Dodge Journey to Be Fiat Freemont for Europe

The marriage between American manufacturer Chrysler and Italian group Fiat is beginning to spawn new offspring. With the Italians still pondering which is the best way to enter the US market (following the launch of the 500, of course), Chrysler's brands are slowly making their way into the markets of the Old Continent.

With Chrysler models already confirmed to sell in Europe wearing Lancia bagdes, the two companies will complete this barter for Europe with the launch of the Dodge Journey, but as a Fiat.

The Fiat Freemont, to be more precise. According to Autoweek, citing inside sources, the Freemont will be presented at next year's Geneva Auto Show, with sales expected to begin in summer next year.

For the European market, the Journey will get more than a new name. The Fiat-badged vehicle is said to use an array of Italian sourced tech, starting with the 2.0l turbo diesel engine.

The 2011 Journey, unveiled earlier this year, comes equipped with a new 3.6l Pentastar V6 engine which replaced the previous unit and added a 20 percent boost in power. The new unit is capable of developing 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque and is linked to a six-speed transmission.

The crossover is equipped with several airbags, active head restraints, electronic stability control (ESC) with all-speed traction control, electronic roll mitigation and brake assist, new driver-side knee blocker airbag, supplemental side-curtain airbags covering all three rows, supplemental front-seat-mounted side airbags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, LATCH child seat anchor system and trailer sway control.