DODGE DURANGO

Fiat Chrysler Not Giving Up On the Dodge Brand

April 23, 2014 by admin 3 Comments

Refreshed Charger and Challenger models may lift brand sales.

Dodge’s compact Dart has been a sales disappointment.

As of April 2014, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has officially added Alfa Romeo to its US product line, quietly debuting the sensuous 4C at the New York International Auto Show.

Besides Alfa, the Italian-American automaker also sells Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, and SRT brand vehicles. Add in its Mopar automotive parts division and you have eight brands to balance for one of the largest car portfolios outside of the Volkswagen Group.

FCA also owns Ferrari and Maserati, brands that are marketed and sold separately in the US. Only Lancia and Ducato do not have a presence stateside and neither seem likely to be established here. With so many brands it seems possible that one or more makes might get cut with Dodge mentioned as a likely candidate by Ward’s Auto in a story it ran in June 2013.

Since the Ward’s article was published, other industry analysts and casual observers have shared their own thoughts about the future of Dodge. Not to be left out, the following are my reasons why I expect Dodge not only to survive, but thrive. Input from other industry experts was sought as well.

Refreshed Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger

Tim Kuniskis is the CEO of the Dodge brand, and as such has a stake in the success of the brand. This brand’s large cars are its Challenger coupe and Charger sedan, models that share the same platform and have been extensively reworked for 2015. Kuniskis had previously identified the pair as Dodge’s heart and soul models.

Since the current generation for both models went on sale five years ago, Dodge has sold more than 1 million vehicles combined, enjoying year-over-year sales increases since then. With FCA strengthening the brand’s heart and soul that’s reason alone to preserve Dodge.

2015 Dodge Challenger

Good-Bye, Dodge Avenger

In 2013 Dodge sold 93,842 units of is Avenger midsize sedan. Though those numbers pale in comparison to what Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Ford push with their respective models, it still represents a significant number of car shoppers. Those shoppers, however, won’t find an Avenger in Dodge showrooms after 2015 as the automaker is discontinuing the model even as it replaces the similar Chrysler 200.

Dodge hopes to recover some of its Avenger cancellation by switching people to the Dodge Dart, a compact model that has been a major disappointment for the company. FCA also expects some Avenger shoppers to move over to the 200 as the automaker seeks to reduce brand overlap. The Avenger cancellation and Dart sales slump have fueled rumors of Dodge’s demise, but with its heart and soul models in place, the automaker may simply be looking to narrow Dodge’s focus even as sales take a hit.

Making it With Crossovers

Where the Charger and Challenger represent the center of the brand, its crossover Dodge Durango and Dodge Journey models may be its bread and butter. The Durango is based on a stretched wheelbase version of the platform that underpins the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Though the Durango’s 60,727 units sold in 2013 come in far below the Jeep’s 174,275 units, Durango sales rose by 43 percent in 2013 and are up 19 percent through March 2014 where price tags approaching $40,000 a piece are common.

The Dodge Journey came to the brand in 2009 and has been a good seller. This midsize crossover has been given an extended lease on life as an all-new model is set to roll out for 2016, one year later than originally planned. That vehicle will be built on the same platform underpinning the Jeep Cherokee, itself exceeding sales expectations. While FCA will most certainly distinguish the Jeep and Dodge models, the next generation Journey could itself attract a new group of customers.

A Minivan or Not

Rumors continue to swirl about Chrysler’s two minivans: the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan. CEO Sergio Marchionne made it known several years back that only one of the two models would survive with the other likely to be remade as a crossover. With the Durango firmly in place it seems likely that Dodge will get the minivan and Chrysler the crossover.

The current Grand Caravan will stay in production through 2017, extending its life cycle by two years according to Automotive News. That will give the automaker time to develop the hybrid system that has reportedly been considered for this model. A diesel-powered model also seems likely.

2015 Dodge Charger

Beyond the Essentials

Might Dodge survive with just five models, namely the Challenger, Charger, Journey, Durango and Dart? Certainly, especially if the other brands pick up the slack.

Dodge’s rumored demise has been talked about since Chrysler separated its Ram trucks from Dodge and later reassigned Viper to SRT. That the Dart is selling poorly has been no comfort to brand loyalists either, a model outclassed in a very competitive segment.

Dodge sales rose in 2013 by 14 percent yet are down 9 percent through March 2014, largely due to declining Avenger and Dart interest. In resolving its Dart problems, Dodge may narrow its sales losses, but not entirely. Even then, the brand should have enough healthy models to press on as Fiat Chrysler seeks to bolster the rest of its portfolio.

The Experts Weigh In

Though the rumors about Dodge’s pending demise have received some traction over the past year, a number of experts are now saying otherwise.

