This is an excerpt from an article at http://www.rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050125/BUSINESS05/50125014 about DMC's decision to renovate an assembly plant called Belvidere in IL. It's interesting to hear how an independent analyst describes the vehicles that will likely be built there in the near future.After refurbishing, the factory will manufacture a replacement for the Dodge Neon, which will cease production in September 2005. Rebecca Lindland, a senior automotive analyst at Lexington, Mass.-based Global Insight, an economic and consulting firm, said three vehicles would likely come to Belvidere within two years, including:

• A "tall Dodge wagon" similar to the Pontiac Vibe, a four- and five-door version "sportback." Lindland called this the "spiritual successor" to the Neon. Production will begin in January 2006, with units costing about $15,000 to $16,000.

• A Jeep sport utility vehicle, named Patriot or Scout. "What we found from a variety of sources is that it is very square and about the size of the Forester," Lindland said.

Production will begin in February 2006. The price is unknown, but similar to the Jeep Wrangler or Liberty.

• An entry-level Jeep sport utility vehicle, based on the Jeep Compass, a concept car first shown in 2001. Lindland said the Compass was "more along the lines of the (Subaru) Outback," and was more appealing to women. Production begins in July 2006 and will cost between $15,000 and $16,000.

welcome to the club Jeep. It seems like everyone has discovered what Subaru knew all along; Jeep is just the latest. :D

Bob

the chicago region scca used to autocross on one of the lots at the Belvidere plant. :)

i've seen spy shots of a taller looking vehicle with a neon body as camo on the internet. maybe the reason for the 'delay' in bringing the Smart FourMore to the US has something to do with these upcoming vehicles.

:confused: They already have a "tall Dodge wagon" similar to the Pontiac Vibe; its called the PT Cruiser.

I really can't see Jeep competing with Subaru; Jeep has always been very oriented toward serious off-roaders. In theory they could make a more road-oriented vehicle, but its not their usual niche. Their current vehicles are awful on pavement, so they have long way to go, not to mention the reliability issues ...

Anyway I don't really see any of these vehicles competing directly with Subaru, nor do I see a "void." There are still plenty of cheaper Subies in the lineup.

the chicago region scca used to autocross on one of the lots at the Belvidere plant. :)

i've seen spy shots of a taller looking vehicle with a neon body as camo on the internet. maybe the reason for the 'delay' in bringing the Smart FourMore to the US has something to do with these upcoming vehicles.

Smart FourMore would be a ton of fun, good Mini alternative. hope they bring it!

:confused: They already have a "tall Dodge wagon" similar to the Pontiac Vibe; its called the PT Cruiser.

I really can't see Jeep competing with Subaru; Jeep has always been very oriented toward serious off-roaders. In theory they could make a more road-oriented vehicle, but its not their usual niche. Their current vehicles are awful on pavement, so they have long way to go, not to mention the reliability issues ...

Anyway I don't really see any of these vehicles competing directly with Subaru, nor do I see a "void." There are still plenty of cheaper Subies in the lineup.


By that logic, Subaru's in trouble with the Tribeca and a move to more premium autos in general, aren't they?

A clever subject line that should catch SoA's eye. ;)

-Dennis

The best thing aobut the Lower level Subie's is they come fully equipt. When you add AWD and all the other options to the other brands they all cost more then the TS/RS impreza anyways. Shame about the RS seats though as they will turn away a great number of Subaru customers.

By that logic, Subaru's in trouble with the Tribeca and a move to more premium autos in general, aren't they?

Maybe, although I think they have a chance of pulling it off.

The best thing aobut the Lower level Subie's is they come fully equipt. When you add AWD and all the other options to the other brands they all cost more then the TS/RS impreza anyways. Shame about the RS seats though as they will turn away a great number of Subaru customers.

Problem is, b/c of the AWD on all models, the Subarus can't come down as low, i.e higher entry. For example, if you can get into a Mazda 3 for $16 or so, w/o AWD, and you live somewhere like S. California, you'd just rationalize it and say you don't need the AWD anyway.

welcome to the club Jeep. It seems like everyone has discovered what Subaru knew all along; Jeep is just the latest. :D

Bob

No AMC knew this all along, but Chrysler bought them and did away with all the great things AMC did, or capitalized upon them. AMC is truly the originator of AWD in a car.

I remember AWD AMC cars! They were tough but somewhat primitive.

Actually, AMC built the Eagle using the 4WD system and chassis that later became the Cherokee. I would agree that AMC probably made one of the first sport utility wagons but Subaru was smarter and created the catch phrase and capitalized on the niche. AMC did not make great cars and had tons of reliability issues, just like the Chryslers that later replaced them. And they were ugly as sin.
http://www.users.nac.net/gr/eagleweb/

Actually, AMC built the Eagle using the 4WD system and chassis that later became the Cherokee. I would agree that AMC probably made one of the first sport utility wagons but Subaru was smarter and created the catch phrase and capitalized on the niche. AMC did not make great cars and had tons of reliability issues, just like the Chryslers that later replaced them. And they were ugly as sin.
http://www.users.nac.net/gr/eagleweb/

I know, I know, but

Sorry I have a fondness for the AMC pony/muscle cars. My brothers have each owned or own a AMX Javelin, and AMC Rebel Machine is where I am going eventually when I hit my mid-life crisis. My younger brother hasn't hit his yet, he is only 22. Man, I want that Red stripe down the side with the red, white and blue striping over the trunk.

AMC is truly the originator of AWD in a car. The Jensen FF doesn't count?

Stu

I know, I know, but

Sorry I have a fondness for the AMC pony/muscle cars. My brothers have each owned or own a AMX Javelin, and AMC Rebel Machine is where I am going eventually when I hit my mid-life crisis. My younger brother hasn't hit his yet, he is only 22. Man, I want that Red stripe down the side with the red, white and blue striping over the trunk.

Now the AMX Javelin, that's a car I can dig. :cool:

I think the Eagle was the first attempt at mass marketing AWD - AMC and Jensen both licensed their technology from Ferguson Research (later renamed, and the originators of the viscous coupled center differential) in the UK. The FF was only made in small numbers, but was very impressive, big 2 door 4 place coupe with a Chrysler V8 - latterly the 440.