More evidence Nissan will build the Dodge Hornet
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Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Hornet concept
The Dodge Hornet was one of the best-looking concepts that Chrysler has produced the past few years, and thanks to a partnership with Nissan, the impressive-looking compact is inching closer to production. Chrysler and Nissan have yet to officially announce details of the upcoming Nissan Versa-based vehicle they'll develop together, other than to say that it'd be available as a 2010 model, but everyone is banking on a production Hornet. Chrysler vice president of international sales Thomas Hausch recently said that the Pentastar is working hard on a Hornet Study, and that Chrysler would "announce something" in the near future. The linked Automotive News article is further evidence that our suspicions were correct and that Nissan, rather than Chinese automaker Chery, will build it.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
styleguy 4:37PM (6/16/2008)
I was kinda hoping that the new small car would be a small sedan from Chrysler to take on the Corolla and Civic. Otherwise, it makes sense. A step in the right direction, sorta.
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rypt 7:50AM (6/17/2008)
Who needs a saloon, hatchbacks are sooo much nicer!
1337 3:44PM (6/17/2008)
At least it's not a caliber.
Trevor Nalepka 7:36PM (6/17/2008)
Good one, 1337
Torrent 4:40PM (6/16/2008)
omg yes.
Now the need to actually confirm plans to make it, and then after it's made, revise the Chrysler lineup so it'll actually attract consumers rather than drive them away.
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Aprime 4:42PM (6/16/2008)
Thank God it's not Chery.
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BlazerUnit 5:27PM (6/16/2008)
I'd place my bets on one of the Chinese auto companies getting it right sooner than later. It might not be Chery, it could be Geely or someone else.
Throwback 4:42PM (6/16/2008)
It seems more and more likely Nissan will take over Chrysler at some point. I suspect Ceberus has already plotted their exit strategy. I think only Dodge and Jeep will survive. The Chrysler brand is destined to join Packard, Pierce etc in the great American luxury graveyard. That will be a sad day for this old Mopar fan.
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Purifoy 4:53PM (6/16/2008)
Anything is possible, Throwback. Let's just hope your "predictions" prove to be fruitless.
I_Hate_China 5:10PM (6/16/2008)
Only Dodge truck business is attractive to Renault/Nissan.
Chinese will get Chrysler operation as they are the only ones willing to pay the price.
Temple 6:40PM (6/16/2008)
Back in the days, Mitsubishi was in a similar deal with Chrysler, it doesn't mean that Nissan is going to take over. Being that there is a massive move away from large trucks, and a 50% drop in Titan sales, clearly Nissan will be doing the lion's share of manufacturing in their partnership since it will be building small cars.
chrisdavis 8:02PM (6/16/2008)
This is just Chrysler doing what it does well and subcontracting the rest to balance out its fleet. It's what the rest of the industry does, just on a bigger scale.
4agze 4:45PM (6/16/2008)
if this will be a awd or rwd its going to sell, then again i dont like crossover look
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SayWhat? 4:53PM (6/16/2008)
Two thousand ten sounds about right. I'd be willing to wait that long for it.
Good move, Chrysler!
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Johnny 5:07PM (6/16/2008)
Did you know Autoblog reported on this for the first time 2 years and 3 months ago? Imagine if the management showed forsight and leadership and put this thing in production back then? It would be ready as a 2009 or as a 2010 model. Now it will go into production in 2011. 2 to 3 years makes a difference specially when you bleed red ink.
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/01/geneva-motor-show-dodge-hornet-concept-world-premiere/
Simon 5:12PM (6/16/2008)
Johnny,
Had the current Cerberus management been in place in March 2006 this thing would be at your local dealer this summer. Dr. Z had no intention of starting a platform he wasnt gonna see the benefits of.
aa[ro]n 4:59PM (6/16/2008)
Dodge already has hatchbacks... I want a normal 4 door sedan and 2 door coupe.. you don't see the corolla wagon selling in numbers do you?
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kenneth 5:18PM (6/16/2008)
You mean the Toyota Matrix? Last I heard they (along with their GM-ized cousin) sell pretty well.
DKB_SATX 5:36PM (6/16/2008)
Sounds like you want a Cobalt then. Or a Sebring if you're determined to have a not-large Chrysler sedan. I think hatchbacks/wagons are much more practical small cars. That's why I drive a wagon, though it's midsized.
rypt 7:55AM (6/17/2008)
That is because the "waggon", or as it is correctly called, Verso, sucks. However the hachback Corolla beats the saloon 10 times over just on looks.