Jason Lancaster, editor of AccurateAutoAdvice.com, believes that Dodge should focus on performance, taking a similar approach that has worked with with BMW and Porsche. Said Lancaster, “They should offer upgraded versions of cars in the Chrysler-Fiat family, with catchy names, flashy styling, and excellent stats.” With these changes Lancaster believes that “Dodge could become a symbol for modern American muscle.”

Ryan Freeze, a leader of change at Ajunt, a cloud-based agency platform, believes Dodge will survive but faults the brand for not offering a convertible and for currently presenting a line up that resembles a “Hertz commercial.” Freeze gives high marks to Ford for its reworked Mustang, but criticizes the Dart for “…too much body and [for not having] the same road feel as many competitors.” Like Lancaster, Freeze pointed to BMW as a brand for Dodge to aspire to.

We also heard from Justin Cupler, Chief Editor for TopSpeed.com, who was NOT at a loss for words. Said Cupler, “The entire Chrysler group, along with Maserati, is supporting FIAT Chrysler Automobiles NV and the FIAT brand. FCA NV would be insane to pull focus from Dodge at this point, as the muscle car realm is likely to explode in the next two years. The Mustang and Camaro are both selling pretty well, particularly the Mustang (up 19 percent YTD), and the Charger/Challenger siblings should see a boost from their respective refreshes. The Avenger and Dart are both huge losers, and the Avenger is already slated for the axe in 2016, with a RWD, midsize sedan rumored to take its place. This leaves the oddball that is the Dart, which needs a refresh to bring it more in line with the rest of the brand. If anything, FIAT S.p.A. needs to inject more into Dodge to cut the fat (Avenger), rework the slow sellers (Challenger and Dart) and introduce a midsize RWD sedan to replace the Avenger.”

So, there you have it. Dodge will likely be around for the long haul, but clearly an improvement in the way that this now 100-year-old brand approaches the market is required.

Photos courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, NV

The Five Top Selling Large Crossovers of 2013

January 10, 2014 by admin 8 Comments

2013 Ford Explorer. — The Ford Explorer is easily the top-selling large crossover sport utility vehicle for 2013.

How to do you define a large crossover? That definition includes models that offer seating for at least six or seven, are powered by V-6 engines and offer generous storage room. GM builds more large crossovers than any other manufacturer, but it divides that production among three brands. Chrysler sells both the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but only the former is in this category as it is an extended wheelbase model with seating for seven. The Grand Cherokee is considered a midsize crossover.

Large Crossover Models

A number of crossover models once were sold as traditional body-on-frame models. As customers have shown a preference for car-based models, the transition to the new platform is nearly complete with just a few holdovers such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Toyota Sequoia present. As long as there is a market for such models well likely see them produced for years to come.

1. Ford Explorer. During its hay day, Ford sold more than 400,000 Explorers. Sales trailed off sharply through the 2000s until a new crossover model was rolled out in 2010. That model has been a strong seller, a vehicle that also is marketed for police duty. In 2013, Ford sold 178,311 Explorers, up from 158,344 the year before, a 12.6 percent increase. Add in the 14,086 sales for the Police Interceptor Utility and the total comes to 192,397 units. Ford still offers the Expedition, a traditional SUV that added an additional 38,350 units to the mix.

2014 Toyota Highlander. — An all-new Toyota Highlander rolls out for 2014.

2. Toyota Highlander. Like Ford, Toyota offers several crossover/SUV models. The Highlander at 127,572 units sold is a distant second in this segment, a model that is smaller than the Sequoia and Land Cruiser, vehicles that contributed an additional 17,000 sales in 2013. An all-new 2014 model should help the Highlander enjoy even greater gains than the 5.4 percent rise it had in 2013.

3. Honda Pilot. It was close, but there is no No. 2 position for the Honda Pilot. In 2013, Pilot sales rose by 10.3 percent, trimming the Highlanders lead to just 864 units. Like the Highlander, the Honda Pilot is one of the more established large crossovers. Its place in the Honda line up seems assured, a vehicle like the Odyssey van that offers generous cabin room.

4. Chevrolet Traverse. The Traverse is the top seller among the three large GM crossovers. There was a fourth model, but it is gone. Can you name it? That would be the Saturn Outlook. The Chevrolet Traverse was updated for 2013, a move that helped push sales up by 12.7 percent to 96,467 units sold. Traditional SUVs are still popular among Chevrolet products with the Suburban adding another 51,260 units sold and the Tahoe with sales of 83,502 vehicles in 2013.

5. GMC Acadia. Most Buick and GMC dealerships are united. And that means both the GMC Acadia and the Buick Enclave are sold under the same roof. The Enclave targets the luxury segment; the Acadia the premium segment. Even still, the Acadia Denali provides a level of luxury that rivals the Enclave, giving GMC shoppers one more option to consider when buying one. In 2013 Acadia sales were 89,793 units, up 14.7 percent for the year.

