Jump to content
Create New...
  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Chrysler Canning The Avenger To Focus On 200?

    William Maley

    Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

    January 13, 2012

    Chrysler could be canning the Dodge Avenger within the next few years. In a interview with Reuters, Reid Bigland, head of the Dodge brand said the company could cut one of their midsize sedans.

    "Chrysler Group will likely consolidate around one midsize car in the future," said Bigland.

    Both the 200 and Avenger saw their sales grow last year (87,033 and 64,023 respectively) thanks to improved drivetrain options and new interiors. However, the two still lag far behind their competition. By dropping one of their models, Chrysler can reduce the costs in marketing and development while dropping the risk of having one model steal sales from the other.

    "If we have two cars that are very similar, it does split dealer focus. Consolidating around one very competitive entry certainly has its advantages," Bigland said.

    Most point towards the Avenger being cut due to its lower sales compared to the 200.

    Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Dumb, dumb move. Dodge needs a volume-friendly midsizer and the Avenger could be just that. I think they're better off making a better Avenger and replacing the 200 with what it should be - a baby 300 that's a natural ATS/3 series/C class competitor.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    How can Chrysler be perceived as a luxury brand when the mass-market 200 sits in the dealership? Especially when it sits alongside the Town & Country which will become the sole minivan?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Here's the thinking behind this from what I've heard. Please note that I'm just posting it here as is (I personally haven't done a whole lot of fact checking).

    The Avenger is supposedly very close to the new Dart in overall interior space (one of the Avenger's major shortcomings is that its a mid-sized sedan based around a compact car platform) and very close to the Charger in overall girth (read: it's fat). The Charger, in its next generation, will be smaller than the current car and the next 300. With the Charger stepping down a tiny notch closer to the current Avenger and the new Dart offering just as much interior space, the Avenger is effectively being squeezed out of the lineup.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Would Dodge get another car above the Charger then?

    Losing some bulk from the LX platform wouldn't be a bad thing. If they can make a mid-size RWD that can scale up rather than trying to squeeze a larger RWD platform down, I see that as a plus.

    That also leaves room under the Dart for a sub-compact.... unless Fiat intends to fill that spot.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    It's hard to see what the strategy with Fiat/Dodge/Chrysler is going to be at this point, but it seems like they are moving in the direction of the 3 brands together constituting a full line vertically w/ minimal overlap (plus Ram for trucks and commercial, Jeep for rugged and lux SUVs and some CUVs).

    I also wonder if there is truth of the rumors of the next gen Challenger becoming a Chrysler Barracuda (!).

    Speculation:

    Fiat for subcompact cars and CUVs

    Dodge for compact and mid-to-large sporty cars, mid-to-large practical sporty CUVs/SUVs

    Chrysler for mid-to-large entry-lux w/ a minivan

    Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Here's the thinking behind this from what I've heard. Please note that I'm just posting it here as is (I personally haven't done a whole lot of fact checking).

    The Avenger is supposedly very close to the new Dart in overall interior space (one of the Avenger's major shortcomings is that its a mid-sized sedan based around a compact car platform) and very close to the Charger in overall girth (read: it's fat). The Charger, in its next generation, will be smaller than the current car and the next 300. With the Charger stepping down a tiny notch closer to the current Avenger and the new Dart offering just as much interior space, the Avenger is effectively being squeezed out of the lineup.

    He's right on the money here....Like the Caliber, no major money was being spent on them (baby refreshes), because these were planned to be canned long ago.

    While the same can't be said about the 200, the platform it is on will be disappearing too. I could see the cutbacks coming, and these replacements models better be a big hit.

    It should start will the new minivan......stressing the "mini-er" part....

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Dumb, dumb move. Dodge needs a volume-friendly midsizer and the Avenger could be just that. I think they're better off making a better Avenger and replacing the 200 with what it should be - a baby 300 that's a natural ATS/3 series/C class competitor.

    Why? They're being killed in a tough class. So their sales were up-but so was everyone else. This band aid they put on these two will only last so long. And short of the few ricers who love the name, nobody is going to miss the Avenger anyways....

