FCA mulling Right Hand Drive Dodge Charger and Challenger in their new generation versions; have potential to enter India as Mustang’s rivals
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Group is considering Right Hand Drive (RHD) system for its two high performance models Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger. The next-generation models of Charger and Challenger are due to launch in 2020. Expect RHD to be introduced to these models, which will let FCA to launch them in new markets.
In the markets like Australia, performance cars have a strong demand, but due to the unavailability of RHD world famous performance cars like Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger are unavailable there. Now seeing the success of another iconic performance car Ford Mustang, FCA is planning to introduce RHD to the Charger and Challenger. But converting the current LHD Dodge Charger and Challenger to RHD would be very expensive, which will affect the pricing of the models.
Also read: Tata Motors-FCA Partnership to Strengthen Technology Sharing
Ford has introduced the RHD to its iconic performance car Mustang, which has received pretty good response in countries like Australia and UK. In Australia alone, Ford Mustang registered 2,000 bookings before 6 months of its launch in the country, which has surely impressed FCA. Mr. Steve Zanlunghi, the CEO and MD of FCA Australia has said, FCA understands the demand for cars like Dodge Charger and Challenger in Australia and have had the discussion already.
The COO of FCA Asia-Pacific Regional Operations, Mr. Mike Manley has said, next-generation Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger will be more global. He also hinted that, the company is working on RHD for these two models. The next-generation of both the cars are said to be based on Giorgio rear-wheel drive platform, which is presently used by the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
Also read: First Batch of Ford Mustang Sold Out in India within 15 Days
As FCA has started thinking about introducing RHD to these spectacular models, we hope the company considers launching these models in India as well. In fact, Ford Mustang has launched in India in July this year. Despite having a whopping Rs. 65 lakh price-tag, the Mustang GT’s first batch was sold out in the country in just 15 days post launch. We hope FCA takes inspiration from this and brings the Dodge Charger and Challenger models here.
Source: Caradvice