Chrysler Confirms Dodge Grand Caravan Will Be Discontinued
Production of the Dodge Grand Caravan will end by late 2014 or early 2015, with Chrysler focusing on the Town & Country and a future replacement.
Chrysler has confirmed it will discontinue the Dodge Grand Caravan, with production set to finish by late 2014 or early 2015. The decision brings to a close a nameplate that has been a fixture of North American minivan sales since its introduction in the 1980s.
The Grand Caravan, last fully redesigned for the 2008 model year, has shared its platform with the Chrysler Town & Country, as well as the Grand Voyager, Ram Cargo Van and Volkswagen Routan. Under the skin, the most recent Grand Caravan offers a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 283hp, with either a four-speed or six-speed automatic gearbox depending on specification.
Why the Grand Caravan is ending
Chrysler has not provided a public explanation for axing the Grand Caravan. Industry analysts have pointed to the company’s broader strategy of reducing overlap between Dodge and Chrysler-branded minivans. The Town & Country will remain in production, with a new model expected to arrive in 2016. This move is seen as part of Chrysler’s effort to reposition Dodge as a performance-oriented brand while consolidating family and mainstream models under the Chrysler badge.
Impact on buyers and dealers
For buyers, the end of the Grand Caravan means one less affordable minivan option in North America. The model has been a mainstay for families and fleet operators, often priced below the Town & Country. Dealers will continue offering the Town & Country, which shares many mechanical components and features, but is typically positioned at a higher price point.
What follows for Chrysler’s minivan line-up
Chrysler intends to keep the Town & Country as its sole minivan offering until a new model arrives in 2016. The company has not released details about the upcoming replacement, but the move is expected to simplify the minivan range and reduce internal competition. The Grand Caravan’s departure also aligns with Chrysler’s strategy of focusing Dodge on sportier models and streamlining its family vehicles under the Chrysler brand.
Grand Caravan’s platform and variants
The outgoing Grand Caravan’s platform has also underpinned the Chrysler Town & Country, Grand Voyager, Ram Cargo Van and the Volkswagen Routan. This shared architecture allowed Chrysler to offer a range of minivans tailored to different markets and customer segments. The 3.6-litre V6, introduced in the current generation, has been the most powerful engine available in the Grand Caravan, delivering 283hp.
| Engine | 3.6-litre V6 (283hp) and other options |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 4-speed or 6-speed automatic |
| Platform | Shared with Town & Country, Grand Voyager, Ram Cargo Van, VW Routan |
| Production end date | Late 2014 or early 2015 |
