Chrysler has revealed that the pricing for its 2009 model vehicles will be increased by an average of $500, in line with rising raw material and labor costs. In addition to this, Chrysler will be raising the price for shipping by about $50 per vehicle, reflecting the increased cost of transportation due to high fuel prices, resulting in what is likely to be even less customer demand during a trough in the economy's cycle.

The rise in prices was announced by Steven Landry, Chrysler's executive vice-president for North American sales. However, the price increases will not apply to 2009 models that dealers are currently in possession of or have already been ordered, reports Automotive News.

While Chrysler's sales figures continue to take hits, even manufacturers with high sales are being forced to raise the prices for their cars. Toyota's Prius experienced a price hike of 1.8% in recent months, and the wildly popular Mini Cooper is also having its prices raised for 2009.

Even luxury car manufacturers such as Audi, who make large margins on their vehicles, are expected to raise their prices next year in line with the rising costs associated with production.

In terms of other Detroit manufacturers, Chrysler's price hikes are smaller than that imposed by GM and Ford. Earlier in the year, General Motors raised the prices of its 2009 models by an average of almost $800, while the Blue Oval has raised its own prices for 2009 models by over $700.

Some dealers were supportive of the price hike, commending Chrysler for not raising their prices as much as General Motors and Ford have.