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Why is the Dodge Hornet made in Italy?

The Dodge Hornet, a compact crossover SUV, is manufactured in Italy rather than the United States. This decision by Dodge's parent company, Stellantis, is driven by a combination of strategic and practical factors that aim to optimize the vehicle's production and global distribution.


Leveraging Existing Facilities


Stellantis, the multinational automotive conglomerate that owns the Dodge brand, has a significant manufacturing presence in Italy. The Hornet is produced at the Stellantis plant in Melfi, Italy, which has been producing vehicles for the company's various brands for decades. This existing infrastructure and skilled workforce allow Stellantis to efficiently manufacture the Hornet without the need to invest in building a new production facility in the United States.


Targeting the European Market


The Dodge Hornet is not only intended for the North American market but also aims to capture a share of the European compact crossover SUV segment. By manufacturing the Hornet in Italy, Stellantis can more effectively distribute the vehicle to European customers, reducing transportation costs and delivery times.


Leveraging Italian Design Expertise


Italy has a long-standing reputation for automotive design excellence, with many iconic car brands and design houses originating from the country. Stellantis can leverage this design expertise by having the Hornet developed and produced in Italy, ensuring the vehicle's styling and aesthetics align with European preferences.


Optimizing Global Supply Chains


The decision to manufacture the Dodge Hornet in Italy is also influenced by Stellantis' efforts to optimize its global supply chain. By producing the Hornet in Italy, the company can more efficiently source components and materials from European suppliers, reducing logistical complexities and costs associated with transporting parts from overseas.


Conclusion


In summary, the Dodge Hornet's production in Italy is a strategic decision by Stellantis to leverage the company's existing manufacturing capabilities, target the European market, capitalize on Italian design expertise, and optimize its global supply chain. This approach allows Stellantis to efficiently produce and distribute the Hornet to both North American and European customers.

Who builds Dodge Hornet?


Dodge Hornet (2023)

Dodge Hornet
ManufacturerFCA Italy S.P.A. (Stellantis Europe)
Also calledAlfa Romeo Tonale
ProductionAugust 2022 – present
Model years2023–present



What is the origin of the Dodge Hornet?


The Dodge Hornet was a concept car mini MPV designed and developed by Dodge and revealed in 2006. Dodge's first attempt at building a car this small, the car was expected to be released in 2010, but following the Great Recession and the restructuring of the Chrysler Group, the concept was dropped.



Is the Dodge Hornet made in Italy?


WHERE IS THE DODGE HORNET BUILT? The Dodge Hornet is a CUV that is built in Italy.



Is the Dodge Hornet any good?


Handling is confident and approaches sporty but isn't as athletic or as satisfying as what you'll find in rivals from Mazda or Volkswagen. It is, however, more engaging than the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage, but those crossovers offer a more refined cruising attitude and may suit casual drivers better.



Does the Dodge Hornet require premium fuel?


DOES THE DODGE HORNET REQUIRE PREMIUM GAS? While it's not required, premium unleaded fuel is preferable when gassing up your 2025 Dodge Hornet. WHAT IS THE 0-60 MPH TIME FOR A DODGE HORNET? The 2025 Dodge Hornet R/T features a targeted 0-60 mph time of just 5.6 seconds.



Does the Dodge Hornet require premium gas?


DOES THE DODGE HORNET REQUIRE PREMIUM GAS? While it's not required, premium unleaded fuel is preferable when gassing up your 2025 Dodge Hornet. WHAT IS THE 0-60 MPH TIME FOR A DODGE HORNET? The 2025 Dodge Hornet R/T features a targeted 0-60 mph time of just 5.6 seconds.



Who made the original Hornet car?


The Hudson Hornet is a full-size car manufactured by Hudson Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan from 1951 until 1954, when Nash-Kelvinator and Hudson merged to form American Motors Corporation (AMC). Hudson automobiles continued to be marketed under the Hudson brand name through the 1957 model year.



How fast can the Dodge Hornet go?


140 MPH
Delivering 268 horsepower with 295 pound-feet of torque, the Hornet accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in just 6.5 seconds, achieving speeds up to 140 MPH. All-wheel drive (AWD) lets you maintain control and precision on a multitude of terrains, further enhancing its bold performance for your every adventure.



Where is the new Dodge Hornet assembled?


Turin, Italy
The 2024 Dodge Hornet is primarily built at the Stellantis manufacturing plant in Turin, Italy. This facility is part of Stellantis, the multinational automotive company formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group.



Is Dodge an Italian company?


Dodge is an American brand of automobiles and a division of Stellantis North America, based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Dodge vehicles have historically included performance cars, and for much of its existence Dodge was Chrysler's mid-priced brand above Plymouth.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.