The Future Dodge Lineup

In a marathon session with reporters and analysts today in Michigan, Chrysler officials announced their plans for the future of the company and its U.S. brands. They started things off with Dodge, which will be separate from Ram pickup trucks going forward. The logo (above) will no longer feature the Ram head, just the word Dodge.
 
The company also plans to have 11 new or thoroughly redesigned models on the road by 2014. The company currently has 10 non-truck models. We detail the future products below with some images from the presentation.

Fiat to Gut Chrysler Lineup

Update 11/5/09: Fiat and Chrysler have officially announced lineups for the future which directly counter the claims made in the Wall Street Journal story mentioned in the below post. Click on the following links for the formal lineups.

The Future Chrysler Lineup
The Future Jeep Lineup
The Future Dodge Lineup

The Wall Street Journal reported today Fiat’s future plan for Chrysler, a full week before the company is to meet in a closed-door session with analysts and media to reveal its intentions.

The article is striking in its detail and scope of Fiat’s restructuring. Nearly the entire Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep lineups will be replaced in five years by not only Fiat technology and products but also the return of Alfa Romeo as a luxury marquee slated above Chrysler.

We break down the product shifts below.

2010 Dodge Journey, Lincoln MKT, Mazda3 Get Top Safety Award

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has added its Top Safety Pick award — its highest accolade — to three more 2010 models. To qualify for the award, the MKT, Mazda3 and Journey had to get top crash-test ratings in front, side and rear collisions and also include an electronic stability system.. The stability system is standard on the MKT and Journey and optional on the Mazda3.

2010|Dodge|Journey

2010|Mazda|Mazda3

2010|Lincoln|MKT

Reader Review of the Week: 2009 Dodge Journey

Real-world experience with a car can be far more valuable than any other. For instance, what if the size of your family, combined with one inconvenient car seat, throws off your experience with an otherwise enjoyable car? “New Owner” in Virginia Beach just bought a 2009 Dodge Journey and will take you through the pros and cons of that vehicle with meticulous detail. Read his review and then post your own here.

Recall Alert: 2008-09 Dodge Journey

Chrysler has issued a recall for 16,852 Dodge Journey vehicles from the 2009 model year due to a potential defect in the electrical system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Journeys not equipped with an optional 115-volt auxiliary power outlet have an unused electrical connector. This connector could become corroded and cause a short circuit in the electrical system. If the fuse doesn’t blow, however, the connector could potentially overheat and catch fire.

To remedy this issue, dealers will re-route and stow the 115 volt auxiliary power outlet connecter and remove the 25-amp fuse so the unused circuit has no power. The fix is free of charge. Owners can contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.