Chrysler 200, Dodge Dart Getting Axed Under New FCA Plan
The Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart models will soon be discontinued.
FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne shared today that the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 will eventually be discontinued, as the automaker focuses on boosting production of its popular Jeep SUVs and Ram pickup trucks. Dumping the compact sedans is a response to dropping gas prices and a shift in buying patterns, according to Marchionne, with more Americans leaning towards purchasing crossovers and pickup trucks instead of traditional cars.
SEE ALSO: Sergio Marchionne Calls Chrysler 200 Designers ‘Dummies’
The Chrysler 200 launched in 2014 and recently Marchionne called its designers “dummies” for copying a Hyundai model’s entry point to the rear seat, which turned out to be “not up to snuff.”
Marchionne did hint that the 200 and Dart could return to the market if another automaker is willing to manufacture the cars. It appears that both models will be axed within the next 18 months.
“We have decided to de-focus, from the manufacturing standpoint, to de-focus on the passenger car market. There are two cars in particular, the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200, which will run their course,” Marchionne said during a conference call with Wall Street analysts on Wednesday. “Without creating additional capacity, in the United States, we need to … to try and deal with the development of both Jeep and the Ram brand.”
[Source: Detroit Free Press]
Discuss this story on our Chrysler 200 Forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
More by Jason Siu
Comments
Join the conversation
This is a very stupid decision, The Chrysler 200 is a brand new redisnged car, that they non stopped touted about and now they want to kill it off completely? It looks good and has great features like the UConect system. I know their in a lot of debt but still why kill off both of them at least keep the Chrysler and kill the Dart it's hideous. And what are they gonna do when gas starts to go up again? Which is inevitable, are they gonna keep selling fuel guzzling Jeeps & Rams?
I would hate to be a Chrysler / Dodge dealer, or salesman when gasoline goes back up above $3.50 per gallon. A 200 or Dart hybrid getting 40+ mpg would sell well, wake up FCA.