Six 'New' Dodge Darts Sold in Q3 2025, Defying Discontinuation
In an unexpected twist within the automotive market, a notable phenomenon of 'zombie cars' continues to surface in Stellantis' quarterly sales reports. For the third quarter of 2025, several vehicle models that ceased production years ago have remarkably reappeared in sales figures, demonstrating the persistent presence of unsold inventory. While the iconic Viper is not among them this time, three distinct Dodge models have notably defied their discontinuation.
The Dodge Dart, a compact sedan whose manufacturing concluded in September 2016 at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, saw an astonishing 500 percent surge in sales during Q3 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. This translates to six units of the Dart being purchased as 'new' vehicles between July and September, a significant jump from just one sold in Q3 2024. These purchases imply that six individuals acquired what are essentially nine-year-old cars, likely at a considerable discount given their age. Similarly, the Dodge Journey, which ended production in 2020, recorded 13 sales in Q3 and a total of 17 year-to-date in 2025, contrasting with zero sales in the corresponding period of the prior year. Additionally, the Dodge Caravan, with production ceasing in 2020, also saw eight units sold in Q3 and nine year-to-date. Fiat's discontinued 500L and 500X models also contributed to this trend with two and thirty-one sales respectively in Q3.
These sales of long-discontinued models, while small in number, collectively made a minor positive impact on Stellantis' overall U.S. Q3 results for 2025, which observed a six percent increase to 324,825 units. However, the broader picture for 2025 remains challenging, with year-to-date shipments through September showing a six percent decline to 928,024 vehicles. The continued sales of these older models underscore the intricate dynamics of automotive inventory management and consumer purchasing decisions, where the allure of a significant deal on a technically 'new' but aged vehicle can still attract buyers.
The persistence of these "new" older models in sales figures invites contemplation on market resilience and consumer value perception. It highlights that even in a rapidly evolving industry, there is an enduring appeal and viable market for vehicles that may be past their prime, yet offer tangible benefits such as lower prices or unique attributes. This trend could encourage manufacturers and dealerships to strategically manage lingering inventories, turning what might seem like a liability into an opportunity to meet diverse consumer needs and preferences.