FCA Australia, a member of the Stellantis Group, has officially announced the departure of the Chrysler brand from Australia, discontinuing the right-hand-drive 300C Luxury and 300 SRT models that are “available in limited quantities at Chrysler dealerships”. In fact, Australia was the last remaining right-hand drive market for Chrysler since the US automaker departed from the UK in 2017.
Chrysler Australia, established in 1951, has a long history even though this is not the first time the US automaker leaves the Australian market (it was also absent between 1980, when it sold its Adelaide factory in Mitsubishi, and 1994, when it returned with Jeep and the Chrysler Neon). In 1964, Chrysler opened the Tonsley Park Assembly Plant close to Adelaide, initiating local production. The Australian-exclusive HEMI-6 (based on US design) became the most powerful six-cylinder engine produced in Australia.
One of the big hits of Chrysler in Australia was the Valiant that was produced between 1962 and 1981. In the late ’90s, the company sold quite a few Neons and Voyagers, while the ’00s were marked by the presence of the Chrysler 300 sedan. The latter was the only model left in the Chrysler range since 2015, available with the 3.6-liter V6 (300C Luxury) or with the 6.4-liter V8 (SRT) engines.
See Also: Chrysler Pays Homage To Australia’s 1969 Valiant Pacer With 300 SRT Special Edition
The Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer tribute car was unveiled in 2019 incorporating design cues from the iconic 1969 Valiant Pacer that was built and sold in Australia.
The press release states that “the global push towards electrification and focus on SUVs has resulted in a consolidation of the overall product lineup in Australia”. Kevin Flynn, FCA Australia Managing Director, said: “Chrysler has held a special place in the heart of many Australians and we are proud of its history here.”
Despite Chrysler’s departure, FCA Australia “remains fully committed to the supply of parts and authorized servicing for Chrysler vehicles”, while owners of Chrysler models will be able to service them in all Jeep dealerships across the country.
Even outside Australia, Chrysler is admittedly a ghost of its former self although Stellantis has big plans for the future of the American brand. Until the new fully electric models arrive, US buyers will have to stick with the aging 300 and Voyager. According to the latest reports the large sedan that is in its second generation since 2011, is expected to die in 2023. Last summer we saw signs of hope for Chrysler after an electric crossover was teased, hinting at the future electrified range.
Read Also: The Ancient Chrysler 300 Will Still Be Around For 2022
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