15 Votes

Boost it!

Chrysler working on the next-generation Durango

omarrana submitted on 1/26/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 10:43:21 AM

19 user comments | Category: New Cars | Source: | SOURCE: www.egmcartech.com

Tag Links: Chrysler, Dodge

America’s favorite automotive CEO Bob Nardelli (okay there’s some sarcasm there) confirmed today that the automaker is working on the next-generation Dodge Durango - which was discontinued last year after Chrysler closed the Newark, Del.

, plant where it made the Durango and the Chrysler Aspen.

Nardelli confirmed plans in a letter sent out to Chrysler employees on Friday. He said that Chrysler is also working on the next-generation Chrysler...

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Chrysler working on the next-generation Durango

About the Author

omarrana

I hooked up my accelerator to my brake lights. I hit the gas, people behind me stop, and I'm gone.

— omarrana (View Profile)


User Comments

answer

Why bother?

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 1/26/2009 11:59:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

91z4me

Because they are going to try to make the next one competitive. Because it is profitable. Because even as ugly and bloated as the current model is, some people still buy it.

Don't bash like a child, think like an adult.

— 91z4me (View Profile)

Posted on 1/26/2009 2:18:03 PM | | Votes: 0   

BSBB

91z4me...It hasn't been proven yet that this vehicle will be profitable. You can't predict the future. At this point it is only a concept, and the marketing gurus need to carefully assess whether the market really wants a Durango when there are several other (better) SUVs to choose from, both domestic and foreign.

— BSBB (View Profile)

Posted on 1/26/2009 2:35:53 PM | | Votes: 2   

91z4me

BSBB,

The current model is profitable. At the price point the Durango is likely to sell at and sharing it's chassis with several other vehicles it would be difficult to not be profitable. Also a program like this wouldn't be approved if it wasn't profitable.

— 91z4me (View Profile)

Posted on 1/26/2009 3:32:21 PM | | Votes: 0   

BSBB

The Durango had one of the worst sales declines in 2008. As of July 2008, YTD sales (units) were already down 67%. Overall for the 2008 year, Dodge sales decreased 30% from 2007 figures. The Durango decreased from 45,503 units sold in 2007 to 21,420 units sold in 2008 (a overall decrease of -53%). And, considering the deep discounts that Chrysler (Dodge) was offering in December 2008 and into January of tihs year, how did you determine that the Durango was a profitable vehicle?

— BSBB (View Profile)

Posted on 1/26/2009 3:56:11 PM | | Votes: 1   

answer

91z,

You really don't get it. People were still buying big SUVs from the domestics for years, but in that time, the domestics weren't planning for the "next". Only a moron would think at a time when the economy is in shambles and gas prices are unpredictable at best would a new Durango be a sure success. You either work for Chrysler or are in the 5th grade.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 1/26/2009 4:34:06 PM | | Votes: 1   

BSBB

I agree. Why bother when there are better (domestic) SUVs to choose from.

— BSBB (View Profile)

Posted on 1/26/2009 1:37:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

bfghemicuda

I own a 2005 Durango and like it. I will put it up against any other domestic brand. Its been very reliable. May not have all the wissles and bells the others have but we enjoy it. Also I would like to see the import brands in this catagory take the offroad as good as the durango does.

— bfghemicuda (View Profile)

Posted on 1/27/2009 7:23:00 PM | | Votes: 0   

91z4me

Open your eyes chuck. Plenty of people still buy 5 and 7 passenger SUVs. The SUV market is still the largest portion of the consumer market. Well above the 'fuel economic' compact and hybird classes. FYI the next Durango will share a chassis with the Grand Cherokee (smaller than the current Durango) and if rumors are correct at least one Mercedes model. Also the Cherokee is available with a 3.0 diesel overseas (which could come stateside in the next generation. If you done being a brainless basher you may want to investigate and learn something.

— 91z4me (View Profile)

Posted on 1/26/2009 3:35:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Whelan

my gf's brother has an Aspen, as does her father. I really like the Chrysler version. All the LED interior lights and backup lights, and very comfortable ride.

— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 1/26/2009 3:15:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

BSBB

Your "gf's brother has an Aspen"? There's medication for that, ya know. OK, I'm just kidding. No offense intended.

— BSBB (View Profile)

Posted on 1/27/2009 1:57:50 PM | | Votes: 2   

topneuro

Please someone shot the Durango out of its misery.

— topneuro (View Profile)

Posted on 1/26/2009 4:11:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

thstone

The problem with the Durango was that it was too big compared to standard size SUV's and too small compared to larger SUV's. Well, that and the build quality was poor and the materials were cheap and without the HEMI it was slow and the ride quality was extremely harsh with the solid rear axle and the stubby nose made you feel like you were driving a mini-van. Chrysler hasn't been able to give this vehicle away since it was introduced. Amazing it lasted as long as it did.

— thstone (View Profile)

Posted on 1/26/2009 4:29:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

hk4site

They will not be around (chrysler) that long!

— hk4site (View Profile)

Posted on 1/26/2009 4:30:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

1UAW

The should use the money to make a SMALL car to take the place of the out going PT cruiser. I am pretty shure this new durango will be a Better hybrid version of the current one.

— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 1/26/2009 7:01:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Jordanski

Oh gosh. This new Durango better stay the same in size - none of that crossover station wagon mom-driving sh*t. If Chrysler needs a true crossover in competition with the Venza - I think the perfect opportunity would be to re-vamp the Cherokee into a crossover, while the Durango keeps competition with the Highlander and Pilot. If the company doesn't want to face financial doom, I say AXE the DAMN COMPASS & the P.O.S. Journey station wagon & the Nitro - and revamp the Liberty into a TRUE Forester & CR-V competitor. I think the Jeep lineup should only consist of the Liberty Cherokee and Wrangler. Dodge should be the Avenger, & a new Avenger 5-Door (Caliber replacement), Charger, Durango & trucks. If drivers want a cross-over they'll have to resort to the Liberty & Cherokee.

— Jordanski (View Profile)

Posted on 1/27/2009 1:25:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Type707

Yaawwwnnnn...NEXT!

— Type707 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/27/2009 2:23:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

2007Tahoe

...But they already said they were going to kill it! Make up your mind, Chrysler! Make the 200C first, then things like this in say... 50 years.

(91z4me- the cops in my town love Durangos. They seem to have new ones each month!)

— 2007Tahoe (View Profile)

Posted on 1/29/2009 6:05:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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