• Dodge Nitro confirmed for production
• First Dodge product to arrive in Australia third quarter 2006

At the California International Motor Show on Thursday, the Chrysler Group confirmed production of the Dodge Nitro mid-size SUV for the 2007 model year. Along with the Dodge Caliber compact car, the Nitro signifies the global expansion of the brand and the products that will make their way to Australia and other international markets.

"Dodge Nitro will be more than just another typical mid-size SUV; it will attract customers looking for distinctive style, affordable performance and utility," said Steven Landry, Vice President - Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group.

The Dodge Nitro is based on the Dodge Nitro concept vehicle that was unveiled at the 2005 Chicago Motor Show in February, 2005.

The Dodge Nitro along with the Dodge Caliber concept vehicle unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show in March, embody the bold, powerful and capable characteristics of Dodge.

"The Dodge brand will arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2006, which is earlier than originally expected" said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Jeep Australia. "And with products like Dodge Nitro and Caliber offering stand-out-from-the-crowd style and bringing a unique passion to the market, we are very excited to secure the vehicles."

Dodge Nitro Concept
With a uniquely bold, powerful design statement that will ignite the mid-size SUV segment, the Dodge Nitro's crisp lines and substantial body size create a brawny character not found in any other mid-size SUV. The Dodge Nitro's spacious interior is both functional and flexible for people and cargo. Chrome, silver and red accents have a dynamic presence throughout the interior. The five-passenger Nitro is designed to attract a customer seeking a distinctive style, sporty performance and cargo flexibility.

Dodge Caliber Concept
A new slant on one of the world's most competitive segments, the Dodge Caliber concept's powerful design shatters the conventional definition of what a global compact car should be. As a five-door vehicle that features a rear hatch, the Dodge Caliber concept combines a sporty, coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV.

Dodge Caliber's powertrain will offer many firsts – it will be the first Chrysler Group vehicle to offer the full range of World Engines and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which contributes to a 6-8 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared with a traditional four-speed automatic transmission. A 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine will be available for markets outside North America.

About the Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6.9 per cent, Dodge is the fifth-largest nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the worldwide automotive industry. In 2004, Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles in the global market.

Dodge Caliber Concept Car

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