    The need here is simple: one good model-soon.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    olds....dodge getting car "Above" charger...... viper? or are you talking a big 4 door?

    Moltar... makes sense, other than the srt branded "dodges"...think the challenger would go away?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    re Davesrs:-true...Chrysler has been a non-player in the biggest, most competitive market niches (compact FWD and midsize FWD) for soooooo long. The Dart should do well in the compact niche, now they need to build something competitive in the midsize niche..

    olds....dodge getting car "Above" charger...... viper? or are you talking a big 4 door?

    Moltar... makes sense, other than the srt branded "dodges"...think the challenger would go away?

    I don't know...interested in seeing where they go next...

    Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Would Dodge get another car above the Charger then?

    That's a good question. While I'm betting on the 300 being Chrysler's sole big sedan, I also wouldn't be suprised if Dodge gets something above the Charger in size.

    Losing some bulk from the LX platform wouldn't be a bad thing. If they can make a mid-size RWD that can scale up rather than trying to squeeze a larger RWD platform down, I see that as a plus.

    Those are certainly two goals for the next-generation LX cars: weight reduction and a greater degree of size flexability.

    I personally hope Dodge builds another Challenger after the current model. While the current car doesn't sell quite as good as the Mustang or Camaro, it's still been a money maker for Dodge (the program costs were low) and a great image car for the brand. I personally know mine attracts just as much attention and turns as many heads as any fifth-generation Camaro out there and makes the Mustang seem long forgotten. With the Viper distancing itself from Dodge to become a halo car for the entire company instead of just one brand, there is certainly plenty of room for a performance coupe at Dodge (hence the reason why I think it will be branded SRT; to keep a spot open for the Challenger).

    That also leaves room under the Dart for a sub-compact.... unless Fiat intends to fill that spot.

    I think that's what Fiat wants to do in North America.

    Edited by black-knight
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    A smaller RWD Charger could spawn a coupe in addition to the sedan, killing the Challenger name once again. It is appropriate, imo, for the Chrysler 300 to be bigger than the largest Dodge sedan.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    A smaller RWD Charger could spawn a coupe in addition to the sedan, killing the Challenger name once again.

    It's possible, but also unlikely. A simple Charger coupe probably wouldn't fare well against the Camaro and Mustang.

    The real uphill battle the Challenger faces, sadly, is the same battle the PT Cruiser had to fight and ultimately lost: how do you keep the design fresh and familiar? Hopefully ChryCo will look to cars like the Porsche 911, VW Beetle, and the Ford Mustang for the answer. I certainly think there's a way the Challenger can evolve from its current design language (the cancelled second-generation Challenger from the late '70s is something of a partial indicator).

    It is appropriate, imo, for the Chrysler 300 to be bigger than the largest Dodge sedan.

    I agree. With the exception of keeping the Town and Country around versus the Caravan, Fiat seems really trying to make Chrysler into the best entry level luxury brand money can buy. One way of accomplishing that is letting Chrysler build larger cars.

    Who knows? With the Charger moving down slightly in size, that also opens up the possibilty of the next 200 being rear-wheel drive.

    Edited by black-knight
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • google-news-icon.png



