections 307 and 1001)
The Company may terminate the appointment of any of the paying agents from
time to time. (Section 1002)
All moneys paid by the Company to a paying agent for the payment of
principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any Debt Security that remains
unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest
shall have become due and payable will be repaid to the Company and the Holder
of such Debt Security will thereafter look only to the Company for payment
thereof. (Section 1003)
RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
Limitation on Liens. Chrysler will not, and it will not permit any
subsidiary to, guarantee or suffer to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money
secured by a mortgage, pledge or other security interest or title retention
agreement ("Mortgage") on any Principal Domestic Automotive Plant, or on any
shares of stock of or indebtedness of any subsidiary which owns or leases a
Principal Domestic Automotive Plant, without effectively securing or causing
such subsidiary to secure the Debt Securities equally and ratably with (or prior
to) such secured indebtedness, unless after giving effect thereto the aggregate
amount of all such indebtedness so secured together with all Attributable Debt
of the Company and its subsidiaries in respect of sale and leaseback
transactions involving Principal Domestic Automotive Plants (except sale and
leaseback transactions the proceeds of which are applied to the retirement of
Funded Debt) would not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Worth. This restriction
will not apply to indebtedness secured by (a) Mortgages identified in the
Indenture and that were existing on December 31, 1984, (b) Mortgages on property
of, or on any shares of stock or indebtedness of, any corporation existing at
the time such corporation becomes a subsidiary, (c) Mortgages in favor of
Chrysler or a subsidiary, (d) Mortgages in favor of governmental bodies to
secure progress, advance or other payments, (e) Mortgages on property existing
at the time of acquisition thereof (including acquisition through merger or
consolidation) and purchase money Mortgages (including construction cost
financing), and (f) any extension, renewal or replacement of any Mortgage
referred to in the foregoing clauses (a) through (e), inclusive if such
extension, renewal or replacement Mortgage is limited to all or part of the
property securing the prior Mortgage. (Section 1004)
"Principal Domestic Automotive Plant" is defined to include any real or
personal property constituting a significant part of any automotive and related
manufacturing or assembly plant owned or leased by Chrysler or a subsidiary and
located within the United States if the gross book value of all real property
included in such plant exceeds 0.5% of Consolidated Net Worth and more than 75%
in value of its total production, determined in the manner and for the period
specified in the Indenture, consists of cars or trucks or parts, material or
accessories therefor. (Section 101)
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<PAGE> 15
"Attributable Debt" is defined to mean the total net amount of rent
(discounted at the rate per annum equal to the simple average of the interest
rates borne by all series of Debt Securities outstanding under the Indenture
compounded annually) required to be paid during the remaining term of any lease,
exclusive of certain charges. (Section 101)
"Funded Debt" is defined to mean all debt which by its terms is payable or,
at Chrysler's option, may be paid more than 12 months after the date of the most
recent consolidated balance sheet. (Section 101)
"Consolidated Net Worth" is defined to mean the total of (a) the par value
(or stated value on the books of Chrysler) of the capital stock of Chrysler, (b)
the additional paid-in capital of Chrysler, (c) minority interests in
subsidiaries, plus (d) retained earnings (or minus accumulated deficit) of
Chrysler and its subsidiaries, minus (e) the purchase cost of any capital stock
of Chrysler acquired by it and held as treasury stock, and plus or minus, as the
case may be, (f) any separate component of equity not described in (a) through
(e) of this definition and recorded by Chrysler in its equity account in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, all as set forth on
the most recent consolidated balance sheet of Chrysler and its subsidiaries.
