Dodge 100 "Commando"
| Company type | Truck line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Commer VC and VE models |
| Founded | January 1, 1950 |
| Headquarters | Kew, London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Trucks |
The Dodge 100 "Commando" series, also referred to as the Dodge Commando 100 Series, represents a line of trucks produced by Dodge in the United Kingdom, predominantly throughout the 1970s and 1980s. An earlier iteration, the Dodge 100, commonly called the "parrot-nose" or "Kew Dodge," was manufactured during the 1950s at a facility located in Kew, London.
History and development
Initially created by Commer, this truck lineup was designed between 1965 and 1966 to succeed the Commer VC and VE models, focusing on vehicles with a specified gross vehicle weight (GVW). After Chrysler Europe acquired controlling shares in Commer’s parent company, the Rootes Group, the truck’s engineering and branding strategy were integrated with the Dodge 500 range.
Drivetrains
The Dodge 100 was originally planned to utilize a Rootes diesel engine, but due to noise regulations, these dependable yet loud engines were not used. Instead, lighter models were equipped with naturally aspirated and turbocharged four- and six-cylinder diesel engines from Perkins, manufactured domestically in the UK. The top-tier engine option was the Mercedes-Benz OM352, selected for its strong reputation across Europe. In some limited markets, Valmet 611 CS diesel engines were also fitted. Transmission choices included four-, five-, and six-speed synchromesh manuals sourced from Rootes, while rear axles combined Rootes’ hypoid designs with single- and two-speed axles from Eaton Corporation. The chassis employed a specialized alloy aimed at improving strength while minimizing weight.
The final vehicle weight capacity spanned from GVW for complete trucks up to 24/28 tons GCW for tractor configurations.
Renault
Production of the 100 Series continued internationally for approximately fifteen years, excluding the United States due to regulatory expenses. The model was sold under various marques such as Commer, Dodge, DeSoto, Fargo, and Renault. A "Mark 2" version introduced engine enhancements along with minor updates. Following Renault’s acquisition of Rootes Group’s truck division—after Peugeot took over the passenger car segment—the Dodge 100 was gradually discontinued. Nonetheless, Renault maintained production of a variant labeled as the "Renault Commando" until about 1987, subsequently shifting manufacturing at the Rootes site toward Renault’s own range of bus and truck powertrains.
See also
References
External links
Images
- Dodge 100/Commando fire engine (on flickr)
- Two Dodge 100/Commando cabs (on flickr)
- Dodge Commando Horse Box (on flickr)