  • google-news-icon.png

  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Posts

    • Sending a Christmas eve chuckle your way: Here's Dyan Cannon, who has again poured herself into her clothing, to attend a Lakers game, which she does often. It looks like she can easily fit down many chimneys.  Maybe even into a Christmas gift stocking. I find the different chapters of Dyan Cannon humorous.
    • @Drew Dowdell @Robert Hall @trinacriabob @A Horse With No Name @ccap41 @surreal1272 @oldshurst442  And including all of the C&G members that are here that I do not interact with often enough or those I have forgotten their handles. Wishing each and every one of you a Merry Xmas Eve and Merry Xmas.  To those that do not celebrate Xmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Happy time off. Wishing each and every person here a restful end to the year, one of love, respect, relaxation to you and your families. Wishing all the best!
    • MOU means that these companies have signed a "Memorandum of Understanding" to explore the participation, involvement and synergy sharing in relation to the business integration through a joint holding company. Back in August 1st, 2024 Nissan and Honda created a Joint Holding Company for the commencement of a strategic partnership focused on intelligence and electrification. This was to start the consideration towards integration of the two companies. Mitsubishi Motors has now signed onto this MOU to explore the possibility of achieving synergies at an increased level through business participation or integration. In basic terms, the three companies have agreed to join forces in sharing costs to move forward with EV platform R&D while they also look at the ICE "Internal Combustion Engine" gas side of having shared platforms to reduce costs and hopefully save the three auto companies by keeping them alive.  While Nissan and Honda have agreed to move forward in this integration of the two auto companies, Mitsubishi Motors will make a final decision by the end of January 2025 about possibly joining in with the integration of Mitsubishi Motors into this joint 3 auto company venture. Nissan and Honda have already agreed to a full SDV or Software-defined vehicles program moving forward that will allow them to have a solid crucial collaboration of intelligence and electrification for future products. Both companies have stated that the acceleration of technology and the rapid change of the auto industry will allow these two companies to maintain global competitiveness and deliver more attractive products and services for customers worldwide. Nissan global mobility product line merged with Honda four-wheel-vehicles, motor cycles and power products can allow both companies to become more attractive to shareholders and innovation of products to sell to customers worldwide according to the CEOs of both companies. Nissan and Honda have stated the following: Nissan and Honda aim to become a world-class mobility company with sales revenue exceeding 30 trillion yen ($190 Billion U.S. Dollars) and operating profit of more than 3 trillion yen ($19 billion U.S. Dollars). The expected synergies from the business integration at this time are: 1. Scale advantages by standardizing vehicle platforms By standardizing the vehicle platforms of both companies across various product segments, the companies expect to create stronger products, reduce costs, enhance development efficiencies, and improve investment efficiencies through standardized production processes. The integration is projected to increase sales and operational volumes, allowing the companies to reduce development costs per vehicle, including for future digital services, while maximizing profits. By accelerating the mutual complementation of their global vehicle offerings - including ICE, HEV, PHEV, and EV models - Nissan and Honda will be better positioned to meet diverse customer needs around the world and deliver optimal products, leading to improved customer satisfaction. 2. Enhancement of development capabilities and cost synergies through the integration of R&D functions In accordance with the MOU to deepen strategic partnership and the joint research agreement on fundamental technologies dated August 1, the two companies have started joint research in fundamental technologies in the area of vehicle platforms for next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs), which is the cornerstone of the field of intelligence. After the business integration, both companies will encompass more integrated collaboration across all R&D functions, including fundamental research and vehicle application technology research. This approach is expected to enable both companies to efficiently and swiftly enhance their technological expertise, achieving both improvements in development capabilities and reductions in development costs through the integration of overlapping functions.   3. Optimizing manufacturing systems and facilities The companies anticipate that optimizing their manufacturing plants and energy service facilities, combined with improved collaboration through the shared use of production lines, will result in a substantial improvement in capacity utilization leading to a decrease in fixed costs.   4. Strengthening competitive advantages across the supply chain through the integration of purchasing functions To fully leverage the synergies from optimizing development and production capacity, both companies intend to boost their competitiveness by improving and streamlining purchasing operations and source common parts from the same the supply chain and in collaboration with business partners.   5. Realizing cost synergies through operational efficiency improvements The companies expect that the integration of systems and back-office operations, along with the upgrade and standardization of operational processes, will drive significant cost reductions.   6. Acquisition of scale advantages through integration in sales finance functions By integrating relevant areas of sales finance functions of both companies and expanding the scale of operations, the companies aim to provide a range of mobility solutions, including new financial services throughout the vehicle lifecycle, to customers of both organizations.   