Chrysler Australia Ltd was established in 1947 in Keswick, South Australia, marking the beginning of Dodge's presence in the Australian automotive market. The company focused on local manufacturing, which led to the development of models that were not available in other markets.
One of the notable early models was a Dodge-badged version of the postwar Plymouth, which catered to the local consumer base. In 1953, the Dodge Cranbrook was introduced, featuring a significant 92 percent local content, showcasing the company's commitment to Australian manufacturing. The Dodge Kingsway was produced as a clone of the Cranbrook, further emphasizing the practice of badge engineering during this period.
This approach to vehicle production continued until the introduction of the Chrysler Royal, which ultimately marked the end of the badge engineering strategy for Dodge in Australia. The legacy of Chrysler Australia Ltd and its Dodge models contributed to the evolution of the automotive industry in the region during the 1940s and 1950s.
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