History Dodge in Australia

Soon thereafter local assembly began by principal builder of Chrysler and Dodge vehicles in Australia, TJ Richards and Sons. Some bodies were imported as components to Australia, others were made here.

1937: The various independent Australian distributors of Dodge and Chrysler vehicles got together and bought a controlling interest in TJ Richards. The company was as a result renamed Richards Industries.

1941: During World War II, the Dodge/Chrysler assembly lines were used to build parts for the Australian war effort.

1947: The Company's name was changed to Chrysler Dodge De Soto Distributors Ltd.

1951: Chrysler Dodge De Soto Distributors made an agreement with the Chrysler Corporation of Detroit to develop a major program to manufacture complete motor vehicles in Australia. Chrysler Australia Limited was formed as a result.

1960-1972: The Dodge Phoenix was assembled by Chrysler Australia.

1976: The last Dodge ute was assembled by Chrysler Australia.

1994: Chrysler re-entered the market selling Jeeps, via Astre Automotive, a subsidiary of the Singapore based Cycle & Carriage.

1996: Chrysler products offered in Australia were the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler Neon, Voyager and Jeep Wrangler.

1999: Chrysler Jeep Australia took over as distributor of Chrysler products.

1997: Chrysler Jeep Aust and Mercedes-Benz Aust formed DaimlerChrysler Aust/Pacific.

2006: The Dodge Caliber leads the return of the brand to Australia.

2007: Dodge Nitro arrives in July. Dodge Avenger to be the third Dodge model in Australia.