7. Establishment of a talent foundation for intelligence and electrification The human resources of the companies are an invaluable asset, and establishing a strong human resource foundation is crucial for the transformation that will come with the business integration. After the integration, increased employee exchanges and technical collaboration between the companies are expected to promote further skill development. Moreover, by leveraging each company's access to talent markets, attracting exceptional talent will become more attainable. Method of business integration and stock listing Nissan and Honda, with the result of the consideration, plan to establish, through a joint share transfer, a joint holding company that will be the parent company of both companies. This will be subject to approval at each company's general meeting of shareholders and obtaining necessary approvals from relevant authorities for this business integration, based on the premise that Nissan's turnaround*1 actions are steadily executed. Both Nissan and Honda will be fully owned subsidiaries of the joint holding company*2. Additionally, the companies plan to continue coexisting and developing the brands held by Honda and Nissan equally. Shares of the newly established joint holding company under consideration are planned to be newly listed (technical listing) on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (“TSE”). The listing is scheduled for August 2026. With the listing of the joint holding company, both Nissan and Honda will become wholly owned subsidiaries of the joint holding company and will be scheduled to be delisted from the TSE. However, shareholders of both companies will continue to be able to trade shares of the joint holding company issued during this share transfer on the TSE. The listing date of the joint holding company and the delisting date of both Nissan and Honda will be determined in accordance with the regulations of the TSE. Regarding the organizational structure of the joint holding company, and both companies which will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of the joint holding company after the business integration, the optimal structure for realizing synergies, including the integration of R&D functions, purchasing functions, and manufacturing functions, will be discussed and considered within the integration preparatory committee, with the aim of establishing an organizational structure that enables efficient and highly competitive business operations after the business integration. The CEO's of all three companies had the following to say: Marking the announcement, Nissan Director, President, CEO and Representative Executive Officer Makoto Uchida said: “Honda and Nissan have begun considering a business integration, and will study the creation of significant synergies between the two companies in a wide range of fields. It is significant that Nissan's partner, Mitsubishi Motors, is also involved in these discussions. We anticipate that if this integration comes to fruition, we will be able to deliver even greater value to a wider customer base.“ Honda Director and Representative Executive Officer Toshihiro Mibe said: "At this time of change in the automobile industry, which is said to occur once every 100 years, we hope that Mitsubishi Motors' participation in the business integration discussions of Nissan and Honda will lead to further social change, and that we will be able to become a leading company in creating new value in mobility through business integration. Nissan and Honda will start the discussion from today onwards with an aim to clarify the possibility of business integration by around the end of January in line with the consideration of Mitsubishi Motors." Comment from Mitsubishi Motors Director, Representative Executive Officer, and President and CEO Takao Kato said: “In an era of change in the automotive industry, the study between Nissan and Honda about a business integration will accelerate synergy maximization effects, bringing high value also to the collaborative businesses with Mitsubishi Motors. In order to realize synergies and to make the best use of each company's strengths, we will also study the best form of cooperation.” Upon looking at the press releases, it makes total sense that these companies would look to merge as each company is having a challanging time. Nissan globally has seen a 33.7% reduction in sales taking the estimated 2024 market share to 5.2%.  Honda globally has seen a 9% reduction over all with a 32% reduction in the asian rim leaving them with a 2024 estimated 5.4% market share. Mitsubishi Motors globally has seen a reduction year over year of a 10.7% drop leaving them with a 2024 estimated market share of 4.6%. All three auto companies lag the industry in technology connected auto's, feature / functions and especially EVs. All three companies have seen their profits turn into negative earnings for their respective companies leaving them with no real ability to perform R&D in building EVs to compete in China or the U.S. let alone Europe that has mandates in place for the end of ICE by 2035. End result is it looks like for these companies to survive, merging into one company that shares platforms and technology especially in the software and battery sectors will be the only way to move forward. View full article
    • I think I'm dreaming ... this vehicle would be the oldest of my handful of favorite "blast from the past" cars. A Cutlass Salon coupe in perfect condition, the first year I liked the colonnade Cutlass (and it's last year, of 3, with round headlamps in the colonnade), those huge bucket seats, and, oddly, A/C is there, but with manual windows.  It featured the new but not as popular 260 (4.3L) V8.  It also featured the light enamel blue they didn't repeat.  If the exhaust system is tight, this car will be whisper quiet. 1975 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon (Numbers Matching Drivetrain) for sale: photos, technical specifications, description See anything odd?  Come on.  Quick. . . . It has Buick rally wheels instead of Oldsmobile rally wheels. * sigh ... I wonder what time frame this ad goes back to *
  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search