Viper, Challenger, Charger, Stealth, Daytona… Although today, Dodge is a car manufacturer that stood out for its aggressive models in the past. Sports coupes, roadsters or big muscle cars with 100% V8 heat engines. But over the years, the American brand has been losing ground both in the United States and elsewhere. In the 2000s, it nevertheless had a strong presence in France with models from its parent company, Chrysler. At the time, it sold a great selection of American models, sports cars and pickup trucks as well models specifically designed for our market, such as the compact Caliber. Unfortunately, difficulties caught up with him at the dawn of the 2010s. The merger of the Fiat and Chrysler groups forced a new joint venture cleaning in its brands in Europe. Priority was given to those with Fiat (Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia), except Jeep. That was the end of Dodge’s European adventure…

The manufacturer is in decline

One would have thought that this meant a return to the United States. for catch up with the two main local groups: Ford and General Motors. Like Chrysler, Dodge ultimately never returned to the front of the scene. She does not offer more than three models of its brand : there load (which is still based on a 2006 model!), the challenger (2008) and crossover Durango (2011). Yes, there was recent novelty: compact crossover Hornet, who began his career in Uncle Sam’s country. But in fact it is a Alfa Romeo Tonale not a pure Dodge product. In 2022, it sold only 219 thousand cars in its native country. peanut! Compared to US sales Ford (1,864,464 units) or those with Chevrolet (1,502,389 units). Sales were dominated by the Charger… which is about to go out of production.

Last call and then it goes…

“It’s about time”, – you will tell me, but remove 2 of the 4 models of the manufacturer in one fell swoop (Challenger is also coming) does not bode well for the future. Like sister brands Chrysler (Airflow), RAM (1500 REV) and Jeep (Avenger), Dodge must go electric ! By 2025, the manufacturer must market of new generations of Charger and Challenger, which will work at 100% of volts. Until then, Dodge says goodbye to these two legendary models, p special editions called “Last Call”. Seven models are planned. Dodge Charger Super Bee, Scat Pack Swinger, King Daytona. But also Challenger SRT Demon 170, Shakedown, Scat Pack Swinger and Black Ghost. Everyone gets a chance specific treatmentand equipped the mythical V8 Hemi block. Customers can only order their copy until the end of July. Completion of production is planned for the end of 2023…

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