The Dodge Journey has been given a much-needed makeover for 2011, with a new V6 and a significantly improved interior. That's good news for Dodge dealers here in the States, but according to Autoweek it isn't such a great deal for Dodge dealerships overseas.

That's because the Journey will no longer be sold with the Ram badge, as Sergio Marchionne and company have reportedly decided it would fare better as a Fiat-branded crossover. The CUV will reportedly be given the Freemont moniker, and it will be the first Chrysler-based vehicle to be given a Fiat engine - a diesel in this case. The 2.0-liter oilburner is capable of 170 horsepower - 30 more than the VW-sourced diesel currently employed in the Journey overseas.

The move to sell the Journey as a Fiat may also make sense given Fiat's massive 5,000 store retail network. If Fiat dealers can surpass the meager sales of the Journey, it could help Chrysler increase output at the Toluca, Mexico plant where the CUV is built along side the Fiat 500. AW claims the Freemont will be unveiled in Geneva, with sales beginning in June 2011.


Gallery: 2011 Dodge Journey: Quick Spin




More...