Can These Save Chrysler, Ram And Dodge?

Issue #209

​Let’s face it: we all root for Dodge, Chrysler, and Ram to come back. At the same time, we can’t help but point at them when they make a mistake. (Chrysler PT Cruiser, anyone?)

So, when they promise big changes, of course, we’re listening.

Or, you can continue to read by scrolling down.

Market News

• Here’s what America’s only new half-ton diesel truck offers.

• Freedom Cars are the latest plan to free us from data-bonded cars. Here’s more.

• This is why having a four-door Mustang makes perfect sense.

• These companies believe Americans are ready for tiny cars.

• Ford is becoming Porsche, in some cases. Here’s what we mean.

Safety and Recalls

• Mercedes recalls 310,000 vehicles because of an increased rollaway risk. Here’s more.

• Ford recalls 86,000 of these vehicles because window trim can fly off.

Car Culture

• Two years, nine crashes. This woman’s front yard has seen it all.

• This tiny engine has powered more than 100 different vehicles.

• Audi recently announced the Q9 as its flagship vehicle. It’s already offering a discount on it.

• The GM EV1 is an urban legend, and these guys are making serious progress in resurrecting one.

• From a Chrysler Crossfire to a Gullwing? Sort of. Here it is, and it costs $300,000.

Video Of The Week

Two original VW Beetles, 1,000 miles, and what looks to be an epic road trip.

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In The Know

Will These New Cars Save Chrysler, Ram And Dodge?

Investors were disappointed when Stellantis presented its most recent numbers. In the words of its CEO, Antonio Filosa, “we need  time.”

The company can’t solve its challenges overnight, but he also promised that the company was on track. (Well, he kinda has to. Here’s more on his comments).

However, there are some positives, and North America was a driving force for the company. Its sales grew 6%. So, there’s no denying Stellantis is doing something right.

At the same time, the coveted date for the turnaround is 2030, and that’s only three and a half years away. The strategy is complex, which is no surprise for such a large company, owning 14 brands. However, things are about to get even more complex, with many new models coming in.

While North America, and the US specifically, have been good markets for Stellantis, that’s not to say things have been easy. Yes, sales grew 6%, but that growth came from Ram trucks and Jeep Wranglers. 

Let’s not forget that Stellantis also owns Chrysler, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Fiat, all with presence in the US. Everyone thought many of these would disappear, but apparently not (for now)

Fiat is betting big on its smallest vehicle, the Topolino. Here’s what the media has to say. I, for one, think it will work: it’s cute and cheap.

This isn’t the only big strategy coming from Stellantis. In fact, it may be the smallest (pun intended). That’s because Stellantis plans to save Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep with a new strategy: offering a lot.

We had discussed how Chrysler will bring back the Airflow (and why it’s a good strategy) here.

But what about the rest?

Chrysler will also bring back a rugged, off-road-focused minivan, as you can read here. The idea is fantastic and makes us wonder why it took so long.

One brand coming in hot is Dodge. It has promised to replace the Hornet with an “entry-level” performance SUV. It will be aptly named the GLH, and if you don’t know what that means, you can read more about it here.

Perhaps the biggest news coming from Dodge is the revival of a halo car, aka the Viper’s replacement. Nobody knows what it looks like because Dodge has made massive efforts to keep it under wraps, but it promises to be fast.

Then, there’s Ram. The company has made some good moves by bringing back the V8, but its next moves are also brilliant. Ram will offer products for segments that desperately need some variety, including both small and midsize trucks. Plus, the Ramcharger is back, and that name is awesome.

Overall, Stellantis is making some excellent moves. While they still have too many brands, in my opinion, they’re using them to their advantage while filling gaps in a market that’s saturated with too much of the same and demands some variety.