Dodge is already an international brand to a limited extent. There are a small number of outlets in the Middle East and Latin America. I'm considering Mexico as separate from the rest of Latin America for this conversation, since there are numerous Dodge dealers in Mexico. The Dodge lineup in Mexico is also more rounded out offering the A-segment Attitude and the Dodge Journey. The Attitude is a rebadged Mitsubishi Mirage. I don't know what the fate of that model will be in Mexico, but the Mirage in the US is on its final lap. The Dodge Journey is built by GAC in China. It is a safe bet we won't see that model sold north of the Rio Grande. The TOFAS built Dodge Neon was dropped in 2021. I think it might still be sold elsewhere.
Here are my solutions for reviving the Dodge brand.
1. Bring back the Dodge Caliber. I'm looking at this from a size and proportion concept. It doesn't't have to use the styling of the old Caliber and certainly none of the old engineering. I would keep it as a tall hatch, however. Finding a place to build it will be a problem because the old Caliber's dimensions would fit the STLA "Smart" platform. The latest Citroen C-3 Aircross is slightly longer than the Jeep Patriot and uses the Smart platform. Find a place to build them together and sell them here. I would also take advantage of the Smart platform's single electric motor, front drive design for an affordable EV offering. I would also offer the Caliber with IC engines using the new mild hybrid technology, like the other Stellantis offerings of this size.
I don't know if the 2 liter GME four cylinder will fit, but a SRT4 version would be nice.
2. Bring back the Dodge Journey. The next Jeep Compass is to built on the STLA-medium platform. It will probably be larger than the current Compass. I say keep the Compass as a two row vehicle, but build a Dodge Journey on the same line as slightly longer three row offering on the same platform. We were cheated out of the SUSW and CUSW three row products sold elsewhere.
3. Build the Dodge Circuit. There are the resources to build such a vehicle within the global framework of Stellantis. Dodge doesn't need to use a Lotus glider for an EV sports car.
In September 2007, Chrysler LLC announced the formation of ENVI – representing the first four letters of “environmental” – the new in-house organization was to focus on electric-drive production vehicles and related advanced technologies. Led by Lou Rhodes, President – ENVI, and Vice President –...
moparinsiders.com
4. Looking to the past doesn't have to be nostalgic. If Dodge is to continue with the Hornet, here is an example of where they need to go for inspiration.
Introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) show in Detroit, Michigan, the Dodge ZEO Concept was a decade ahead of its time. It showcased some amazing all-electric capability, in a four-passenger sport wagon package that at the time, just didn't seem to be as polarizing...
moparinsiders.com
5. Less is more when it comes to batteries. The fast charging, long range goals for EVs are self defeating because they run counter to affordability and efficiency. The Ram ProMaster EV doesn't have a huge battery pack because of its urban mission. How about offering an EV taxi package on a Dodge Charger 4 door with a smaller, lighter battery pack for urban duty. Stellantis could offer an exclusive charging network for Taxi and Uber/Lyft drivers using their brands.
Getting back to Mexico, it will be interesting to see what happens to the Dodge lineup in that market now that Leapmotor is part of the Stellantis universe.
