Dodge returns to the Land of the Rising Sun
While (potential) buyers sniff around The Chrysler Group, DaimlerChrysler is still working to keep the brand in fighting shape for its (potential) future owner, announcing that Dodge will return to Japan after a 5-year absence. Four models have been announced to go on sale through its local subsidiary, DaimlerChrysler Japan Co: the Caliber, Avenger, Charger, and Nitro.
Since 2002, when Dodge shipped its last Viper to Nippon, independent importers have maintained the Chrysler Group flag. Even though fewer than 1,000 Chrysler-brand vehicles were sold in the first quarter of this year, the president of DaimlerChrysler Japan, Hans Tempel, declared "No matter what the outcome of Chrysler is, we will continue making our business more profitable in Japan."
Diesel-powered Jeeps and Dodges are also being considered for the Japanese market, though no sales goals have been quoted.
[Source: Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Maineiac 5:46PM (4/13/2007)
The Nitro was the first vehicle ever tested by Consumer Reports(that I can remember) where they could not list even one 'High' or 'Pro' to report on. It rec'd a score of 33. The winner of the comparison, the Hyundai Santa Fe, rec'd an 80 and was second in the whole segement to the Rav-4 which scored 83.
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paul 5:50PM (4/13/2007)
Does Japan use RHD cars, if so that means Australia may finally get the Charger.
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Viv 6:36PM (4/13/2007)
Why do the Aussies need the charger when you guys have great products from Holden; I suppose the grass is always greener on the other side.
Nice Whuppin' Ponting and the boys are laying down in the Carribean by the way.
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HotRodzNKustoms 6:49PM (4/13/2007)
I think the small Dodge cars would do well in Japan with their agressive machocartoon-charecter very American styling.
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Sassypants 6:59PM (4/13/2007)
The absolute crap that Dodge is putting out now is only going to hurt American car sales overall in Japan. Nitro, Caliber, Avenger... well at least China's gonna build their subcompact.
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Jake 7:40PM (4/13/2007)
Driving a Nitro? That'd be scarier than running from Godzilla! Sorry Nippon, if it were up to me, you wouldn't even know the US made cars.
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paul 10:17PM (4/13/2007)
3. Why do the Aussies need the charger when you guys have great products from Holden; I suppose the grass is always greener on the other side.
Nice Whuppin' Ponting and the boys are laying down in the Carribean by the way.
Posted at 6:36PM on Apr 13th 2007 by Viv
Because the truth is i would never ever buy a holden and there not as good as you guys here they are.
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Jim Sanders 4:38AM (4/14/2007)
Chrysler design doesn't even cut it for the less competitive US market.
Competing in Japan's level is hopeless.
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.03 9:32AM (4/22/2007)
you foreign fanboys are really something! First...the Nitro is one of the most aggressive (non femanine) SUV's out there, and is NOT BASED ON A CAR making it a true SUV. Second,#6, Jake...you've obviously never driven a Nitro...they drive excellent, although I opted for the Liberty. Third...Let then into your precious Land of the Rising duds and see what happens...that will be the true test...If their protectionist "tax American cars to high heaven" tactics are any hint...they are SCARED of American autos.
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Frank 9:06PM (4/14/2007)
Caliber/Compass/Patriot like the Neon before it were designed to be either left or right hand drive. The factory is flex so they can build any model/any side steering wheel they need to at any time. So like the Neon before it they will offer it in Japan.
The strange thing about the Japanese market is you never know what they will like. They love Harleys even though it could be argued there own bikes are better. The freakin' Chevy Astro of all thngs, had a cult following in Japan, they had clubs devoted to it, and it wasn't even right hand drive. So Caliber could take off. By the way Cherokees and Grand Cherokees have sold there for years with the steering wheel on either side.
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Harrison 8:12PM (6/27/2007)
I bet the Charger will be a huge hit with the VIP tuner guys.
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