The Americans are coming. Well, in fact, they've arrived and are about to increase their presence on Irish roads over the coming year.
While in previous decades European car firms have looked longingly at the US market - with some managing to get a foothold in recent years - the downturn in the US market has forced returning glances from US manufacturers.
For them, the European market may be ultra-competitive and the characteristic buyers more atune to driving and handling characteristics than simple comfort and space, but every sales outlet needs to be explored in these tough times.
Whatever about the business model or the potential for European sales, there's some interesting metal coming from the US, most notably a range of new Jeeps and the much-publicised Chrysler 300C.
The newest kid on the block in the Irish motor industry next year is Dodge. The 90-year-old all-American marque will be making its debut in July, with the Caliber already previewed at motor shows as a concept that blends a sporty coupé-like profile with the strength and functionally of an SUV. In spring of 2007 it will be followed by the Nitro, a five-seater mid-sized SUV.
Dodge is part of the Chrysler family that also includes Jeep. The marque has been in Ireland before, albeit about 50 years ago when the cars were assembled by McCairns Motors. A Dodge was the "everyday" official steed for Presidents Eamon de Valera and Sean T O'Kelly.
Currently Dodge is only known in Europe for its supercar Viper. It's the fifth largest brand in the United States with nearly 7 per cent of the market there. It also accounts for 50 per cent of Chrysler group sales.
The Dodge debut is all part of a wider plan by the Chrysler Group - itself part of Daimler Chrysler - to win a bigger influence outside North America. By 2007 it will have doubled the number of right-hand drive and diesel equipped models compared with 2003.
Later Chrysler arrivals here are a new-look Grand Cherokee and the 300C flagship car, which the company boasts as "the most awarded new car in history in the US." The 300C has been feted by the press and the public, and hailed as largely responsible for putting Chrysler back on track.
Meant to compete with established executive and prestige offerings like BMW's 5-Series, the 300C has two engine versions; a 218bhp 3-litre V6 diesel and a massive 5.7-litre 340bhp V8 petrol. Irish prices are €58,500 for the diesel and €73,700 for the V8 petrol. The 300C has individualistic - almost retro - styling and with US sales of nearly 113,000, customers have found it's looks appealing.
With slight adjustments to suspension settings, handling and seats, the 300C is now being built for European customers under contract at Magna Steyr's plant in Graz, Austria. The Voyager range and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are already being built for Europe.
The Grand Cherokee uses the same 3-litre diesel as well as an 8-cylinder 4.7-litre petrol. Both petrol and diesel versions are priced at €64,999.
Continuing the Chrysler model offensive, in April we will see the arrival of a seven-seater Jeep Commander, the first Jeep with three rows of seats. It will use the aforementioned 2-litre diesel and compete with the Land Rover Discovery, Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Landcruiser.
Later arrivals are the Jeep Compass and Patriot, competitors for the Toyota Rav4 and Suzuki Grand Vitara.