http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyl...ndex_lifestyle

sample quote

Chrysler is introducing a new Ram pickup truck at the North American International Auto Show next week. Sales of the Ram run a distant third to trucks from GM and Ford (F). The company has two plants dedicated to the Ram, which sold 359,000 units in 2007. The pickup truck market is continuing to soften as recession and a housing downturn dampens demand. Meantime, Toyota, (TM) which sold 196,000 pickups last year, has just launched a new pickup plant in Texas. Nissan, by contrast, has struggled with its Titan pickup, which sold just 66,000 units in 2007. "There is a lot of pressure in the company to make the full-size pickup program less costly and more rational without getting out of the category altogether," said one high-ranking Nissan executive who said he could not comment officially on Chrysler negotiations. Chrysler is also trying to figure out what to do with its midsize Dakota model, and Nissan could eventually help on that front, too. Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli and Vice-Chairman Jim Press are evaluating Chrysler's entire product lineup and distribution. The Dakota, said an industry source with knowledge of the company's plans, has already been targeted for elimination.

 

Not really much of a surprise I hate to say......the 3rd Generation Dakota really was a step backwards in alot of eyes. Both the looks and lack of performance for a new model really turned a lot of people off of it. I wouldnt buy one, and I owned 2 2nd Gen Dakotas.....

It's unfortunate, but Dodge has continued its stance of ignoring what its consumers want.

 

I certainly agree that Chrysler has badly mishandled
the Dakota.

Not putting in a 5.7
Not offering the Motori diesel
Letting the 3rd gen get to heavy
Poor aero hurting highway speed MPG
Lackluster styling
bad ball joints
not offering manuals with the popular V8s
ongoing auto transmission doubts

It is easy for me to believe that Chrysler
could have sold
500,000 more Dakotas
over the last 5 years
with better management decisions

 

You forgot front shocks that feel like you're driving a waterbed

 

+1

Better interior all around, unboxy style, less chrome, and a diesel would be a great start.