Europeans won't get Dodge Challenger
Although DaimlerChrysler had originally planned to bring the upcoming retro-rod Dodge Challenger to Europe, it seems Cerberus has had a change of heart. They apparently see the Challenger as a limited production model that will only be available in the States, and as such they have made the decision not to sell the car in Europe, according to reports on AutoTelegraaf.
We'll finally see the production version of the Challenger in Chicago next February, and production should start at Chrysler's Brampton plant later in 2008. It seems like an eternity since we first glimpsed this Mustang challenger (Har dee har), but fortunately for us in America, at least we'll eventually get a chance to purchase one. Well, Europeans might be able to through brokers, but nothing officially from Dodge. But hey, at least they have the Avenger and upcoming Journey to look forward to!
[Source: AutoTelegraaf via MotorAuthority]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Viv 7:39PM (8/31/2007)
Not meaning to divert but, when is the Camaro production starting? Do we a have a definite date for production and intro?
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94 taurus owner 3:39AM (9/01/2007)
you have'nt heard. Production will start early 2009
TriShield 8:39PM (8/31/2007)
Importers will bring Challengers in for those who want them. Top Gear will probably drive it for fun too.
No date on Camaro production yet. It's a 2009 model so I would guess by next Summer/Fall.
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tony2x 8:22PM (8/31/2007)
Looking at that nose it's unlikely it would pass the EU pedestrian crash regulations and the alternative to that is fitting a pyrotechnic device that would lift the bonnet up on impact and that is a very expensive solution.
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El Calor 8:30PM (8/31/2007)
Because it's American muscle baby!
http://www.ChallengerTalk.com
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F451 8:37PM (8/31/2007)
I'm not a fan of retro, but the new Challenger has to be one of the best I have ever seen. It is a testament to how great the original design was to begin with.
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whofan 8:37PM (8/31/2007)
The most beautiful car built in the last 30 years. God bless Chrysler!
Hey Cerberus don`t make this a limited production run. Chrysler has finally got their Mustang. Let then build plenty of them. Help make American road ways beautiful again. Red ,Blue ,Orange ,Yellow, Green Build them all!
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Jackhammer 8:40PM (8/31/2007)
Does only available in the States mean the Challenger won't be sold in the country that will produce it - Canada? That would be pretty silly, eh!
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Petey 8:50PM (8/31/2007)
This would sell as well as a Smart 4.2 in the US south east..
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SPG 8:59PM (8/31/2007)
Limited production model = high price and big dealer markup.
That's too bad. This car could of been a good seller with different engine and trim choices.
Howevver I can't say that not selling it in Europe was a bad idea.
I really hope it's available in Canada though.
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Jackhammer 10:02PM (8/31/2007)
I really hope the Challenger is available in Canada too, because it might be difficult to import from the States. According to 'Canadian Driver' magazine, "Some manufacturer warranties are not transferable from the U.S. to Canada; for example, BMW's are, but Chrysler's aren't."
SPG 10:08PM (8/31/2007)
I did not think about the warranty situation.
That's very intresting actually.
I can't say I exactly cried over not getting the GTO but if we don't get this car I'd feel pretty ripped.
I am kinda thinking it will be for sale in Canada though as this is a huge market for them.
vectorbug 9:20PM (8/31/2007)
hamsters gonna be pissed
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Philip 9:32PM (8/31/2007)
Clarkson too.
Heck they will get one if they want one bad enough, they have the Money.
I think Chrysler are missing a perfect oppurtunity to make some serious money, Limited production limits your profit potential.
Its not just the initial sales of the cars but the enormous profit from the sales of parts of many years.
I know a few guys who would love one but will never get the chance, Id say its a dissapointment for thousands of Men and Women.
Ford has sold lots of Mustangs and no doubt GM will sell lots of Camaro's.
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Tom 9:36PM (8/31/2007)
Making this car a limited producer car is the biggest mistake they could possibly make. Then again so is the possibility of selling off Mopar. I had high hopes Cerberus would be the best thing for Chrysler, but now I'm starting to have my doubts. I'm also sure this thing will sell in Canada. Canada is part of America as a continent, it's not over seas or anything.
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sw 10:43PM (8/31/2007)
Cerebrus wants profits, I can't see the type of company that they are, caring a lot about cars. They've already got a CEO that will cut and slash anything remotely unnecessary. I can easily see them want to be more like Toyota or Honda in that respect and I won't be surprised if that starts to show through.
mk 10:24PM (8/31/2007)
Production limited to how many they think they can sell, and keep people's appetite whetted.
Limiting production is a trick to keep interest ginned up.
They keep a backlog waitinglist of orders to a set amount, so that it doesn't look like they are flooding the market, and people think it is a slightly rare commodity.
Lord knows chrysler has learned about oversupply lately.
I would venture a guess that the market will include canada, most cars are marketed for all of north america, because if it meets US standards, it very likely meets Canadian and Mexican standards, and doesn't require overseas shipping and the associated costs.
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Carletti 10:35PM (8/31/2007)
I'm skeptical. The Challenger, to me, basically follows the fate of the current Mustang. For the current Mustang looked great in pictures, and prior to its release, but since entering showrooms...it's just as bland a coupe as can be, at least the base model is.
It's a good move to make the Challenger a limited edition car in my view. Because A) I don't think this car will help the Chrysler Group like the 300C did, for example, if it is priced in the mid-to-upper $20,000 range. Too many choices, Dodge/Chrysler's shoddy reliability rankings, and the polarizing effect of "retro" designed cars will inevitably hurt the Challenger and, in turn, Dodge...in my view. And B) If the Challenger is seen positively in some way, it may turn out to bolster Dodge's image like the Viper has done.
And this car would never sell anywhere in Europe, respectfully.
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Frank 1:01PM (9/01/2007)
"... Dodge/Chrysler's shoddy reliability rankings,"
I guess that Mini, Nissan, Mazda, Saab, and VW, and bunch of others are even more shoddy too since they got worse scores in the JD Powers rankings, right?
2007 JD Powers VDS (3 years):
Jeep 219
Scion 220
Hyundai 226
Dodge 236
Mini 247
Chrysler 249
Nissan 274
Mazda 289
VW 298
Saab 319
WillTheThrill 5:58AM (9/01/2007)
Finally. An American based company makes and sells American made cars (well almost) to Americans (don't comment, inhale the sarcasm). Wait.....this car isn't going to suck ass or be plagued with problems is it?
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