Tag Archives: north american international auto show

Dodge Dart Growing in Popularity

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11-dart-silverThe Dodge Dart is an oddity. It’s been having a hard time finding buyers. The strange thing is, though, that the the ones who are buying it can’t figure out why the Dart isn’t in everyone’s driveways.

The Rockford Register Star has a great piece examine that the only problem with the Dart seems to be one of messaging. This is a view shared by both analysts and drivers who bought one. As one owner put it, “It’s the best-kept secret around.”

As any reader here may remember, the reviews prior to and following the release of the Dart were very positive. From Autoweek to the North American International Auto Show, the Dart pleased enough editors to make it on numerous “Best of” awards.

Chrysler even put together a good marketing campagin that included excellent commercials and even getting Tom Brady to be included in the ads.

However, the initial sales were sluggish. Chrysler believes a reason for this is because the majority of Darts had manual transmission while US buyers have a preference for automatics. Another is that the Dart had a six-speed transmission that, while popular in Eurpoe, is seen as underpowered here.

Chrysler is taking the steps to address these concerns in an effort to make the Dart more attractive to consumers. They already resolved the manual-only problem. That leaves the six-speed transmission which the plan is to include the Dart with the developing nine-speed transmission currently being built in Indiana.

Buyers think it’s only a matter of time before the Dart picks up popularity. A Total Quality Index done by Strategic Vision showed that the Dart was the top ranked compact sedan this year. The company further elaborated on the buyer’s love for the Dart by saying “What you have in the Dart is a car that the buyers love, and Chrysler and Dodge need to do a better job of getting that message our to consumers. It will be a powerful message.”

The Dodge Dart seems to need time to grow. The people behind the wheel are coming away extremely satisfied. It may just be a late bloomer. “The Dart is going to get a second and third chance with the public. Chrysler is becoming more focused in its marketing of the car. You’ll see sales continue to grow” says Chris Chaney, Senior VP at Strategic Vision.

Interested in more information on the Dodge Dart or other Dodge products?  Check out Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  We operate in the Queens area and provides top-quality customer service to all in the area.  You can see the full details or other Dodge products in our online show-room.  You can also browse our new and pre-owned inventory.  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more Dodge news and for a list of our monthly specials!

Dodge Dart Hot Off The Assembly Line!

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It’s a good time to be working at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. Workers are feeling festive as there is definitely reason to be celebrating. The reason why is because just a few days ago, the first Dodge Dart rolled off the assembly line.

Dodge describes a feeling a pride being felt among the workers. A real watershed day for all of them. They finally get a chance to get what is expected to be a winner for Dodge out the doors and into showrooms. The plant manager, Kurt Kavajecz, was excited to talk about the occasion. “This is huge for everybody here at Belvidere. Seeing that Dart roll off the line was quite a thrill for me and the men and women who built it.”

The Dodge Dart is expected to be in dealerships across the country by late June. It’s highly anticipated and has already been awarded numerous awards prior to the roll-out. The Dart was included on the Ward’s 10 Best Interiors and the Most Significant Vehicle at the North American International Auto Show by the editors of Autoweek. In the last week alone, the Texas Auto Writers Association named the vehicle the Best Value, Best New Feature, and Compact Car of Texas.

Reid Bigland, the President and CEO of Dodge Brand, continued the praise for the Dart, “The launch of the 2013 Dodge Dart is one of the most anticipated in our history and represents a tremendous source of pride for the Brand and the Company. The all new Dart offers consumers features and benefits never before found in a compact car. Autoblog made sure to provide coverage of the roll-out of the Dart and has even got a video of it.

Be sure to check out Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge’s website to see all the available Dodge line-up. For more information on Dodge and especially on the Dodge Dart, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.