(Section 101)
Limitation on Sales and Leasebacks. Neither Chrysler nor any subsidiary may
enter into any sale and leaseback transaction with any lender or investor
involving any Principal Domestic Automotive Plant which has been owned or
operated by Chrysler or such subsidiary for more than 150 days unless (a)
Chrysler or such subsidiary could mortgage such property in an amount equal to
the Attributable Debt with respect to the sale and leaseback transaction without
equally and ratably securing the Debt Securities, or (b) Chrysler, within 150
days, applies to the retirement of Debt Securities or other Funded Debt an
amount not less than the greater of (i) the net proceeds of the sale of the
Principal Domestic Automotive Plant leased pursuant to such arrangement or (ii)
the fair market value of the Principal Domestic Automotive Plant so leased. This
restriction will not apply to any sale and leaseback transaction (a) between
Chrysler and a subsidiary or between subsidiaries or (b) involving the taking
back of a lease for a period of three years or less. (Section 1005)
Chrysler will be required to furnish to the Trustee annually an officers'
certificate to the effect that to the best knowledge of the signatories Chrysler
is not in default in the performance and observance of the foregoing restrictive
covenants or, if Chrysler is in default, specifying such default. (Section 1006)
Merger, Consolidation and Transfer or Lease of Assets. Chrysler may not
consolidate with or merge into any corporation, or transfer or lease its
property and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person or permit any
Person to consolidate with or merge into or transfer or lease its assets
substantially as an entirety to Chrysler, unless (i) if Chrysler shall
consolidate or merge with, or transfer or lease its property or assets to, a
corporation or a Person, the successor corporation, transferee or lessee is a
corporation organized under the laws of the United States or any state or
political subdivision thereof, and it assumes all the obligations of Chrysler
under the Debt Securities and the Indenture and (ii) after giving effect to such
transaction and treating indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Company
or a subsidiary in connection therewith as having been incurred at the time of
such transaction, no event that is, or with notice or lapse of time would
become, an Event of Default under the Indenture would exist. (Section 801)
DEFEASANCE
Chrysler may terminate certain of its obligations under the Indenture with
respect to the Debt Securities of any series, including its obligations to
comply with the covenants described under the heading "Restrictive Covenants"
above, on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Indenture, by
depositing in trust with the Trustee money or Government Obligations sufficient
to pay the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the Debt
Securities of such series to maturity. Such deposit and termination is
conditioned upon Chrysler's delivery of an opinion of independent counsel that
(a) the holders of the Debt Securities of such series will have no federal
income tax consequences as a result of such deposit and termination and (b) if
listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Debt Securities of such series will
not be delisted as a result of the exercise of this option. Such termination
will
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<PAGE> 16
not relieve Chrysler of its obligation to pay when due the principal of or
interest on the Debt Securities if the Debt Securities are not paid from the
money or Government Obligations held by the Trustee for the payment thereof.
(Section 1301)
EVENTS OF DEFAULT, WAIVER AND NOTICE
Events of default with respect to any series of Debt Securities are defined
in the Indenture as being: (a) default for 30 days in payment of interest on any
Debt Security of such series, or default in payment of principal of or premium,
if any, on any Debt Security of such series when due; (b) default in the deposit
of any sinking fund payment on any Debt Security of such series when due; (c)
default for 90 days after notice to Chrysler by the Trustee or by the holders of
10% in principal amount of Debt Securities of such series then outstanding in
performance of any other covenant in the Indenture; (d) acceleration of the
maturity of any indebtedness for money borrowed by Chrysler of $5,000,000 or
more at the time outstanding, if such acceleration is not rescinded or annulled
within 10 days after notice by the Trustee or the holders of 10% in principal
amount of the Debt Securities of such series then outstanding; and (e) certain
events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization. (Section 501) The Indenture
provides that if an event of default specified therein with respect to any
series of Debt Securities shall occur and be continuing, either the Trustee or
the holders of 25% in principal amount of the Debt Securities of such series
then outstanding may declare the principal of all Debt Securities of such series
to be due and payable. (Section 502) The holders of a majority in principal
amount of any series of Debt Securities then outstanding may on behalf of the
holders of all Debt Securities of such series waive any past default or event of
default with respect to Debt Securities of such series except a default not
theretofore cured in payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest
on any Debt Securities of such series or in respect of a covenant or provision
of the Indenture which cannot be modified or amended by a supplemental indenture
without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debt Security of each
series affected (see "Modification and Waiver"). (Sections 502 and 513)
The Indenture contains a provision entitling the Trustee, subject to the
duty of the Trustee during default with respect to any series of Debt Securities
to act with the required standard of care, to be indemnified by the holders of
the Debt Securities of such series before proceeding to exercise any right or
power under the Indenture at the request of such holders. (Section 603) The
Indenture provides that no holder of Debt Securities of any series may institute
any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, to enforce the Indenture except in the
case of failure of the Trustee, for 60 days, to act after the Trustee has been
given (x) notice of default with respect to the Debt Securities of such series,
(y) a request to enforce the Indenture by the holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of such series then
outstanding and (z) an offer of reasonable indemnity. (Section 507) This
provision will not prevent any holder of Debt Securities from enforcing payment
of the principal thereof and premium, if any, and interest thereon at the
respective due dates thereof. (Section 508) The holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of any series of Debt Securities then outstanding may
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceedings for any remedy
available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it with
respect to Debt Securities of such series. However, the Trustee may refuse to
follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Indenture or that would be
unjustly prejudicial to holders of Debt Securities of such series not joining
therein. (Section 512)
The Indenture provides that the Trustee will, within 90 days after the
occurrence of a default with respect to any series of Debt Securities known to
it, give to the holders of Debt Securities of such series notice of such default
if not cured or waived, but, except in the case of a default in the payment of
principal of or interest on Debt Securities of such series, the Trustee shall be
