Fiat Chrysler Australia
Fiat Chrysler Australia was the Australian and New Zealand distribution organization formerly associated with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and now operating within Stellantis.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Fiat Chrysler Australia is the former Australian operating name of the vehicle distribution business that represented Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Australia and New Zealand. The business is now identified as Stellantis Australia and New Zealand Pty Ltd and distributes a portfolio of international vehicle marques rather than functioning as a separately listed automotive manufacturer. Its represented brands include Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Fiat Professional and, more recently, Leapmotor. The organization is therefore best understood as a national sales, marketing, distribution and importer entity within a global automotive group. The business has roots in the much older Chrysler Australia operation. Chrysler Corporation established Chrysler Australia Ltd in June 1951 after acquiring Chrysler Dodge Distributors (Holdings) Pty Ltd, which had been formed in 1935 by a network of independent distributors. During the 1950s through the 1970s, Chrysler Australia was not merely an importer: it was one of Australia's three principal vehicle manufacturers, alongside General Motors-Holden and Ford Australia. It assembled and manufactured vehicles in South Australia and operated component, engine and other industrial facilities. Its Adelaide-centered manufacturing network produced or assembled Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, De Soto, Simca, Hillman and Valiant products. The company's most important locally developed product family was the Valiant. Beginning with Australian assembly of the Plymouth Valiant in 1962, Chrysler developed locally differentiated models, including the AP5 Valiant, later Valiant sedans and wagons, the VIP luxury variant and the performance-oriented Valiant Pacer and Charger. The 1971 Valiant Charger became one of the best-known Australian performance cars and won Wheels magazine's Car of the Year award. Chrysler also developed the Australian Hemi six-cylinder engine and introduced the Centura medium car. Its later success with the Mitsubishi-designed Sigma showed the growing importance of smaller, more fuel-efficient and Japanese-influenced vehicles in the Australian market. Chrysler Australia's manufacturing position weakened during the 1970s because of the oil crisis, growing Japanese competition, changing consumer preferences and an aging large-car product range. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation acquired Chrysler Australia's remaining equity in 1980, and the company became Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited on 1 October that year. Chrysler badging continued on some vehicles until 1981, but the Chrysler Australia manufacturing identity ended with the corporate transfer. Mitsubishi later produced models including the Sigma, Colt, Magna, Verada and 380 in Australia, eventually ending passenger-vehicle production in March 2008. The Chrysler marque returned to Australia in 1994 as an importer, initially through Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The imported range expanded to include Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge products such as the Grand Cherokee, Voyager, PT Cruiser, Crossfire, 300C and Caliber. The Chrysler 300C achieved a distinctive position as an American-style prestige sedan competing with locally produced luxury cars and imported alternatives. In 2012, the Australian operation also assumed distribution responsibilities for Alfa Romeo and Fiat. RAM trucks entered the Australian market in 2013, with local right-hand-drive conversion and remanufacturing carried out by an external specialist. Following the formation of Stellantis through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA, the Australian and New Zealand business became part of Stellantis. The Chrysler marque was withdrawn from the Australian market on 19 November 2021 after the discontinuation of the Chrysler 300, leaving the local organization focused on the other brands in its distribution portfolio. The corporate operation remains active as a Stellantis importer and distributor, although the Fiat Chrysler Au…
History
