Slumping sales figures in the North American market cast a shadow over Stellantis’ operations. The second quarter results raise concerns about the company’s brand strategy, particularly regarding the once-dominant Chrysler.
While the Chrysler Pacifica maintains its crown in the shrinking minivan segment, the brand itself has shrunk to a mere shell of its former glory, offering a single-vehicle series. This lack of diversification undoubtedly contributes to sluggish sales, further compounded by the decline of the minivan segment itself.
Fiat attempts a fresh start with the electric 500, but analysts predict minimal impact on the sales charts. The picture gets more complex with Ram trucks, a cornerstone of Stellantis’ financial success. The upcoming 2025 facelift throws a curveball the iconic Hemi V8 engine is being phased out, replaced by a technologically advanced 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six with twin turbochargers.
While this shift aligns with the industry’s move towards electrification, it could potentially alienate established Ram customers who value the legendary power and character of the Hemi V8.
Jeep, on the other hand, stands out as a beacon of stability within the Stellantis portfolio. Unlike its struggling counterparts, Jeep appears to be weathering the storm, offering a ray of hope for the company’s future in North America.
Dodge is currently facing a shrinking lineup. The Challenger and Charger muscle cars are discontinued, and the Durango SUV might be next. The recently launched Hornet hasn’t been a success either.
But fear not, for the car design renders offers a glimmer of hope. Nihar Mazumdar, a digital artist based in Texas, has taken it upon himself to create a more expansive Dodge lineup one that exists only in the digital world.
He starts by enhancing the existing Charger with a luxurious “Ceylon” interior. Next, he tackles a larger Durango Citadel, imagining it as a companion to the upcoming “STLA Large” platform.
This new Durango would be based on the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, offering more space for additional Dodge models. Mazumdar even proposes a replacement for the Hornet a reborn Nitro GT based on modern Citroen subcompact cars.
They don’t understand the American market or the Brands themselves. Killing the HEMI was beyond stupid. Dodge is a muscle car brand with no muscle car. They were selling over 50,000 a year, and now nothing. Like most people in Europe, they think electric is the way to go, just doesn’t work for most Americans. Chrysler has a minivan, no cars, jeep is jeep, but even they are struggling. Not having a V8 in a working pick up is going to kill them. Then they get rid of the people that was growing the brand, looks like they are trying to get rid of the brands to focus on the Eyropean brands. Stupid!