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Dodge set to excite London with new Caliber and Nitro

19th July 2006 Print
The introduction of the Dodge Caliber in Europe this summer marks the Dodge brand’s expansion in volume markets outside North America. Dodge is determined to deliver the four key attributes of its brand – bold design, "do more" functionality, affordable power and "street smart" all-round value – to these new world markets, certain that Dodge vehicles will appeal to different customers than the Chrysler and Jeep brands.

Hinting at the exciting future for the brand, Dodge is featuring the new Dodge Caliber and Dodge Nitro today at the British International Motor Show in London.

Dodge Caliber

The all-new Dodge Caliber is a new slant on the C segment, combining great value for money with bold styling and utility. The Caliber, which heralds the launch of the Dodge brand in the UK, will appeal to customers around the world who want Dodge attitude packaged with capability and versatility, plus high fuel efficiency.

In the UK, the Dodge Caliber offers two World Engine petrol power units: the 1.8-litre engine and 2.0-litre engine, both with dual variable valve timing (VVT). The Caliber features a second-generation continuously variable transaxle (CVT) for the 2.0-litre petrol engine – the first application of CVT for the Chrysler Group. A state-of-the-art 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine is also available in the UK and other key diesel markets.

Dodge Caliber’s cabin provides comfortable seating for the driver and up to four passengers, plus room for all their gear. Its sporty coupe-like profile – combined with the strength, stance and functionality of a sport-utility vehicle – commands attention and evokes the attributes that define the Dodge brand.

The front-wheel-drive Dodge Caliber is available in the UK from July 2006 and will be sold in all 88 Chrysler Group dealers in the market.

Dodge Nitro

Dodge is spicing up the mid-size SUV market with the introduction of the all-new Dodge Nitro – the brand’s first mid-size SUV and a vehicle whose bold and aggressive styling matches its dynamic performance.

Today in London, the Dodge Nitro is shown in the UK for the first time. Buyers searching for a vehicle with "attitude" will be able to choose from a range of petrol and diesel engines in markets outside North America. Nitro offers space, functionality and flexibility, as well as fuel efficiency and value.

The new mid-size SUV boasts excellent overall performance, as well as a variety of safety, security and convenience features. Right-hand-drive versions of the Dodge Nitro will arrive in the UK in mid 2007.

Dodge Brand

Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles worldwide in 2005. With a U.S. market share of seven percent, Dodge is the fifth-largest nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the automotive industry. In calendar-year 2005, Dodge sold 10,722 units in limited markets outside North America, an increase of 19 percent over 2004.

Dodge Caliber spearheads the Dodge brand’s expansion into volume markets outside North America, followed by the Dodge Nitro, the high-performance Dodge Caliber SRT4 and a D-segment vehicle.

"The expansion of the Dodge brand into our key volume markets outside North America allows us to increase volume while leveraging our established dealer network and distribution structure," said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director – International Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group. "Dodge also appeals to a different type of customer than Chrysler and Jeep, and its global expansion will contribute to our sustainable, profitable growth."

By adding the Dodge brand to its international portfolio, Chrysler Group aims to achieve 1.4 percent market share in Western Europe by 2009. European consumer research has identified a segment of potential buyers who align themselves with the Dodge brand’s core values. Research also indicates that no single brand leads this segment, creating opportunity for the Dodge brand to grow the Chrysler Group business internationally, while maintaining its unique brand identity.