protected in withholding such notice if it determines in good faith that the
withholding of such notice is in the interests of the holders of Debt Securities
of such series. (Section 602)
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
The Indenture permits Chrysler and the Trustee, with the consent of the
holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount of each series of Debt Securities at the
time outstanding thereunder and affected thereby, to
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<PAGE> 17
execute supplemental indentures adding any provisions to or changing or
eliminating any of the provisions of the Indenture or modifying the rights of
the holders of Debt Securities of each such series, except that no such
supplemental indenture may, without the consent of the holders of each affected
series of Debt Securities, (a) change the maturity of Debt Securities of such
series or any installment of interest thereon or reduce the principal amount
thereof or premium, if any, or interest thereon, or (b) reduce the aforesaid
percentage of Debt Securities of such series, the consent of the holders of
which is required for any such supplemental indenture. Compliance by Chrysler
with certain restrictive covenants may be waived in particular cases with the
consent of the holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount of the outstanding Debt
Securities of each series affected thereby. (Sections 902 and 1007)
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trustee, currently has its
corporate trust office at Two International Place, 4th Floor, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110. Any notice to or demand upon the Trustee with respect to
the Debt Securities of any series or the Indenture may be served upon the
Trustee at its corporate trust office. The Trustee will provide the holders of
the Debt Securities of any series with prior written notice of any change in the
address of such office. The Trustee is also trustee under an indenture dated as
of July 15, 1987 between it and the Company.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company may sell Debt Securities in any of three ways: (i) through
underwriters or dealers; (ii) directly to one or more purchasers; or (iii)
through agents. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth the terms of
the offering of any Debt Securities, including the names of any underwriters,
the purchase price of such Debt Securities and the proceeds to the Company from
such sale, any underwriting discounts and the other items constituting
underwriters' compensation, any initial public offering price, any discounts or
concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers and any securities exchanges
on which such Debt Securities may be listed.
If underwriters are used in the sale, Debt Securities will be acquired by
the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in
one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public
offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Such Debt
Securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates
represented by managing underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate.
Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
obligations of the underwriters to purchase such Debt Securities will be subject
to certain conditions precedent, and the underwriters will be obligated to
purchase all of such Debt Securities if any of such Debt Securities are
purchased. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions
allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
Debt Securities may also be sold directly by the Company or through agents
designated by the Company from time to time. Any agent involved in the offer or
sale of Debt Securities will be named, and any commissions payable by the
Company to such agent will be set forth, in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
any such agent will act on a best efforts basis for the period of its
appointment.
If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will
authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers by certain specified
institutions to purchase Debt Securities at the public offering price set forth
in such Prospectus Supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing
for payment and delivery on a future date specified in such Prospectus
Supplement. Such contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement and such Prospectus Supplement will set
forth the commissions payable for solicitation of such contracts.
Any underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the distribution of
Debt Securities may be deemed to be underwriters and any discounts or
commissions received by them on the sale or resales of Debt Securities may be
deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.
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<PAGE> 18
Agents and underwriters may be entitled under agreements entered into with the
Company to indemnification by the Company against certain civil liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect
to payments that the agents or underwriters may be required to make in respect
thereof. Agents and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions
with, or perform services for, the Company or its affiliates in the ordinary
course of business.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon by
William J. O'Brien, Esq., Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of
Chrysler. Mr. O'Brien owns and holds options to purchase shares of Common Stock
of Chrysler.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Chrysler as of December 31, 1996
and 1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996
incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from Chrysler's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, have been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report, which is
incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon
the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
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NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND IN THE PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER
CONTAINED HEREIN AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY CHRYSLER OR THE UNDERWRITERS.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT
THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATES AS OF
WHICH INFORMATION IS GIVEN IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND IN THE PROSPECTUS.
THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR
SOLICITATION BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION
IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS
NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN
OFFER OR SOLICITATION.
------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges... S-3
Use of Proceeds...................... S-3
Description of Debentures............ S-3
Underwriting......................... S-6
Legal Matters........................ S-7
PROSPECTUS
Available Information................ 2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
Reference.......................... 2
Chrysler Corporation................. 3
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges... 4
Use of Proceeds...................... 4
Description of Debt Securities....... 4
Plan of Distribution................. 10
Legal Matters........................ 11
Experts.............................. 11
</TABLE>
$500,000,000
CHRYSLER
CORPORATION
7.40% DEBENTURES DUE 2097
CHRYSLER CORPORATION LOGO
SALOMON BROTHERS INC
CHASE SECURITIES INC.
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
J.P. MORGAN & CO.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
DATED JULY 15, 1997