Larger Crossovers: Best of the Rest

Sales of the Nissan Pathfinder rose by more than 100 percent as a new model replaced the previous truck-based SUV. The Pathfinder represents the fastest growing model in this segment and its rapid growth puts it just outside of the top five. Premium models in this segment include the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60; the Mazda CX-9 and Fords Flex are other models to consider.

Special Service Dodge Durango Prepared For Civil Fleets

October 21, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

American automotive manufacturers provide select vehicles for civil fleets including police cars, ambulances and fire chief vehicles. These civil-oriented models are based on various production sedans and sport utility vehicles, and include a 2014 Dodge Durango Special Service model designed for fire, police and civil fleet customers. Last week, the Chrysler Group released information about its special-purpose Dodge Durango.

Dodge Durango Special Service Vehicle — Dodge rolls out a special service Durango.

The new model is being built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit with orders being received now. The Durango is a crossover utility vehicle that shares its platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Special Service Engine Choices

Two engine choices are available with the special service Durango: a 3.6-liter V-6 making 290 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque and a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 making 360 horsepower and 390 foot-pounds of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, helping to deliver upwards of a 15 percent fuel efficiency improvement over previous models. The HEMI also utilizes cylinder deactivation technology that shuts down four cylinders when operating at lower performance levels.

The V-6 special service model has a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds and a driving range of over 600 miles. It delivers up to 25 miles per gallon of regular grade gasoline. The V-8 engine can pull up to 7,400 pounds and also takes regular grade gasoline. This model can deliver up to 23 mpg.

The Dodge Durango Special Service model joins two other Chrysler Group products to serve government fleet customers: the Dodge Charger Pursuit sedan and the Ram 1500 Special Service truck. Peter Grady, Vice President of Network Development and Fleet Operations said, “The 2014 Dodge Durango Special Service model is a state-of-the-art resource for fleet customers.” He noted that it has “…been specifically designed for the demands and rigors of fleet duty.”

Dodge Durango Upgrades

That special duty capability is apparent with the multiple upgrades this vehicle has received including a heavy-duty battery, a 220-amp alternator, a heavy-duty water pump and engine cooler, a heavy-duty brake package and a load leveling system.

Inside, the cabin was designed to meet the needs of government fleet buyers. This model includes a programmable seven-inch display in the gauge cluster, a Uconnect infotainment five-inch touchscreen with voice command and Bluetooth, a media hub for USB, SD media card and auxiliary jack integration, and Bluetooth streaming audio. This model is also equipped with new LED daytime running lamps and rear race track tail lamps, the latter lasting longer than traditional bulbs in a bid to reduce maintenance costs.

Exclusive to the Durango Special Service model is a rear cargo area equipped with under floor storage compartments and side storage compartments. Other modifications include a special service headliner, a red and white interior dome lamp, and spot lamp wiring preparation. Unlike other Durango models, the special service edition does not include a third row seat. Instead, it has been deleted to free up cargo capacity. However, the second row controls for heating and cooling remain in place.

Durango Handling and Safety

Special service vehicle upgrades including a skid plate group for all-wheel drive models, a rear view back up camera, a trailer tow group, an engine block heater and Uconnect mobile access capability are available.

Chrysler says that the special service safety and security features number more than 60 and include stability control, traction control, hill start assist, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic roll mitigation and trailer sway control. Seat-mounted and side curtain airbags are standard; front-row active head restraints are also included. Every special service model is covered by a 5-year/100,000-mile fully transferrable powertrain warranty.

Dodge Durango Nip/Tuck Unveiled

April 2, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Dodge Durango

Dodge’s midsize crossover utility vehicle.

A number of traditional body-on-frame sport utility vehicles have made the transition to a unibody chassis including the Ford Explorer and more recently the Nissan Pathfinder. Although off-roading capabilities are typically limited, these crossover SUVs are more rigid, quieter and provide improved fuel efficiency versus truck-based SUVs.

The Dodge Durango is another model that made the switch, a seven-passenger vehicle that shares its platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Introduced in 2011, the third-generation Dodge Durango receives a mid product cycle update, including a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and new LED technology. The updated model arrives in Dodge showrooms this fall.

New Transmission

The burly Dodge Durango is powered by a standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine that makes 290 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm. Optionally, a 5.7-liter V-8 making 360 horsepower at 5,150 rpm and 390 foot-pounds of torque at 4,250 rpm is available. Both engines are paired with a ZF-licensed eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

The new transmission enables the 2014 Dodge Durango to achieve a 9 percent gain in fuel efficiency when its Eco Mode is selected. Fuel cut off technology shuts down half of the cylinders in the V-8 engine when operating at highway speeds. Towing capacities remain the same with the V-6 rated to pull up to 6,200 pounds and the V-8 up to 7,400 pounds. Those ratings are uniform across rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Exterior and Interior Refinements

The Durango’s exterior now features a slimmer crosshair grille anchored by updated projector-beam headlamps. A raised front bumper, new hood sculpting and “hockey stick styled” LED daytime running lamps on most models gives this SUV a more refined, but still high-spirited look. From the rear, the now familiar “racetrack” tail lamp arrangement seen in the current Dodge Dart and Charger models is now a Durango hallmark.

