Dodge brand dropped from Australia

The Dodge Journey has reached its final destination in Australia as the American brand prepares to go into hibernation - again.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Australia's new Managing Director, Steve Zanlunghi, told Australian media this week that the company is "running out" the remaining examples of the seven-seat people mover in local showrooms.

When they go, so will the Dodge brand as the Journey was the only model sold locally.

However, Zanlunghi admits FCAA is still working on convincing its American parent company to develop future Dodge models, such as the next-generation Challenger coupe and Charger sedan, in right-hand drive to be revive the brand as a muscle car specialist.

"We're in the process right now of running out of final vehicle, which is the Journey. And we're looking at different business cases to bring other models to Australia in the future," he said.

Existing Dodge owners won't be left in the lurch though, as the company will maintain service arrangements through its current dealer network that will continue to offer Chrysler, Fiat and Jeep models.

While Dodge will disappear, Zanlunghi says there is still a viable position in Australia for sister brand Chrysler with its hulking 300 sedan, even though sales of large cars continue to slide, as he indicated there is potential to grow the product line-up in the future.

"Chrysler right now we have good business with the 300C and we have some other models in the pipeline that we're looking at," he said.

"I'm looking at everything that will move our business forward and that would be well received by our customers."

Zanlunghi was less enthusiastic than his predecessor, Pat Dougherty, on the potential to introduce the smaller Ram 1500 series to Australia, saying "it is under review".