A new contender for Australian policing fleets has arrived Down Under – in the form of two specced up Dodge Chargers.

The cars have been imported by Queensland’s SCD Remanufactured Vehicles, which specialises in converting Dodge vehicles to right-hand-drive.

The first Charger Pursuit will begin evaluation by the Australian Federal Police shortly, while the second vehicle undergoes the swap.

SCD co-owner Eddie Kocwa said Queensland Police has also expressed interest in testing the car.

“I spoke to Queensland Police about a year ago and they told me ‘you bring them in, and we’ll test them.’

“The first car is going to AFP, and when the second one is ready I’ll let [Queensland Police] know.”

The Charger Pursuit is factory-assembled as a police vehicle in Ontario, Canada. Features include ballistic door panels, 18″ steel wheels, a column-shift eight-speed auto, and widened front seats designed to accommodate police equipment belts.

Two drivetrains are available: an all-wheel-drive Pentastar V6 making 300hp (224kW), and a rear-wheel-drive Hemi V8 capable of 370hp (276kW). One Charger Pursuit of each layout has been imported by SCD.

Converting each car involves about 200 hours of work, most of which is performed in-house at SCD’s facility. Beyond the conversion, little more is needed to have the cars ready for police service.

“We’re offering something which can compete on price, is obviously suitable for the job because they’re purpose-built in America for police work, and creates jobs,” said Kocwa. “So it’s really a no-brainer.”

He hopes adoption of the Charger Pursuit would turn government agencies toward other vehicles with more local content.

“This isn’t just about the police force. This is about all government procurement of vehicles. I’d like them to choose vehicles which create jobs in Australia.

“We’re talking about all different departments. The 200 Series and 79 Series [LandCruisers] have been used for a lot of work. Why can’t they get Rams?”

While the shuttering of Holden and Ford’s local plants spelled the end of Aussie car manufacturing, Kocwa sees potential for a new growth.

“Yes, we don’t make cars here anymore, but there’s a new industry that’s starting up, and it’s creating a lot of jobs. With all the major manufacturers pulling out of right-hand-drive, we have a chance to become a powerhouse in remanufacturing.

“It’s like rebooting the car industry.”

Queensland Police currently uses the Kia Stinger for highway patrol duties, but with the Korean sedan’s future uncertain, replacements may soon be on the cards.

While NSW Police mostly utilises the BMW 5 Series, a number of Chrysler 300 SRTs are in service with its Highway Patrol. However, 300 SRT production for Australia finished earlier this year, and in December Chrysler’s deal with NSW Police will end.

Chargers have in fact been operated by Australian police forces before, albeit in two-door Valiant form. Chrysler made K10 option Chargers available to NSW police in 1974, which featured a number of R/T-spec upgrades.

Check out our list of other cool police cars around the world here.