The corporate history associated with Fiat Chrysler Australia begins with Chrysler's establishment of a direct Australian operation. In June 1951, Chrysler Corporation acquired Chrysler Dodge Distributors (Holdings) Pty Ltd, a distributor created in 1935 by 18 independent distributors, and formed Chrysler Australia Ltd. The new company initially assembled North American Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge and De Soto products. During the 1950s, it consolidated production in Adelaide, while component operations included trim, steel pressing and assembly facilities. Chrysler also operated an aircraft-components division involved in work connected with Canberra bombers, Jindivik drones and Winjeel trainers. Chrysler developed a substantial local manufacturing footprint during the 1960s. It opened the Tonsley Park assembly plant in 1964 and an engine plant at Lonsdale in 1967, replacing earlier facilities at Keswick, Mile End and Finsbury. The company's Australian products included the Chrysler Royal, Simca Aronde, Simca Vedette, Dodge Phoenix and Hillman Hunter. In 1962, Chrysler began assembling the Plymouth Valiant, marketed locally as the Valiant by Chrysler. The company subsequently created Australian-specific styling and expanded the range with luxury, long-wheelbase and sporting variants. The Valiant Charger, launched in 1971, became a particularly prominent local performance model. The 1970s brought both engineering successes and structural problems. Chrysler introduced an Australian Hemi six-cylinder engine in 1970 and launched the Centura medium-sized car in 1975. However, the oil crisis increased demand for smaller vehicles, while Japanese manufacturers became increasingly competitive. The Valiant range received several updates but could not match the market strength of Holden and Ford's principal products. Chrysler's relationship with Mitsubishi produced the Mitsubishi-designed Chrysler Valiant Galant and, more importantly, the Chrysler Sigma. The Sigma's four-cylinder engines, competitive pricing and relatively modern presentation helped restore Chrysler's position in the medium-car segment. Chrysler Australia's manufacturing era ended through a change in ownership. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation acquired equity in the company in 1979 and purchased the remaining shares from Chrysler Corporation in 1980. The company became Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited on 1 October 1980. Mitsubishi continued to manufacture vehicles with Chrysler branding until August 1981, after which production continued under Mitsubishi's own name. The later Mitsubishi operation produced several Australian models, including Sigma, Colt, Magna, Verada and 380, before ending passenger-vehicle production in March 2008. Chrysler returned to Australia as an importing and distribution business in 1994, initially with the Jeep Cherokee. The portfolio expanded during the following years to include Jeep SUVs, Chrysler passenger cars and Dodge models. The Chrysler 300C developed a niche as a large American prestige sedan, while Jeep established a stronger presence in the sport-utility segment. In 2012, the business became responsible for distributing Alfa Romeo and Fiat products in Australia, and RAM trucks were added in 2013 through a local conversion arrangement. After Fiat Chrysler Automobiles merged with Groupe PSA to create Stellantis, the Australian and New Zealand subsidiary became part of Stellantis' regional structure. The Chrysler brand itself was discontinued in Australia on 19 November 2021 when the Chrysler 300 was withdrawn. The successor business remains active as a multi-brand Stellantis distributor, representing Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Dodge, Fiat Professional and Leapmotor in the region, subject to market availability and portfolio changes.
- 2021
Chrysler brand withdrawn
[1]Chrysler sales ended in Australia on 19 November after the discontinuation of the Chrysler 300.
- 2013
RAM launched locally
[1]RAM trucks entered Australia through a local conversion and distribution program.
- 2012
Fiat and Alfa Romeo distribution added
[1]The local operation took over distribution for Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Fiat Commercial.
- 1994
Chrysler returns as an importer
[1]Chrysler re-entered the Australian market with imported Jeep vehicles, later expanding to Chrysler and Dodge products.
- 1980
Business transferred to Mitsubishi
[1]The company became Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited on 1 October after Mitsubishi acquired Chrysler Australia's outstanding ownership interests.
- 1977
Chrysler Sigma introduced
[1]The Mitsubishi-derived Chrysler Sigma helped the company compete in the growing medium-sized car segment.
- 1971
Valiant Charger launched
[1]The short-wheelbase Valiant Charger debuted as a distinctive Australian performance coupe and received Wheels magazine's Car of the Year award.
- 1970
Australian Hemi six-cylinder engine introduced
[1]Chrysler launched an Australian-developed Hemi six-cylinder engine for its local vehicle range.
- 1964
Tonsley Park assembly plant opens
[1]A new assembly plant opened at Tonsley Park in Adelaide, consolidating the company's modern manufacturing operations.
- 1962
Valiant assembly begins
[1]Chrysler Australia began assembling the Plymouth Valiant and later developed locally differentiated Valiant models.
