Dodge Journey to replace Fiat Ulysse (EU)

The Dodge Journey will be the first Dodge vehicle to bare the Fiat emblem. The revised Journey, dubbed Freemont will arrive in dealerships across Europe from June 2011. Historically, large Fiat models haven’t been successful in the UK, so Fiat has its work cut out.

The Freemont will obtain minor revisions inside and out, as well as receiving suspension adjustments that are better match European tastes.

Out goes Volkswagen 2.0 TDI 140PS PD diesel engine, in favour of Fiat’s sophisticated 2.0 litre 170bhp MultiJet engine.

Fiat-Chrysler forecast substantially stronger sales of the Freemont, because of Fiat’s popularity in Europe. The Freemont will also replace the Ulysse large MPV, which has just gone out of production.

Dodge Journey sales increased by 62% across Europe, at 8,395 units. Compare that to Ford, both the S-Max and Galaxy sold 42,991 units and 26,103 units in 2009.

A world debut at the Geneva motor show in March 2011 is likely.