Dodge in the UK
Viper SRT-10 heading for Europe in 2004
Dodge is coming to Europe and the UK and will be sold alongside Chryslers and Jeeps through many existing Chrysler Jeep dealers.
"It will reward our dealers for their patience during a time when we have had little new product," said Simon Elliott, managing director of Chrysler Jeep in the UK.
The arrival of the Dodge brand in Europe will be spearheaded by the new SRT-10 Viper later this year. It is due to make its European debut at the Paris motor show in September.
"This will be followed by a portfolio of new international Dodge passenger cars starting in 2006," said Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler Group president.
Dodge celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2004. "Our focus outside North America will be on passenger cars, even though in the US the Dodge brand is often associated with pick-up trucks, SUVs and minivans," said Joe Eberhardt, executive vice president for global sales and marketing.
Over the next four years, the number of Chrysler Group right-hand drive and diesel-engined models is expected to double.
A five-door family car and a Mondeo-sized saloon are in the pipeline, and the replacements for the Chrysler Neon and Sebring will both be Dodge models.
About one-fifth of Chrysler Jeep’s 90 UK dealers currently have twin franchises, many with Kia and SEAT. Simon Elliott expects that dual branding to end and be replaced by Dodge.
The Slingshot concept, unveiled here on Sunday, is expected to make it into production as a Dodge sports car, sitting alongside the Smart roadster in the DaimlerChrysler portfolio, from 2006.
"With Dodge we expect sales to grow to more than 30,000 units a year," said Elliott. ChryslerJeep UK finished 2003 with sales of 18,300.
The Slingshot is powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine delivering 100bhp and around 45mpg, said Brit Trevor Creed, Chrysler Group design chief.
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