Chrysler abandons Australia – again

FCA Australia has confirmed the departure of the Chrysler brand from Australia; the sole right-hand-drive market selling Chrysler vehicles.

According to FCA, the global push towards electrification and focus on SUVs has resulted in a consolidation of the overall product line-up in Australia.

Chrysler offered 300 SRT and 300C Luxury in Australia, with both models currently available in limited quantities at Chrysler dealerships. FCA Australia said it remains “fully committed” to the supply of parts and authorised servicing for Chrysler vehicles. All Jeep dealerships across the country will continue to service the cars.

While the Chrysler name will disappear, Jeep Australia is ramping up its product offering. In addition to Wrangler, Gladiator, Cherokee and Compass in its line-up, Jeep Australia will introduce two firsts for the brand in 2022 – the all-new three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L and plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe.

Kevin Flynn, FCA Australia Managing Director, said the company is excited about the new era of mobility. “(Parent company) Stellantis is dedicated to becoming the market leader in low-emission vehicles and committed to developing the most capable and sustainable high-performing and four-wheel drive vehicles in the world,” said Flynn.

“We have a hugely positive year ahead of us, focusing on electrification and moving into a very premium offering with our all-new, two- and three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as the PHEV Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. These models represent real advancements in terms of technology, luxury, efficiency and capability.”

The Chrysler brand is held in high esteem by many local enthusiasts who have been devoted to the brand for decades. Chrysler Australia production opened at the Tonsley Park Assembly Plant in the suburbs of Adelaide in 1964, from where it became a celebrated and iconic brand manufactured in Australia.

The HEMI six-cylinder engine, made exclusively for Australia, became the most powerful six-cylinder engine produced domestically. Though the engine was based on a US design, it was not produced for North America.

In the 1970s came the highly respected Valiant Charger, which became Chrysler Australia’s muscle car, and is still considered one of the brand’s most collectable automobiles.

In its latest 6.4-litre V8 configuration, the HEMI delivers 350kW and 637Nm of torque in the Chrysler 300 SRT.

• 

•