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Autoline Detroit: Dodge to Reduce the Number of Models it Offers

18 January 1999

Autoline Detroit: Dodge to Reduce the Number of Models it Offers

    DETROIT, Jan. 15 -- On the television program "Autoline
Detroit" the head of the Dodge division, James Julow, announced that Dodge is
looking at reducing the number of models it offers.
    "Clearly there's a proliferation of nameplates that we've got to deal
with," Julow said.  "We're struggling with that and we'll have some resolution
over the next 18 to 24 months.  I'll give you an example.  We have a Stratus
and we have an Avenger.  One happens to be a coupe and the other's a four-
door.  Maybe there's an opportunity for looking at a common nameplate."
    Some auto analysts have expressed concern that Detroit's automakers have
placed too much emphasis on light trucks.  They worry that Detroit isn't doing
enough to sell more passenger cars.  But Julow says those concerns are
somewhat misplaced.
    "We look at it a little different," he said.  "We have front wheel drive
product and rear wheel drive product.  And a large portion of our front wheel
drive product happens to be a light truck by certification standards, which is
the Caravan.  When you look at it that way we have a 50-50 mix.  So it's not
quite as big an issue as it might sound when you go to the traditional car and
truck ratings."
    "Autoline Detroit," hosted by John McElroy, Editorial Director of
Automotive Industries magazine, airs Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on Detroit Public
Television.  Videotapes are available at http://www.theautolink.com.
Underwriters of "Autoline Detroit" are Visteon Automotive Systems and General
Electric.  It is produced and distributed by Blue Sky Productions.