Inside, Dodge introduces a new programmable instrument cluster, a pair of touchscreens, a three-spoke steering wheel with paddles shifters and an available high-definition dual-screen Blu-Ray entertainment system. Choose the Dodge Durango Limited and leathering seating is standard as is heated seating, a heated steering wheel and an 8.4-inch UConnect touchscreen.

Durango buyers can also dispense with the second row bench seat and opt for a pair of captain’s chairs. One seating position is lost, but gains in seating comfort and cabin maneuverability are achieved.

Model Specifications

The 2014 Dodge Durango sits on a 119.8-inch wheelbase and is 201.2 inches long by 75.8 inches wide by 70.9 inches tall. Curb weight ranges from 4,756 to 5,397 pounds; payload capacity is from 1,280 to 1,430 pounds.

The front track measures 63.9 inches to 64.1 inches with the rear track. Interior volume measures 54.4 cubic feet in the front row, 44.8 cubic feet in the second row to 34.7 cubic feet in the third row. Standard storage capacity is 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row. Behind the second row it is 47.7 cubic feet and with rear seats folded there is 84.5 cubic feet behind the first row seat.

Market Segment

Besides the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder and the in-house Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Durango competes against the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander and the Buick Enclave. The Honda Pilot is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the remaining competitors have six-speed transmissions. Thus, the new transmission arrangement gives Dodge a significant advantage, something that the Chrysler Group expects to translate into more sales.

Pricing is expected to be announced closer to the Durango’s release date.

Photos courtesy of the Chrysler Group, LLC.

Chrysler Introduces Dodge Durango Special Service Vehicle

March 22, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Durango model makes three police cruisers from Chrysler.

Auto Trends has been keeping a sharp eye on the police pursuit market lately as several important changes have been made.

Police Cruiser News

Earlier this month we reported on the fortunes of Carbon Motors, a would-be developer of police-spec sedans. That Indiana-based company had its U.S. Department of Energy loan application rejected, for reasons its CEO says were political. Carbon’s fortunes now rest in the hands of investors or perhaps a deep-pocketed suitor.

Last week we announced that the Ford Motor Company has brought not one, but two replacements to the market for its now-retired Ford Crown Victoria sedan. Ford also put out an invitation to this writer to test both vehicles at a special show ‘n tell in Queens, N.Y. this week, one that was accepted and reported on yesterday.

Dodge Durango Special Service SUV

This week, Dodge announced that a Special Service Dodge Durango designed for police, fire and general fleet customers can now be ordered with deliveries expected to begin in the second quarter of 2012. That vehicle joins the Dodge Charger Pursuit and the Ram Special Service Vehicle. Each of these vehicles is offered through Chrysler’s fleet operations department.

“We’re incredibly excited to add the Dodge Durango Special Service to our line-up of law enforcement vehicles,” said Peter Grady, Vice President of Network Development and Fleet Operations. “Adding Durango to our current Dodge Charger Pursuit and Ram 1500 Special Service vehicles allows us to offer a full range of fleet sedan, SUV, and truck options to law enforcement and government agencies.”

Dodge Durango Specifications

The standard engine with the Dodge Durango Special Service edition is Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. That engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and makes 290 horsepower. Optionally, a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is available and is also paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The more potent Durango makes 360 horsepower and 390 foot-pounds of torque. These vehicles are available in rear- or all-wheel-drive.

Dodge is emphasizing a few important points about its police-spec Dodge Durango including its 550-mile plus driving range with the V-6 engine and stand out power with its V-8. These models come equipped with a 220-amp alternator, a larger battery and a heavy duty water pump and engine oil cooler. This special service edition model is also covered by Chrysler’s 5-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Dodge Durango is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “top safety pick” as it scored the highest in crash tests involving frontal offset, side impact, rollover and rear collision accidents.

Model Modifications

Dodge says that its special service Durango offers a fully customizable rear cargo compartment equipped with under-floor storage compartments and side storage compartments. An interior dome lamp and headliner, spot lamp wiring prep and the removal of the standard third row seats for more cargo capacity. The separate air conditioning and heating controls found in the second row with general spec models will stay in place. Safety features such as traction control, stability control, electronic roll mitigation, hill start assist and trailer sway control are also included.

The Dodge Durango Special Services edition is being built at Chrysler’s Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit.