Dodge Grand Caravan Continuing Into 2017 Model Year

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

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)

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Deanst Deanst on Jun 23, 2015

    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.

    • See 1 previous
    • Nickoo Nickoo on Jun 23, 2015

      Dodge Caravan is still the best selling dodge. It's what saved Chrysler corp in the late 80s. If you were around for the late 80s early 90s, the minivan was THE goto vehicle to have, before SUV madness took over. FCA is going to be a world of hurt because of CAFE government regulations that they probably can't meet, but that has nothing to do with the van itself and everything to do with being the smallest of the big 3, being raked over the coals by 2 terrible owners and a 3rd one that might not be that much better.

  • Speed3 Speed3 on Jun 23, 2015

    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.

  • Conslaw Conslaw on Jun 24, 2015

    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.

    • Bball40dtw Bball40dtw on Jun 24, 2015

      Don't get me started on the A-10... God forbid the USAF actually prioritize CAS. Just let the Army or Marines fly them. Whenever I heard the sound of the GAU-8 30 MM cannon, I knew my day was going to get a little bit better.

  • Redmondjp Redmondjp on Jun 24, 2015

    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.

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