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Mike Sinclair14 Dec 2013
NEWS

Challenger a challenge

Australia wants Challenger but head office is yet to be convinced

Fiat Chrysler Group Australia has raised its hand for Dodge's Challenger muscle-car but any decision on its arrival will have to wait for the next generation of the model.

That's the news from the head of international market product planning for Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Steve Bartoli. Speaking this week in Detroit, Bartoli told motoring.com.au that a right-hand drive version of the big coupe was still a work in progress and that any decision would be enacted only on the next generation of the car still years away.

"Veronica [Johns, Fiat Chrysler Group Australia CEO] keeps asking the question," Bartoli told motoring.com.au

"We're going to take a look at it, but I don't know whether it’s going to come out positive," he said.

FCG has been rapidly growing dealer numbers Down Under. By the end of 2013 it is expected to pass the 100-store mark. With this growth comes demand for product growth. Challenger is seen by FCG as a key model both in terms of added volume and cachet.

Ford’s confirmation of Mustang production in right-hand drive has created additional impetus to FCG's call, but Bartoli and head office won’t be rushed.

"Nothing has been decided and it's [Challenger] still a way away from the [development of] next-generation model," he stated.

Indeed, Bartoli says no decision has even been made on the architecture that will underpin the next-gen car.

"We haven't made a decision on next-gen rear-drive platforms," he admitted.

"It [RHD] is a potential but we will do what is right for our brands in the Australian market first," he stated.

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