Not only is the size of the Daks close to the Rams but also the price. In
many cases, the buyer can shell out a couple thousand and move up to a Ram
instead of a Dak. Years ago, but as close as 2K the Dak sported an interior
that was nearly as big as the Ram but more versatile but that has changed.
That would be a very good reason why Daks could be phased out by a smaller
"mini" truck.
As for the Durangos and Cherokees they are going to increase in size either
by model, new or enhanced, but increase nevertheless. Word has it that the
interior Durango and/or the Cherokee space will be increased by 25% next
year to at least try and catch the Suburbans, Expeditions, etc. Since the
wheelbase isn't slated to be changed to that degree the only way they can go
is up so you know what kind of a balanced vehicle that will make! :-(
Ron
00 PB SLT QC 4X2 5.9 46RE 3.92 LSD
For modifications see my DML Profile (URL follows)
http://www.twistedbits.net/WWWProfile/dakota/Kw9pV1EkFeOYY
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net]On Behalf Of Michael
Meyerhoff
Sent: Sunday, April 07, 2002 3:38 PM
To: dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net
Subject: Re: DML: RE: Dakota Canceled - Buzz Watch Reliable
There seems to be a lot of crazyness with this thread so I thougt I'd add my
own...
1st: They will never just stop selling a dakota. They couldn't afford to
not compete in whole market segment. They could replace it with another
name but I think the dak has good enough market position and rep to make
that unlikely.
2nd: The next dak will probably be smaller than the current one. Every step
has made the dakota bigger over the years, but now its getting too close to
the Ram for the marketers comfort. Dakota marketing has made a big deal
over the years about the V8 so the next dak will probably still be big
enough to house the 4.7 (not some mini truck). But it might be too small for
the 5.9/5.7.
3rd: Very few platforms are used for just one vehicle nowadays.
Considering that they just pulled the Durango off the Dak's, it is probable
that DC has got something up thier sleeve we havn't been shown yet. Some
things I've considered are maybe a Dak/PT crusier shared platorm or maybe a
Dak/Benz truck platform. And don't forget Jeep, whos product line is more
intertwined with Dodges everyday. Could be a platform for all three
4th: The ugly plastic paneling :) They know that not everybody likes grey
plastic! Since the dak has traditionally been positioned in the market as
upscale I think any plastic body work would probably an appearnce option.
</rant>
now all we need to do is look at the whole market for trends, and the benz
and jeep lineups to see whats due for an update :)
mm
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