The fate of the Dodge Viper has been uncertain for quite some time. Dodge has been hit hard by rising gas prices, as their truck and SUV heavy model range has been adversely affected by dwindling vehicle sales. But to make matters worse, buyers simply not interested in the thirsty, and expensive, Dodge Viper. As a result, Chrysler has announced that it will be seeking strategic alternatives for the Viper sub-brand.
Reports indicate that several parties have indicated interested in buying the Viper brand itself from Dodge. Chrysler has been ailing from a lack of fresh products, along with a truck- and SUV-heavy vehicle lineup. With sales at dismal lows, the Dodge Viper has become a low priority for Dodge and Chrysler, who are feverishly working on smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles.
Banks and other firms are keeping their eyes on the possible sale of the Dodge Viper brand. Some observers such as Birmingham Chrysler also predict that it may signal the possibility that the brand will be broken up into smaller pieces and sold off, beginning with the Viper. Even Dodge Lancaster PA has noticed that with the all-new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
The Dodge Viper is manufactured by hand at a plant in Detroit – it’s the only vehicle produced at the Detroit based assembly plant. The Dodge Viper has sold a mere 682 units up to July 31, which is certainly not enought to excite Lamesa TX Chrysler dealers, and not a volume that can justify a full redesign (which is needed) in a time when Chrysler focusing on more profitable new compacts and crossover vehicles as they’re in high demand at Chrysler Dodge Jeep Dealers Valparaiso and at dealerships across the country. Chrysler also already has a new sports car to offer buyer, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 which offer 425 horsepower, which should be plenty for the majority of sports car buyers. It also helps that the Challenger costs half that of the Dodge Viper sports car.
Chrysler has produced the Dodge Viper since 1992, and that ownership may very well be coming to an end. While selling the current Viper or an updated version isn’t currently feasible for Chrysler, simply dissolving the brand wouldn’t be profitable either.
* * *
Finding the latest Dodge vehicle news.
You must log in to post a comment.