Latest word on the street is that Nissan and Chrysler might be doing some "collaborative" projects together. First and foremost being that Nissan might be looking to Dodge for some help with the next-generation Titan pickup. Now we know that Nissan just inked a deal with Suzuki that will give the "Zook" brand a Frontier pickup (Nissan Will Build Suzuki's New Midsize Pickup and Chicago Auto Show preview: Suzuki Equator pickup ), but with a big "S" logo on the grille, so I guess a deal with Chrysler shouldn't be that great of a surprise.
Now as much as I like the all-new Ram (at least from what I've seen so far), I'd be quite wary about this, if true...
If the new Titan turns out to be just a badge-engineered Ram, I say why bother; as it surely will be the first nail in the Titan's coffin. Nissan truck buyers don't go to Nissan dealers to buy Nissan Rams. They go there to get something differentâand specifically not a domestic brand truck with a Japanese logo on the grille.
Now if Nissan keeps their great DOHC 5.6 engine, and Dodge keeps their Hemi—and if the two vehicles can maintain their distinct brand identiies, it could work. Just don't turn it into another Mitsubishi Raider-like mess.
Full story here at Pickuptruck.com.
Here's Inside Line's take: Nissan and Chrysler Reportedly Talking Tie-Up
Now if Nissan keeps their great DOHC 5.6 engine, and Dodge keeps their Hemi—and if the two vehicles can maintain their distinct brand identiies, it could work. Just don't turn it into another Mitsubishi Raider-like mess.
Full story here at Pickuptruck.com.
Here's Inside Line's take: Nissan and Chrysler Reportedly Talking Tie-Up
estreka says:
05:34 AM, 12/15/07
Hey, the textboxes are normal size!
My first impression is that this is a terrible idea (not the textboxes, the alliance). The only advantage I could see is if Nissan were able to sneak into Dodge's HEMI patent for adoption on the 5.6.
Oh, and perhaps codevelopment of future diesel models could be helpful, but from what I understand, Nissan already has had success with diesels.
rick8365 says:
06:50 AM, 12/15/07
UGH!!
The Titan is a pretty darn good truck - ecspecially considering it was their first attempt! I would think the next generation would be that much better and would better compete with the others. The only deal they should make with Chrysler is to be able to buy Cummins diesels for the Titan instead of Nissan sourcing from Navistar. The next generation Titan should avoid the potential black eye that Ford has gotten from the Navistar engines.
If this Dodge Titan deal happens, I'll be very disappointed - I'll probably grab one of the current ones while they still exist.
rasldasl says:
08:50 AM, 12/15/07
I thought it was more likely that
Dodge would get the Frontier since the Dakota is doing so poorly.
bmxkid7117 says:
04:03 PM, 12/15/07
if dodge could use nissans engines and nissan use use dodge's diesels we'd be good. throw a maxima V6 into the sebring and the cummins diesel in the titian and i see some successful swaps.
firstwagon says:
04:18 PM, 12/15/07
I agree the dakota is doing poorly but it still outsells the Frontier.
The Hemi is every bit as good as the Nissan 5.6 so no advantage there.
The Maxima V6 definitely beats anyone of the dozen or so V6's that Chrysler sells.
Personally though I see little or no advantage to any joint project between these 2 companys.
Not since the days of Ford Couriers, Chevy Luvs and Dodge Ram 50's has there been a successful rebadging of a truck.
mrgroovski says:
06:21 PM, 12/16/07
Looks like they're either going to rebrand the Doge as a Titan or kill the Titan altogether.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/78147
dvsutton says:
11:46 PM, 01/ 8/08
Please say it isn't so. Why would Dodge go down market and supply Nissan with a truck. Nissan's Titan is only bought by people who avoid, for whatever reason I don't understand, anything domestic. It's too bad they are missing out on some nice products. Please Dodge, don't dilute your truck and badge it as a Datsun... I mean Nissan