Dodge brand sales were flat for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles North America but there were two shining stars for the brand.
The July sales numbers are in across the board and although Dodge as a brand stayed relatively the same for the total number of sales year-to-date, there were two exceptions. According to FCA and their latest numbers they dropped earlier today (Aug. 1, 2018) while the Dodge Charger posted a six percent increase, it was the seven-seater Dodge Journey that saw a 23 percent increase compared to July 2017. That’s huge.
The numbers for this money-maker are more than impressive.
Dodge brand sales were flat with last year as sales came in at 31,119 vehicles. Charger and Journey sales both posted increases. Charger sales rose 6 percent to 5,743 vehicles while the Journey rose 23 percent to 8,345 vehicles. It was the highest July for Charger since 2014 and the highest July for Journey since 2015.
FCA sold 60,654 Dodge Journey’s year to date which is a small five percent decrease since last year. But considering this platform has largely gone unchanged for the better part of a decade with the first Journey for sale in 2009, it’s definitely an indicator of just how strong people really love these mid-size crossover SUVs.
Looking at the list of available incentives, and it’s easy to see why these Journey’s are so popular. First, there’s a starting MSRP of $22,995 which is downright cheap considering how much SUV you’re getting for the price. Then there’s an available $4,000 on the hood if you live in California, with up to $5,000 if you qualify for their 36 month zero percent APR financing.
This Dodge Dealership will get you into a Journey for $19,735 which is practically giving it away. If you’re scared about reliability down the road, you can even lease a Journey for $397/month for three years.
And buyers don’t seem to care about the anemic engine and powertrain. While you could slide into a Journey with a Ward’s award-winning 3.6L Pentastar V6, most Journey’s will have the 2.4 L four-cylinder World engine with 173 HP and 166 lb-ft paired to an anchor of a four-speed transmission.
According to the Motor Trend, it was implied that the Journey would be kaput for 2020 and beyond. But if this trend of crossovers over cars continues, there might be a new Dodge Journey in the works because why kill your cash cow?
Here’s to second gen Dodge Journey!
