On the eve of the Dodge brand’s 90th anniversary, Chrysler has confirmed that the brand will be introduced to international markets this year – and the iconic Viper will head the assault.
On the eve of the Dodge brand’s 90th anniversary, Chrysler has confirmed that the brand will be introduced to international markets this year – and the iconic Viper will head the assault.
Dieter Zetsche, president and chief executive of the Chrysler Group, made the announcement at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Monday.
The first new Dodge vehicle to be introduced internationally will be the 8,3-litre V10-engine Dodge Viper SRT-10 sportscar. The two-seater convertible will be displayed at the 2004 Paris Motor Show in September.
“The European launch of the Dodge Viper SRT-10 sportscar in 2004 will lead the way, followed by a portfolio of new international Dodge passenger cars starting in 2006,” said Zetsche.
“Our focus outside North America will be on passenger cars, even though in the US the Dodge brand is often associated with pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans,” said Joe Eberhardt, executive vice president for Global Sales, Marketing and Service.
The Dodge brand is currently sold only in the US, Canada, Mexico, and to a small number of export markets. With the international introduction of new Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles, the company expects its market share in Western Europe to exceed one per cent by 2007.
