Previous reports suggested that Chrysler would do away with its slow-selling Dodge Avenger to focus on its volume Chrysler 200, but that apparently won’t be the cases, says the company’s chief executive.
In a recent interview with USA Today, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed that the company is, in fact, working on a next-generation Dodge Avenger. Marchionne didn’t, however, offer any more details of the project.
Marchionne’s announcement is a stark contrast from recent comments from Dodge brand CEO Reid Bigland. Bigland stated that Chrysler would “likely consolidate around one midsize car in the futureâ€, with the Avenger, not the 200, being the odd man out.
Although the Avenger and 200 currently share the same platform, it remains to be seen if that will hold true for future versions of the sedans. Rumors have indicated Chrysler could move the Avenger to a shortened version of the Dodge Charger’s rear-wheel drive platform to better differentiate the sedan twins. While that move could steal away some sales from the Charger, it would help the Avenger steer clear of the all-new Dodge Dart. The move would likely sacrifice some sales but, with just 64,000 units sold last year, the Avenger is already somewhat of a niche vehicle.
No word on when we might have some hard facts on the next Avenger, but the mid-size sedan could launch as early as 2013.
