According to Simon Elliott, managing director of Chrysler Jeep in the U.K., the addition of Dodge "will reward our dealers for their patience during a time when we have had little new product."
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| Chrysler dealerships in Europe will welcome a new brand to the fold, giving a much needed boost to their product line. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
"Our focus outside North America will be on passenger cars, even though in the U.S. the Dodge brand is often associated with pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans," stated Joe Eberhardt, executive vice president for global sales and marketing.
But that doesn't mean it will abstain from selling trucks in Europe, with the next-generation Dakota being targeted for global sales. Interestingly, forecasts are for the brand's number of right-hand drive and diesel powered vehicles to double over the next four years.
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| The diminutive Sling Shot, based on DaimlerChrysler's smart roadster, is also expected to join the European Dodge ranks by about 2006. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
The introduction of Viper "will be followed by a portfolio of new international Dodge passenger cars starting in 2006," added Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler Group president.
These will include a 5-door family car, possibly the new Magnum sport tourer, and a midsize sedan which will without doubt be the next-generation Mitsubishi Gallant based Sebring. The third-generation Neon, or SX 2.0 in Canada, will show up as well when it becomes available.
The diminutive Sling Shot, based on DaimlerChrysler's smart roadster (the lower case spelling of smart is intentional), is also expected to join the European Dodge ranks by about 2006.