Dodge keeping its muscle cars in Europe! Other vehicles may become Fiats!
By Andrew C., 27 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8
In relation to Fiat S.p.A.'s goal to maximize the synergies possible within the combined groups' six mass-market brands, it has chosen to sell more popular cars under the Dodge brand while lesser known products will be sold under the Fiat brand. Fiat S.p.A. has a 20% stake in the Chrysler Group, which owns Dodge. Under this plan, iconic American muscle cars such as the Challenger and Charger will remain under Dodge while the Journey crossover and the Nitro SUV, which are due in Europe in 2011, will be sold as Fiats.
In an interview with Automotive News Europe last month, Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said that the Challenger and Charger cannot be turned into anything else as they are "by definition American vehicles" and as such will remain Dodge worldwide. But vehicles such as the restyled Journey and the Nitro, which are due in Europe in 2011, would be sold as Fiats in Europe and in Latin America.
Marchionne added that Fiat is currently studying what else sits within Dodge that can be used internationally by the Fiat brand. It's expected that for other Chrysler Group brands, the lineup of Chrysler brand cars could extend to models sold by Fiat subsidiary Lancia. It's believed that the Lancia models that may be turned into Chryslers include the Delta compact and the next-generation Ypsilon subcompact, which is due in the second half of 2011. However, the Delta and Ypsilon are expected to continue to be sold as Lancias in Italy, which represents about 90% of the automaker's total sales. It is also expected that there will be no changes at Jeep and that its lineup of SUVs and crossovers will continue to be sold.
Gallery: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8
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