The new 2013 Dodge Dart is gaining ground fast, officials insist.
Chrysler Group’s Dodge Dart appears to be scoring some big points in one of the market’s most crowded segments.
The maker’s new sedan has been growing at a rate of nearly 300% a month, according to company data and while that pace would be impossible to sustain long-term, Dodge Brand Director Richard Cox said the launch of the new Dart is right on schedule.
“We sold 3,000 in August and we are doing well in September,” he said. “In addition, we’re getting great feedback on the car from dealers and from the media,” Cox said, dismissing reports the Dart has gotten off to a slow start.
Dart sales in September are right in line with Chrysler’s launch plan, said Cox, though a bit halfway through the month he cautioned, “I just can’t offer any numbers yet.”
Cox added that the Dart now gives Dodge and Chrysler a credible entry in the large and growing compact segment – where it had long been little more than an afterthought with models like the Caliber.
The Dart, which is based on technology from Chrysler’s Italian partner Fiat, is widely considered Chrysler’s most important new product introduction this year.
The maker has set up a Dodge Dart vehicle displays at Chrysler Group manufacturing facilities and parts distribution centers across North America, including corporate headquarters in the Detroit suburb of Auburn Hills, where Chrysler has more than 11,000 employees and contractors.
The displays challenge, educate and inform employees about the company’s all-new compact car, which started arriving in dealerships early this summer.
As part of the overall program, Chrysler Group employees have the chance to learn all about the features and benefits of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart during three days of Dart test drives and product overview presentations taking place today and Friday at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills.
Nearly 3,000 of the employees are expected to go through the displays.
“The 2013 Dodge Dart is an outstanding new vehicle, and the Dodge Smart Employee Challenge is a great way to get employees to experience its many features and benefits,” said Reid Bigland, president and chief executive officer, Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.
“Our employees have worked with renewed energy, pride and commitment and this event is a celebration of a great team and an all-new world-class car,” he said.