Aussie police eyeing Chrysler 300 after local manufacturing ends

Speaking at the launch of the Alfa Romeo Giulia last week, head of FCA Australia, Steve Zanlunghi, said despite slowing sales of the Chrysler 300, the company has received plenty of interest from the police and fleet companies now that locally-built models like the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore are being retired.

"With the going away of Australian manufacturing, from potential fleet customers we’ve had a lot of enquires for the 300," he said.

"Specifically we’ve had the police come to us, asking for a bid, if it would make sense."

Zanlunghi didn't mention whether the police were interested in the more understated V6-powered 300C or the hardcore 300 SRT - which is powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 - though both could be a possibility considering regular and V8-powered variants of the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon are used by various police patrol departments.

However, it seems there is plenty of competition to get the blue and white checkered stripes, with Kia and Holden both confirming they have been in talks to have the Sorento and next-generation Commodore (to be imported from Europe) replace the current Ford Territory and Ford Falcon/Holden Commodore police cars.

Meanwhile, the Hyundai Sonata will replace the Queensland Police Service's six-cylinder fleet, while the more powerful Sonata Turbo is under consideration for higher-performance duties.

"The QPS has now approved the Hyundai Sonata four-cylinder vehicle as a replacement for the current fleet of six-cylinder vehicles," said police minister, Bill Byrne.

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