The first digit of the VIN corresponds to where the vehicle manufacturer is incorporated. Since the Crossfire is a DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicle (US Business Unit), the VIN is a "1". If the vehicle was sold by DaimlerChrysler AG (i.e. Mercedes), it would be a "W". As always, it's about semantics.

Also, DaimlerChrysler is not building the vehicle in Germany, Wilhelm Karmann GmbH is. Karmann also builds the CLK Cabrio in the same plant. It has a "W". Just wanted to add more confusion. :?