Dodge, Audi and Chevrolet are among the models that will be eliminated
It is the terminus for a number of popular car models.
From muscle cars like Dodge’s Charger and Challenger to electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt, a handful of models will be discontinued for 2024.
The reason for the demise of many of these models? The move to electric vehicles, according to Will Kaufman, news editor at auto research site Edmunds.
“This is truly the first major changing of the guard moment for an established, mainstream brand,” Kaufman said. “As more (electric cars) come onto the market, the question will be less of whether other nameplates will be phased out to make room for them, and more of when they will be phased out.”
Dodge Chargers and Challengers
According to a recent statement by parent company Stellantis, Dodge will end production of Chargers and Challengers – two popular muscle cars – before the end of the year.
The models had enjoyed tremendous success over the years, with the Challenger being named the country’s #1 muscle car in 2021. Dodge brand CEO Tim Kuniskis said the end of production of the cars signals “the beginning of a bright new electrified future” as Stellanis aims to make 50% of its US car and light truck sales EVs by 2030.
“This is really a big moment. “It’s a pretty famous American muscle car that makes the leap from gas to electric,” Kaufman said.
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Audi R8 and TT
Audi’s R8 and TT are also on the rise as Audi works towards becoming an all-electric company by 2033.
According to Mark Dahncke, spokesman for Audi of America, the R8 presented in 2006 will no longer be available in the USA by the end of the year. There’s no electric successor to the car, but Dahncke said Audi is “assessing possibilities of what that could be.”
“Right now, the all-electric RS e-tron GT performance car is the star of our e-tron range, but it’s not a replacement for the R8,” said Dahncke.
The TT, which debuted in 1998, will be phased out by the end of the year as the compact two-door coupe and roadster segments shrink worldwide.
“In some markets, particularly where demand for all-electric models already exceeds that of internal combustion engines, we are already no longer offering the Audi TT,” Dahncke said in an emailed statement. “In the coming years we want to concentrate our capacities in technical development and Audi design entirely on the expansion of battery-electric and hybrid models.”
Kia Stinger
Kia will end production of the Stinger, a fastback sedan first introduced in the US as a 2019 model, after the 2023 model. Since then, more than 65,0000 Stinger sedans have been sold in the country.
“While it may be the end of the road for Stinger, its legacy lives on through our innovative products, both current and future,” said Steven Center, Kia America’s chief operating officer, in an April press release.
Nissan Maxima
42 years after its debut, Nissan will end production of the Maxima in mid-2023.
Spokesperson Ashli Bobo said the decision stems from Nissan’s decision to prioritize electric vehicles, with an expected 40% of Nissan vehicle sales to be fully electric by 2030.
“It makes sense for them to focus more on electric SUVs right now,” Kaufman said. “The Maxima didn’t sell very well, the Altima and the Sentra sold much better. Large sedans have largely disappeared as buyers gravitate towards SUVs.”
Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV
One of the most famous electric car brands is threatened with extinction. Surprisingly, this is due to the industry’s increased focus on electric vehicles, Kaufman said.
General Motors CEO Mary Barra confirmed in April that the company would end production of the Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV in late 2023 after record first-quarter sales.
Kaufman pointed out that GM may be trying to speed up production of some of its other electric vehicles by dropping the Bolt models from its lineup.
“You need to focus on building these battery packs for these other segments, the larger SUVs and the trucks that need larger battery packs,” Kaufman said. “Ironically, an electric car is the victim of the electric car transition.”
Discontinued models among luxury brands
High-end car manufacturers are also discontinuing their car models for 2024.
McLaren halted production of its 720S supercar last year to make way for the 750. Delivery to customers is scheduled for the fourth quarter.
And Mercedes-Benz is canceling a whole range of vehicles. The company will end the life cycle of its CLS nameplate in August and will also end production of the C-Class coupe and convertible and the E-Class coupe and convertible this summer.
“In their place, we will continue our long tradition of sporty, elegant dream cars with a new, independent model series – the Mercedes-Benz CLE,” said spokesman Andrew Brudnicki, pointing out that the new CLE Coupé and the CLE Cabriolet will provide more space, dynamics and sportiness.
