A replacement is in the works for the Dodge Grand Caravan.
Sam Fiorani is vice president of global vehicle forecasting with AutoForecastSolutions. He tracks future product development of automakers, and while Fiat Chrysler (FCA) isn't commenting, he says the popular minivan will be replaced by 2020.
He says the successor to the Grand Caravan will not be a twin of the Pacifica.
"The place in the plant will be replaced by another vehicle, we're calling it the Atlantis at the moment. It should be based on the Chrysler Pacifica," Fiorani explains. "Most likely will be less of a minivan and more of a crossover."
Fiorani predicts Fiat will likely keep the wraps on the vehicle for a few more years.
"Knowing how the vehicle manufacturers work it probably won't be before 2019 before they'll start to talk about it," he says. "They may show a concept vehicle before then."
Production at the Windsor Assembly Plant 2016. Photo by Teresinha Medeiros.
The flexibility and features of the Pacifica platform make it a natural for the new Dodge vehicle, according to Fiorani.
"All those things are necessary, increase in electrification on vehicles, the hybridization of that platform is needed to keep it going beyond 2020, 2025," he says. "The all-wheel-drive is great especially when you're talking about the Canadian market."
Fiorani doubts the new vehicle will be a replacement for the Dodge Journey - which is near the end of its lifecycle - but will be larger.
Unifor Local 444 President James Stewart says he has heard rumours that a replacement is coming, but nothing official from the company.
FCA Canada says it does not comment on future products.