Dodge Grand Caravan Continuing Into 2017 Model Year
Mourning over the loss of the Dodge Grand Caravan? You won’t need to pour a 40 out for your homie yet, as production will go on through the 2017 model year.
Per an internal document unearthed by Automotive News‘s sources, FCA will continue production of the minivan alongside the redesigned Chrysler Town & Country set to hit the line February 29, 2016. The 2017 model — bearing the same code as the 2015 edition — will join the T&C August 23 of the same year.
The continuation of the Grand Caravan — originally slated to end in 2016 — may be a hedge against losing market share over the T&C’s new look, and would also meet demand in Canada and from fleet owners.
A representative reiterated the Grand Caravan would eventually be discontinued, adding no further details on the continuation could be given at this time.
(Photo credit: Dodge)
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
More by Cameron Aubernon
Comments
Join the conversation
Oddly enough, an ad for Grand Caravan flashed on the side as I was reading this. If anyone thinks FCA has any hope of surviving on selling large vehicles with a 6-cylinder motor, auto transmission, air, etc. etc. for $19,995 (or about $16,000 U.S.), I've got a leaning tower to sell them. According to Canadian newspapers, their dealers are also stuffed with "nearly new" vehicles that were bought by the dealers to qualify for volume-related bonuses. FCA is clearly pursuing the "loss a little on each vehicle but make it up on volume strategy", otherwise known as being crushed by their huge debt burden.
I think its a smart strategy. The R&D for these is already paid off. Chrysler won't be able to charge Toyota/Honda prices, but they sure will try their hardest. Its a risky strategy and keeping the old GC around helps mitigate the risk. Chrysler will have a year or two to see how the T&C does in the retail market against Honda and Toyota. Charging higher prices will help pay off the R&D. When the GC is gone there is always the opportunity to introduce decontented entry level trim levels and offer rebates.
The Dodge Grand Caravan is like the A-10 Warthog. The powers that be keep trying to kill it, but it survives because it is just so f'ing useful.
If they do end up killing this model (stupid, stupid . . . ), you will see Kia Sedona sales numbers shoot upward. Caravan buyers can't afford a Siennassey, which is why they are buying the Caravan in the first place.