Dodge Grand Caravan Given a Stay of Execution: Report

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems
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dodge grand caravan given a stay of execution report

Production of the world’s most recognizable minivan might not end next year after all.

If a report published by the Windsor Star is correct, the Dodge Grand Caravan will see its lifespan extended until 2019, all thanks to delayed plans for a Chrysler Pacifica-based crossover.

The Star quotes John McCabe, president and CEO of AutoForecast Solutions, who claims Fiat Chrysler Automobiles got cold feet about building a new crossover at its Windsor assembly plant.

“Our latest information points to FCA extending the Caravan for a couple of more years and holding off plans on the crossover right now,” said McCabe. “This speaks to the fluid nature of FCA’s product plans going forward.”

FCA wouldn’t confirm the Grand Caravan’s delayed date with the gallows. The automaker’s Canadian spokesperson, LouAnn Gosselin, told the Star, “We have nothing to announce.”

When FCA axed the Town & Country in favor of the 2017 Pacifica — a tech-laden vehicle designed to lure crossover buyers back to the minivan fold — the entry-level Grand Caravan was kept alive until a new vehicle could be found for Windsor.

Was the answer was right under their noses? The Grand Caravan’s price seems immune to inflation, and sales remain quite healthy. If the report proves true, it’s doubtful there’ll be sleep lost over the decision.

Dino Chiodo, president of the labor union representing Windsor employees, claimed, “There is still a niche market for a low-cost people mover,” adding that a new vehicle posed a risk to workers if it failed to sell.

FCA seems to be on the fence over future applications of the Pacifica platform. When production kicked off in Windsor earlier this month, CEO Sergio Marchionne mentioned the platform was flexible enough for a new generation of the Brampton, Ontario-built Chrysler 300.

The Grand Caravan has been in production since 1987.

[Image: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Maserchist Maserchist on May 21, 2016

    I can't remember how many rusted through Pacifica sub frames I've replaced. I neglect the heck out of a non rusted 05 Dodge GC with a 3.8, it needs a leaky rack replaced & the radiator finally developed plastic tank "micro cracks". It is time for brake pads all around again. It just won't stop running ...Plymouth T&C essentially the same underpinnings; Chrysler, Dodge, they built a good mass consumed van, mini or ...

  • WildcatMatt WildcatMatt on Jun 06, 2016

    The issue with the Town & Country name is the fact that it's always mentioned in the same breath with the Caravan. They're inextricably linked and going with a different name seems like a reasonable attempt to put the Dodge and Chrysler products in separate headspaces, especially with the Caravan soldiering apparently in Malibu Classic mode.

  • Analoggrotto I'm trying to find a way to bash this vehicle using the Telluride, ATPs , AVMs, DSDs or STDs and I'm still working on it... stay tuned.
  • God'stime nice
  • MaintenanceCosts Mercedes coupes should not have B-pillars and this one is dead to me because it has one.
  • EBFlex Pretty awesome this thread is almost universally against this pile of garbage. Tesla really missed the mark.
  • FreedMike I suppose that in some crowded city like Rome or Tokyo, there's a market for a luxurious pint-size car. I don't think they'll be able to give them away here in the U.S.
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