It seems as though two models in Chrysler Canada’s truck line-up will be discontinued after the 2011 model year. The demise of the Dodge Nitro compact SUV and the Ram Dakota mid-size pickup isn’t much of a surprise, though.
Canadian sales of the Nitro totalled 1,103 in 2010, and have dropped by 62% during the first five months of 2011, compared to the same period in 2010. To put that into perspective, the Journey found 20 times as many owners.
The Nitro is a brutish-looking little truck, but its shortcomings outweighed its qualities. Namely, the absence of interior room, especially foot space, and the heavy fuel consumption from its 3.7- and 4.0-litre V6 engines. In 2011, only one trim level remains in Canada, and its base price is $31,695.
As for the Dakota, Chrysler only moved out 1,715 units in Canada last year compared to over 54,000 full-size Ram pickups. Clearly, the Dakota’s big brother offers a wider selection of models and several are less expensive than the Dakota itself. Why buy a mid-size when you can get a full-size for less money?
The Jeep Liberty, another of Chrysler’s slow sellers with 2,993 Canadian sales in 2010, will still be offered for the 2012 model year.
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| 2011 Dodge Nitro (Photo: Chrysler) |
Canadian sales of the Nitro totalled 1,103 in 2010, and have dropped by 62% during the first five months of 2011, compared to the same period in 2010. To put that into perspective, the Journey found 20 times as many owners.
The Nitro is a brutish-looking little truck, but its shortcomings outweighed its qualities. Namely, the absence of interior room, especially foot space, and the heavy fuel consumption from its 3.7- and 4.0-litre V6 engines. In 2011, only one trim level remains in Canada, and its base price is $31,695.
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| 2011 Dodge Dakota (Photo: Chrysler) |
As for the Dakota, Chrysler only moved out 1,715 units in Canada last year compared to over 54,000 full-size Ram pickups. Clearly, the Dakota’s big brother offers a wider selection of models and several are less expensive than the Dakota itself. Why buy a mid-size when you can get a full-size for less money?
The Jeep Liberty, another of Chrysler’s slow sellers with 2,993 Canadian sales in 2010, will still be offered for the 2012 model year.