Chrysler Working to Make Dodge Dart a Success in the US

Chrysler has a lot riding on the Dodge Dart. First, it has not had a proper compact car since the Neon, and the company is still getting on its feet since nearly dying during the US recession and being bought by Fiat. To ensure that the Dart is a success, Chrysler has integrated Fiat's World Class Manufacturing system into building its vehicles and has tested the vehicle both in the real world and in simulation. 

“This is a crucial vehicle launch for the company as we re-enter the compact sedan market, and everyone is committed to launching a high-quality product. We’ve invested $20 million in new quality tools and processes at the Belvidere Assembly Plant to achieve the strict quality targets we set for Dodge Dart,” said Doug Betts, Senior Vice President of Quality at Chrysler Group. 

It has been well documented that the Dart is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. When Chrysler was evaluating the Giulietta for import, it took one, sawed it in half, added panels to widen it and began testing. 

Chrysler's perceived quality team worked with the Dart's designers and engineers to benchmark the Dart against competitors and make it a better car. It was evaluated in terms of fit-and-finish, surfaces, material quality and sound quality.

In testing, the Dart has covered more than 8.5 million miles both in reality and simulation. Chrysler has tested it on its simulator in the most severe situations. Chrysler has also driven 100 Darts for the last three months until each vehicle reaches 36,000. The cars are given to normal employees, not necessarily engineers, who are asked to evaluate the car. 

To make sure that the Dart is as good in production as it has been in testing, Chrysler has implemented Fiat's World Class Manufacturing system that it claims improves final quality. Vehicles are randomly audited in 437 areas including sending materials to on-site chemists. 

The Dart will be on sale later this year in the US.