Who Owns Dodge?

Dodge's sustainability efforts are tied to Stellantis's corporate environmental strategy. Stellantis has committed to achieving carbon net zero by 2038, with intermediate targets for 2030. The company plans to offer fully electric vehicles across all segments by 2030 in the U.S. and Europe.

The Charger Daytona is Dodge's first electric vehicle and represents the brand's contribution to Stellantis's electrification goals. The electric Charger produces zero tailpipe emissions while attempting to maintain the performance characteristics of traditional Dodge muscle cars. However, the transition from V8 engines to electric motors has been controversial among Dodge enthusiasts.

Dodge's manufacturing facilities participate in Stellantis's sustainability programs. The Windsor Assembly Plant received a $1.5 billion investment to retool for electric vehicle production, including energy-efficient manufacturing processes. Stellantis has committed to using renewable energy in its manufacturing facilities, with a target of 100% renewable electricity by 2025.

Stellantis publishes an annual sustainability report covering environmental performance, social impact, and governance. The company's environmental initiatives include reducing CO2 emissions from vehicles, using recycled materials in vehicle production, and supporting circular economy initiatives for end-of-life vehicles.

Dodge faces criticism from environmental groups for its historical focus on high-performance gas engines with low fuel efficiency. The brand's Hellcat V8 engines, which produce over 700 horsepower, have been particularly criticized for their environmental impact. Dodge's transition to electric vehicles is seen as a necessary response to tightening emissions regulations and changing consumer preferences.

Dodge has received recognition from automotive publications and industry organizations for its performance vehicles. The Dodge Challenger and Charger have won multiple awards from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and other automotive media outlets.

The Dodge Charger Hellcat was recognized by MotorTrend as one of the fastest production cars available, with a top speed exceeding 200 mph. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, a limited-production drag-racing-focused model, set records for the fastest production quarter-mile time when it was released in 2018.

The Dodge Durango has received recognition for its towing capacity and three-row seating configuration. The Durango SRT Hellcat, introduced in 2021, was the most powerful production SUV at the time of its release.

The Charger Daytona has received recognition for its electric vehicle technology, including the Fratzonic chambered exhaust system that simulates the sound of a V8 engine. However, the system has also received criticism from some enthusiasts who find the artificial sound unnecessary.

Dodge's Direct Connection performance parts program has been recognized by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) for its contribution to the automotive aftermarket industry.

Charger and Challenger Discontinuation (2023): Dodge discontinued the Challenger and gas-powered Charger in December 2023, ending production of its most popular and iconic models. The discontinuation was driven by emissions regulations and Stellantis's electrification strategy. Many enthusiasts criticized the decision, and the final-year "Last Call" special editions sold out quickly. The Brampton, Ontario assembly plant was idled, affecting approximately 3,000 workers.

Stellantis Financial Crisis (2025-2026): Stellantis has faced severe financial difficulties in 2025 and 2026, including declining sales, excess inventory, and quality issues. CEO Carlos Tavares resigned in December 2024 amid disagreements with the board over strategy. The company has implemented cost-cutting measures including layoffs, plant idlings, and reduced product development budgets. Dodge has been affected by these measures, with uncertainty about future product plans and investment.

Vehicle Recalls: Dodge has been affected by multiple recalls in recent years. In 2023, Dodge recalled approximately 242,000 Ram 1500 pickups (sold under the Ram brand but manufactured by Stellantis) for tailgate issues. Dodge Charger and Challenger vehicles have been recalled for various issues including electrical system problems, airbag defects, and brake system concerns. Stellantis has faced scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for its recall management.

Quality Issues: Dodge vehicles have faced quality concerns in recent years. J.D. Power Initial Quality Study rankings for Dodge have declined, with owners reporting issues with infotainment systems, electrical components, and build quality. Stellantis has acknowledged quality issues across its North American brands and has implemented quality improvement initiatives.

Electric Vehicle Reception: The Charger Daytona has received mixed reviews from automotive media and enthusiasts. Critics have noted that the electric Charger is heavier and more expensive than the gas-powered model it replaced. The Fratzonic exhaust system, which produces artificial engine noise, has been widely mocked on social media and in automotive publications. Sales of the Charger Daytona have been slower than projected.

UAW Strike (2023): The United Auto Workers strike in September 2023 targeted Stellantis, Ford, and General Motors. The strike affected Dodge production at the Brampton and Jefferson North assembly plants. The strike resulted in a new contract with significant wage increases for UAW members but temporarily halted Dodge vehicle production.