Products and positioning
A multi-brand importer and distributor serving Australia and New Zealand, with a portfolio spanning American SUVs and trucks, Italian passenger and performance cars, commercial vehicles and emerging electric-vehicle offerings.
Passenger car · 1962
Valiant
The Valiant was Chrysler Australia's central locally assembled and developed passenger-car line from the 1960s into the early 1980s. Australian versions included distinctive body styling, luxury VIP variants, sporty Pacer models and the Valiant Charger coupe. The range reflected the company's effort to adapt American-derived engineering to Australian market requirements.
Performance coupe · 1971
Valiant Charger
Introduced in 1971, the Valiant Charger was a short-wheelbase two-door hardtop derived from the Valiant. It used distinctive Australian styling, including an integrated rear spoiler, and was offered in progressively more powerful and luxurious variants. The model became one of Chrysler Australia's most recognizable products and won Wheels magazine's 1971 Car of the Year award.
Medium passenger car · 1977
Chrysler Sigma
The Chrysler Sigma was based on a Mitsubishi design and used four-cylinder Silent Shaft engines. Its pricing, fuel economy and modern Japanese-influenced character helped Chrysler Australia regain competitiveness in the medium-car category during the late 1970s. Production continued under Mitsubishi after the change in ownership.
Medium passenger car · 1975
Centura
The Centura was an Australian-market adaptation of the European Chrysler 180. It was offered with four- and six-cylinder engines and positioned against the Holden Torana and Ford Cortina. Import restrictions and delays affected its launch, and the model attracted limited market interest before disappearing from the Australian market.
Luxury sedan
Chrysler 300C
The Chrysler 300C was an imported large sedan that found a specialized Australian audience by offering American styling and scale as an alternative to traditional Australian prestige cars such as the Holden Statesman and Ford Fairlane. It remained the Chrysler brand's only Australian model before the marque was withdrawn in 2021.
Sport utility vehicle
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee formed part of the Jeep range imported and distributed by the Australian Chrysler operation after the brand returned to the market in 1994. It represented the group's focus on four-wheel-drive and premium sport-utility vehicles.
Pickup truck · 2013
RAM trucks
RAM trucks entered Australia in 2013 through a local right-hand-drive conversion and remanufacturing arrangement. Their addition extended the distributor's portfolio into full-size American pickup trucks, a segment distinct from the passenger cars and SUVs traditionally associated with Chrysler and Jeep.
Brand decisions
2021
Withdrawal of Chrysler from the Australian marketOtherBackground
The Chrysler 300 was the marque's only remaining model in Australia and was discontinued.
Action taken
Chrysler sales were ended in Australia on 19 November 2021.
Aftermath
The successor Stellantis operation continued distributing other group brands in Australia and New Zealand without a Chrysler passenger-car offering.
2012
Expansion into Fiat and Alfa Romeo distributionStrategyBackground
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles had a broader international brand portfolio than the Chrysler and Jeep products previously emphasized in Australia.
Action taken
The Australian operation assumed distribution responsibilities for Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Fiat Commercial.
Aftermath
The distributor gained a wider portfolio covering Italian passenger cars, performance products and commercial vehicles.
1994
Re-entry into Australia as an importerStrategyBackground
After the end of its former manufacturing operation, Chrysler sought to re-establish a presence in Australia through imported vehicles.
Action taken
The Chrysler business returned initially with Jeep Cherokee vehicles and subsequently expanded its imported Chrysler and Dodge portfolio.
Aftermath
The operation evolved from a former manufacturer into a multi-brand importer and distributor.
1980
Transfer of Chrysler Australia's ownership to MitsubishiM&ABackground
Chrysler Corporation was seeking financial relief in the United States while Mitsubishi had developed an increasingly close relationship with the Australian operation.
Action taken
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation acquired Chrysler Australia's remaining shares and renamed the company Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited.
Aftermath
Chrysler-badged production continued briefly, but the Australian manufacturing business thereafter operated under the Mitsubishi name.
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