New Dodge Dart Shoots Off the Assembly Line

METHUEN, MASS. (05/31/2012)(readMedia)-- The first 2013 Dodge Dart, a sporty red Rallye trim with a black and red interior, finally rolled off the assembly line at Chrysler's Belvidere, Ill. plant earlier this month after eight months of prep work. Due to debut at Dodge dealerships in June, the athletically styled Dart is Dodge's first new compact car since 1995, when the Dodge Neon appeared on the scene.

Today's marketplace is very different than 17 years ago though, and the 2013 Dodge Dart will have to compete against the likes of the Chevy Cruze, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla. With that in mind, Dodge has given the Dart the tools it will need to be successful, including an aggressive exterior design available in 12 body colors, cutting-edge powertrains and interior amenities previously unseen in compact cars.

"Dodge set its sights on the top of the compact class, and that's exactly where the new Dart will land," said Tom Barenboim, owner of Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Dodge dealer in Methuen, Mass. "No other compact car can offer drivers such a versatile mix of style, power, fuel efficiency and technology. There is room for every buyer to make the Dodge Dart their own."

The new Dodge Dart will be available with three engines, including a turbocharged 1.4-liter unit that produces 160 horsepower and is expected to return at least 41 mpg on the highway in the Dart Aero trim coming later this year. Inside, the Dart is available with the Uconnect Touch system, which uses a largest-in-class 8.4-inch touchscreen to control functions like music playback, weather reports and even hands-free phone calls. Instead of conventional gauges, the Dodge compact uses a full-color reconfigurable cluster screen that can display real-time information on performance, navigation and vehicle status.

If the Dart becomes as popular as other vehicles in Dodge's lineup this summer, the automaker will be very busy when it comes to production. High demand for vehicles like the Dodge Avenger and Charger has led to dwindling supply numbers. Automakers typically keep a 60-day supply of vehicles on hand, but supply of the Charger and Avenger recently dropped to 36 days and 17 days, respectively.

To combat low inventories, Dodge's parent company Chrysler is shortening or eliminating the summer breaks typically used to update machinery at its main assembly lines. Four of Chrysler's plants will work through the summer, while two others will take a one-week break rather than the traditional two-week stoppage in early July. The Dodge Dart's plant will be among those forgoing a break altogether, and it will also add a third shift in the third quarter that will create nearly 1,800 jobs.

"Chrysler is now reaping the rewards from years of hard work revamping its brands," Barenboim noted. "New vehicles like the Dodge Dart are only going to continue the upward sales trend we're seen at our dealership, as Massachusetts drivers realize they don't have to settle for a bland ride in a compact car."

About Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram:

For more than 60 years, Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has helped car, truck and SUV buyers find the vehicles that satisfy their needs, along with financing and service to they deserve. Whether you're searching for hassle-free Jeep sales, Chrysler parts, Dodge service or the latest Ram trucks, their dealership works hard to exceed customer expectations. To view Clark's wide selection of new and used Jeep and Chrysler models, visit their showroom at 175 Pelham Street in Methuen, Massachusetts, or browse online at www.clarkchryslerjeep.com. They can be reached by phone at 888-875-3706, and you can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ClarkJeep.