The interior quality of some of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge’s recent new products has come in for a lot of criticism. Hard plastics and cheap-looking finishes have been the order of the day.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


A European interior supplier running a practised eye over the new Grand Voyager cabin told just-auto that the ‘wood’ trim was about five years behind that being used in Europe and that the hard plastics on door tops could be much improved with a foam layer and a flexible skin to give a nicer tactile feel, at very little additional cost.


But the launch of the new Dodge Journey crossover SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show appears to mark a new direction. Two minutes behind the wheel of the car on the exhibition stand – coupled with some judicious prodding of the cabin – was enough to see that.


Joe Dehner, vice-president for small, family and premium vehicle design, explained the whole interior design process has recently been overhauled.


“We believe the Dodge Journey is more in line with what European customers want, and I would say North American customers are hungry for that, too. Interiors are the next big thing. The exterior is the bait, but the interior is where you sink the hook. With some of our recent products we have realised that we fell short. If you exceed the expectation of customers, you are on to a winner,” he said.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The Journey has bold styling in common with the Caliber, Nitro and Avenger, and is effectively the replacement for the Voyager, the short wheelbase version of Chrysler’s popular large MPV. The all-new Grand Voyager – the long wheelbase model – is still very much a people carrier, and will go on sale next year.


The Journey – also due in 2008 – will offer 2.4-litre petrol and 140hp 2.0-litre diesel engines with manual and automatic transmission options including a six-speed twin clutch auto developed with Getrag.


It will only be a 5+2 seater; the five-chair option that’s on sale in the USA won’t cross the Atlantic, nor will the 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine. Levels of standard equipment in the UK are expected to be high, with prices starting at around GBP18,000 ($US36,000), the same as the outgoing Voyager.


Dehner believes it will appeal to couples with young families who don’t want either a compact MPV – such as the Vauxhall Zafira or Renault Scenic – or a full-sized seven-seater people carrier such as the Grand Voyager.