DETROIT, April 18 (UPI) -- Chrysler has reportedly taken more than 20,000 advance orders for the new 2006 Dodge Charger muscle car, which goes into production this week.
Germany's DaimlerChrysler AG has been lifted by strong sales of the 2005 Chrysler 300 sedan and Dodge Magnum sport wagon and could hit a trifecta with strong sales of the Charger with initial annual sales of 70,000 to 80,000 units forecast.
Dodge dealers say there hasn't been this much buzz about a Dodge product in years.
"To us, it's a good indication of the interest level in this vehicle," Chrysler spokesman Rick Deneau told the Detroit News.
The new Charger, which faces tough competition from midsize six-cylinder Japanese sedans, will be assembled at Chrysler's plant in Brampton, Ontario. The first units should reach Dodge showrooms in early May.
