Despite Australia's diverse automotive market, several vehicles that could have been successful were never introduced. A recent article highlights five cars from the past 20 years that were particularly well-suited for the Australian market but never made it to our shores.
- Dodge Challenger:
- Could have been a strong competitor to the Ford Mustang
- Offered V8 engines with manual transmission options
- Potential halo model for the Dodge brand globally
- Kia Borrego/Mohave:
- Body-on-frame off-roader with V6 diesel option
- Could have competed with Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Prado
- Only produced in left-hand drive
- Honda Pilot:
- Larger SUV to slot above the CR-V
- Offered third-row seating
- Never produced in right-hand drive
- Mercedes-Benz GLK:
- Competitor to BMW X3 and Audi Q5
- Left-hand drive only due to driveshaft location
- Missed opportunity in the booming luxury SUV market
- Dodge Durango:
- Three-row SUV sharing platform with Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Could have filled a gap in FCA Australia's lineup
- Offered powerful V8 engine options
These vehicles represent missed opportunities in the Australian market, highlighting how global production decisions can impact local automotive landscapes. Their absence demonstrates the complex factors involved in bringing international models to specific markets.