- Dodge Nitro confirmed for production
- First Dodge product to arrive in Australia third quarter 2006
At the California International Auto Show yesterday, the Chrysler Group
confirmed production of the Dodge Nitro mid-size SUV for the 2007 model year.
Along with the Dodge Caliber compact car, the Nitro signifies the global
expansion of the brand and the products that will make their way to Australia
and other international markets.
"Dodge Nitro will be more than just another typical mid-size SUV; it will
attract customers looking for distinctive style, affordable performance and
utility," said Steven Landry, Vice President - Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group.
The Dodge Nitro is based on the Dodge Nitro concept vehicle that was unveiled
at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show in February, 2005.
The Dodge Nitro along with the Dodge Caliber concept vehicle unveiled at the
2005 Geneva Auto Show in March, embody the bold, powerful and capable
characteristics of Dodge.
"The Dodge brand will arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2006, which
is earlier than originally expected" said Gerry Jenkins, managing director,
Chrysler Jeep Australia. "And with products like Dodge Nitro and Caliber
offering stand-out-from-the-crowd style and bringing a unique passion to the
market, we are very excited to secure the vehicles."
Dodge Nitro Concept
With a uniquely bold, powerful design
statement that will ignite the mid-size SUV segment, the Dodge Nitro's crisp
lines and substantial body size create a brawny character not found in any other
mid-size SUV. The Dodge Nitro's spacious interior is both functional and
flexible for people and cargo. Chrome, silver and red accents have a dynamic
presence throughout the interior. The five-passenger Nitro is designed to
attract a customer seeking a distinctive style, sporty performance and cargo
flexibility.
Dodge Caliber Concept
A new slant on one of the world's most
competitive segments, the Dodge Caliber concept's powerful design shatters the
conventional definition of what a global compact car should be. As a five-door
vehicle that features a rear hatch, the Dodge Caliber concept combines a sporty,
coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV.
Dodge Caliber's powertrain will offer many firsts – it will be the first
Chrysler Group vehicle to offer the full range of World Engines and a
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which contributes to a 6-8 per cent
improvement in fuel economy compared with a traditional four-speed automatic
transmission. A 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine will be available for markets
outside North America.
Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6.9 per cent, Dodge is the
fifth-largest nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in
the automotive industry. In 2004, Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles in
the global market.
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