Tank signals the end of one Dodge's difficult journey
In New Zealand, we like to think that we're a relatively democratic body of people. When problems arise, we analyse the surrounding players, hold discussions, erect red tape — and then tear it down again.
Australians don't quite have the same vibe, and it's easy to consider the case of Joe, Kate, and their 2010 Dodge Journey R/T as a fitting example of this.
After the car faltered for the couple on several occasions, and they subsequently became dissatisfied with the response from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Australia and with the car's inability to fix 'their lemon'.
But, going through the literature on the matter, and it looks like the couple attempted to pursue every deliberation and discussion imaginable to try and find a resolution that didn't involve a tank. The Journey's problems include a malfunctioning horn and alarm, a motor shut down, a leaking cylinder head, a continually draining battery, and a cooling system full of oil among a plethora of other issues.
This isn't the first time a Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Australia product has been on this scale of receiving end over the ditch, after Ashton Wood and his Dodge Nitro had an unfortunate run in with a couple of quite ferocious diggers following another dissatisfied owner getting the pointy end of the consumer stick.
The whole event married the blind destruction of a family wagon with a political message, hoping to encourage the Australia Competition and Consumer Commission (or ACCC) to adopt 'lemon' laws to protect new-car buyers from being stuck with cars like this unsalvageable Dodge Journey.
Senator Glenn Lazarus was among the political clout in attendance, while several members of the media were also there — something that will no doubt only further hurt the reputation of Fiat Chrysler Australia.