With no more large, old-fashioned sedans left available to consumers in 2012, the fleet vehicle marketplace has been undergoing a massive metamorphosis in the United States. Hybrid-propelled taxicabs, purpose-produced police cars, large imported vans, and the increased presence of crossover vehicles has jumbled the automotive offerings for fleet use. Officially added for fleet sale by Chrysler Group, Dodge’s largest sport utility vehicle could be a public or private agency’s next mode of transportation.
Proving itself a formidable name in the showroom, the Dodge Durango’s return for the 2011 model year was a big consumer hit for an auto brand seeking a recovery. Filling the need as a dutiful family mover and a very powerful towing vehicle, Dodge recognition of the vehicle’s accomplishments have created the Durango Special Service model.
The new Dodge Durango Special Service edition vehicle will come available with either the 290-horsepower, 3.6 liter Pentastar V-6 engine or the 360-horsepower 5.7 liter HEMI V-8 powerplant. Providing equal engine power to the showroom version of the Durango, Dodge offers fleet customers the choice of up to 550 miles driving range with the Pentastar V-6 or the elect for as much as 7,400 pounds of towing capacity with the HEMI. Engine oil cooler and a beefier water pump are among several improvements made under the Durango Special Service’s engine compartment. For the Durango Special Service model’s electrical system, a higher-output 220-amp alternator charges a more heavy-duty battery.
The 2012 Dodge Durango Special Service vehicles comes equipped with the option of rear wheel and all-wheel drivetrains fitted with the full array of electronic aids. Chrysler’s Electronic Stability Control and electronic roll migration is standard on the Durango Special Service model assuring enhanced handling even when pushed through hard, fleet driving habits. The fleet version of the Dodge Durango receives several mechanical modifications to handle the increased exertion of hard, everyday driving. Heavy-duty brake hardware is designed to stop the Durango Special Service vehicle with more control. Standard Trailer-sway control and hill-start assists also assures the Dodge Durango Special Service model is ready for more unique situations. No different from selling cars to individual consumers, the Dodge brand practices a high level of customer service to their products. With the Dodge Durango Special Service model, a transferable five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is included with all vehicles.
The interior of the Dodge Durango Special Service uses a layout meant to maximize cargo space for gear and other needs. Removing the third-row seat found on the showroom version of the Durango, the Special Service package features a customizable rear cargo area as well as an assortment of under-floor storage bins. Other unique items added to the Durango Special Service vehicle includes an interior dome lamp and a spotlight wiring prep. Preserving the safety technology of the stock vehicle, the Dodge Durango Special Service model is standard with front, seat-mounted and side-curtain airbags upholds the equipment used to earn a recent IIHS Top Safety Pick rating.
The Dodge Durango Special Service vehicle joins the Dodge Charger Pursuit sedan as a one-two offering targeting what is expected to be a busy fleet customer base. Dodge’s attempt for wooing the fleet consumers within the law enforcement community mirrors the two-prong marketing of Ford Motor Company. Itching to retain the loyalty of police departments, Ford’s promotion of the Interceptor sedan came with the Explorer-based Interceptor Utility crossover. Predicting that forces admiring the size of the Crown Victoria Interceptor may prefer the brawn of a more truck-looking vehicle, Ford also wants to win over more rural areas with taller ground clearances.
Whether you want to say the Dodge Durango is “reporting for duty” or “prepared to serve”, the Special Service package attention to fleets will be intent on replicating their consumer success.
Information and photo source: Chrysler Group
