Cars
Chrysler LLC is now divorced from Daimler, although the Germans still own a chunk of Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge. Interestingly, Dodge is the most popular brand for the group in the United States. Dodge's 6.5% market share in America makes the 1.4%/2009 target that Chrysler LLC has set for itself in Europe seem embarrassing.
But Chrysler and Dodge have never been taken seriously on European soil. At least Jeep has its genuineness. Thus Chrysler's journey to significance continues across the pond. And it continues with the Journey.
A few issues that strike me as problematic arise: clean styling is great, but the cleanliness of it fails to create a stand-out package. The 2.7L and 3.5L V6's are underachievers, with just 235 max horsepower and 16 or 17 mpg in the city for the American model. Dodge will make use of the so-far impressive Dual-Clutch Gearbox, until now only utilized in VW Group products. But that's paired with a turbodiesel, which as you guessed, keeps that Journey in other lands. The crossover can seat up to seven and offers some very practical storage options.
Success is not measured solely in sales, mind. Dodge will likely sell quite a few of these vehicles to North American buyers looking for a deal. Perhaps 0% purchase financing or $1,500 cashback deals after every Chrysler dealer gets sick of 20 silver and red Journeys on their lot. Success will be measured by the Journey's European infiltration and Dodge's ability to sell Journey's for something close to list price. Otherwise, Jim Press will have to come up with something better for 2013. (Are we already talking about model year 2013?)
Chrysler and Dodge can not make mediocre vehicles anymore and expect to succeed. Toyota can suffer through that for a model cycle and continue to ride their brand value and reliability. Dodge possesses neither. Chrysler LLC's next few debuts MUST head straight to the top of their respective classes. Chrysler would then ride the tidal wave of a desirable car for two or three years (as shown by the 300C) and they'll meet with success. The Journey may be a decent car, but decent isn't enough for Dodge. Not in 2007.
- Dodge Brand's Future Uncertain, Says Wards Auto Report
If we’re to believe a report from WardsAuto, 2016 may be the year when the Dodge brand will disappear. In 2016, several new models and plant sourcing moves that were initiated in late 2010 will come to fruition. These moves will be decisive for...
- Fiat Embarks On A New Journey With Dodge-based Freemont 7-seat Crossover
Sergio Marchionne's plans to infuse the Fiat Group' portfolio with North American models and the Chrysler Group's lineup with European products are starting to take shape with the presentation of the new Fiat Freemont, which is nothing more...
- Triple Recall For Dodge Affects Over 144,000 Journey And Ram Vehicles
The Chrysler Group is recalling certain Dodge Journey crossovers and Ram trucks in three separate actions to repair defective steering wheels, airbags and noisy rear axles. The largest of Chrysler's recalls involves 65,180 Dodge Journey vehicles...
- Family Ties: Chrysler And Dodge Group Shots
We're still waiting for the Chrysler Group to release some decent photo galleries of its newest models - and in particular, of the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 200 - but until then, here are two group shots, one including all of the 2011MY Dodge...
- Chrysler And Dodge To Recall More Than 26,000 Vehicles In The U.s.
A new recall announced by the Chrysler Group will affect 26,397 owners of Chrysler and Dodge brand vehicles in the USA. The recall includes certain 2010MY Chrysler 300 and Sebring, and Dodge Charger, Avenger, Challenger and Journey, and some 2011MY Ram...
Cars
DODGE'S JOURNEY MUST MAKE INROADS
Chrysler LLC is now divorced from Daimler, although the Germans still own a chunk of Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge. Interestingly, Dodge is the most popular brand for the group in the United States. Dodge's 6.5% market share in America makes the 1.4%/2009 target that Chrysler LLC has set for itself in Europe seem embarrassing.But Chrysler and Dodge have never been taken seriously on European soil. At least Jeep has its genuineness. Thus Chrysler's journey to significance continues across the pond. And it continues with the Journey.
Read about the Dodge Journey's website trickery here
A few issues that strike me as problematic arise: clean styling is great, but the cleanliness of it fails to create a stand-out package. The 2.7L and 3.5L V6's are underachievers, with just 235 max horsepower and 16 or 17 mpg in the city for the American model. Dodge will make use of the so-far impressive Dual-Clutch Gearbox, until now only utilized in VW Group products. But that's paired with a turbodiesel, which as you guessed, keeps that Journey in other lands. The crossover can seat up to seven and offers some very practical storage options.
Success is not measured solely in sales, mind. Dodge will likely sell quite a few of these vehicles to North American buyers looking for a deal. Perhaps 0% purchase financing or $1,500 cashback deals after every Chrysler dealer gets sick of 20 silver and red Journeys on their lot. Success will be measured by the Journey's European infiltration and Dodge's ability to sell Journey's for something close to list price. Otherwise, Jim Press will have to come up with something better for 2013. (Are we already talking about model year 2013?)
Chrysler and Dodge can not make mediocre vehicles anymore and expect to succeed. Toyota can suffer through that for a model cycle and continue to ride their brand value and reliability. Dodge possesses neither. Chrysler LLC's next few debuts MUST head straight to the top of their respective classes. Chrysler would then ride the tidal wave of a desirable car for two or three years (as shown by the 300C) and they'll meet with success. The Journey may be a decent car, but decent isn't enough for Dodge. Not in 2007.
- Dodge Brand's Future Uncertain, Says Wards Auto Report
If we’re to believe a report from WardsAuto, 2016 may be the year when the Dodge brand will disappear. In 2016, several new models and plant sourcing moves that were initiated in late 2010 will come to fruition. These moves will be decisive for...
- Fiat Embarks On A New Journey With Dodge-based Freemont 7-seat Crossover
Sergio Marchionne's plans to infuse the Fiat Group' portfolio with North American models and the Chrysler Group's lineup with European products are starting to take shape with the presentation of the new Fiat Freemont, which is nothing more...
- Triple Recall For Dodge Affects Over 144,000 Journey And Ram Vehicles
The Chrysler Group is recalling certain Dodge Journey crossovers and Ram trucks in three separate actions to repair defective steering wheels, airbags and noisy rear axles. The largest of Chrysler's recalls involves 65,180 Dodge Journey vehicles...
- Family Ties: Chrysler And Dodge Group Shots
We're still waiting for the Chrysler Group to release some decent photo galleries of its newest models - and in particular, of the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 200 - but until then, here are two group shots, one including all of the 2011MY Dodge...
- Chrysler And Dodge To Recall More Than 26,000 Vehicles In The U.s.
A new recall announced by the Chrysler Group will affect 26,397 owners of Chrysler and Dodge brand vehicles in the USA. The recall includes certain 2010MY Chrysler 300 and Sebring, and Dodge Charger, Avenger, Challenger and Journey, and some 2011MY Ram...