Chrysler 300 to continue in Oz

Large rear-drive V8 sedans in Australia have become thin on the ground after the demise of the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore. News from South Africa indicated the Chrysler 300 could be next on the chopping block, but FCA Australia has indicated this is not the case.

A contradictory press release from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) South Africa this month stated the end of all right-hand drive (RHD) Chrysler and Dodge vehicle production at the company's Windsor and Brampton manufacturing plants in Canada.

In what appears to be a communication mix-up, FCA Australia says that RHD production of the Chrysler 300 will continue, all but refuting the claims made by FCA South Africa.

The press statement, sourced from Road Safety South Africa (and now missing from all official channels) cites that: "FCA will also say a fond farewell to two of the mainstay car brands, with the Chrysler and Dodge vehicle ranges no longer being available locally.

"This unfortunate situation has arisen from our principals in the USA no longer building Chrysler or Dodge vehicles in Right Hand Drive configuration."

Despite the press statement sounding the death knell for the Chrysler 300 in this country, FCA Australia has committed to ensuring the large car continues to be offered in Australia.

It's understood that FCA Australia will provide the NSW Police highway patrol with a fleet of Chrysler 300 SRT Core vehicles to replace the Holden SS Commodore pursuit cars. The deal would suggest that right-hand drive production will continue

The FCA Asia Pacific region's PR and Communications boss, Lucy McLellan, told motoring.com.au the end of production of RHD Chrysler 300's in early 2018 was unlikely.

"I'm not at liberty to comment on the statements made by our South African business, but what I can tell you is that Australia is absolutely going to continue receiving RHD production Chrysler 300 for the foreseeable future."

When we asked McLellan about the future of the Chrysler 300, she responded: "We appreciate there's a huge appetite for American muscle in Australia but I'm not at liberty to talk about future product."

As we reported in late 2016 from the Los Angeles motor show, FCA Australia is keen as mustard to bring more rear-drive American cars to Australia, including the next-generation Dodge Charger and Challenger.

These muscle cars could be based on the same Giorgio platform as the Alfa Romeo Giulia – which is RHD compatible.

FCA Australia CEO Steve Zanlunghi told motoring.com.au the Dodge Charger and Challenger were very much on the wishlist, and his boss, FCA Asia Pacific CEO, Mike Manley, said they could arrive in Australia by 2019 in a best-case scenario.