It’s been seven years since Fiat Chrysler Automobiles launched the Dodge Grand Caravan. At the time of its rollout, the minivan territory was uncharted water for the company.
Over the years, the model was able to stay afloat despite the growing popularity of SUVs and slowing demand for minivans. That is until the automaker announced the end of the best-selling minivan in the United States.
In an article published by Autoblog, FCA confirmed that Dodge will cease production of the Grand Caravan as well as the Journey after the current model year. In short, there will no longer be a new generation of the two models beginning in 2021.
This also means that Dodge will no longer have a front-wheel-drive crossover in its lineup for the first time since 2008, and without a minivan in about 40 years.
Judging by the market performance of the two models in the past years, it looks like slow sales are among the reasons why they were discontinued.
In 2019, sales for the Grand Caravan and Journey slid by 20% compared to the previous year. Although Dodge managed to sell 200,000 units of the two models combined, the automaker think these numbers don’t cut it. Both models also have not been given an update in the last ten years.
Also seen as a reason for the vehicles’ exit is branding decision. Earlier this year, Dodge already hinted at discontinuing minivans, owing to its goals of being known as a brand of muscle cars.
Keep Reading: Related Posts
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
