2009 Dodge Journey Unveiled in Frankfurt

[Dodge Journey Guide]

2009 DODGE JOURNEY UNVEILED IN EUROPE

Rarely has Chrysler debuted a new vehicle outside North America (the Dodge Neon was unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in 1993.) But in a sign of the growing importance for the Dodge brand in Europe, the Dodge Journey, which will debut on Sept. 11, also at the Frankfurt show.

The Dodge Journey hits the heart of the European minivan market, with unique storage features wrapped in bold styling, said Rick Kukucka, director of front-wheel drive product planning and marketing.

The 5+2 passenger seating, in a vehicle 4.9 inches longer than the Dodge Avenger, makes it the ideal size for Europe, Kukucka told TheFirehouse in an interview.

“This is overall a very efficiently designed three-row vehicle, that’s well suited to centuries-old European city centers. That’s something that starts from day one in the planning,” he said.

Plus, families in Europe tend to be smaller than in North America.

“This vehicle, for a family of one of two (children), really does hit more of the core of the European market,” he said.

Rear doors that open 90 degrees, and the Tip ‘N Slide™ second row seats make access to third row easier.

Europe was no afterthought – the Journey will go on sale with right-hand drive available for the British, Australian and Japanese markets, and there will be an optional 2.0-liter diesel engine with the fuel-saving dual-clutch six-speed transmission.

“Of course, diesels are nearly half the market in Europe and it’s extremely important to offer that,” Kukucka said.

The Journey goes on sale in North America in the first quarter next year and will arrive in international markets in the second quarter. Competitors for the Journey in Europe include the Volkswagen Sharon, Peugeot 807 and the Ford S-Max.

In North America, the market for the Journey will be slightly different – young married couples just starting a family or with one or two children, Kukucka said. Competitors in North America include the Ford Edge and the Chevrolet Equinox, but those vehicles aren’t available with a third row.

Other features that set the Journey apart are its many storage areas, which young families will appreciate. Things like the Chill Zone™ cooled bin above the glove box which can keep two 12 oz. (330 ml) cans cool; the Flip ‘N Stow™ front passenger seat cushion, which can flip forward to reveal a 10.75 x 8.75-inch storage bin; and the two standard in-floor storage bins behind the first row which can each hold 12 cans plus ice or other items.

Chill Zone keeps beverages cold

“That idea of storing lots of things, both for parents and for children, is hugely compelling to people,” Kukucka said.

Kukucka, who calls the Journey a “family hauler with attitude”, said its bold looks will set it apart from competitive vehicles. A few journalists have remarked to him that the Journey looks like the Dodge Magnum.

“It’s a bold personality. I think a lot of people will recognize certain cues from our Dodge Magnum in this, but it has the benefit of more family utility in the interior with the taller package from floor to roof.”