Chrysler to axe Dodge Grand Caravan in 2016

As part of an effort to make the brands more distinct, automaker Chrysler Group is dropping the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan and introducing a new Chrysler compact car.

The decision, which will take effect in 2016, will end the Windsor, Ont. assembly plant’s 30-year run of building two minivan models. Chrysler will keep the Windsor-built Town and Country minivan, and will add a plug-in hybrid version in 2016.

Chrysler and Dodge have long suffered from an internal rivalry, with minivans and sedans competing for the same customers. According to Chrysler brand chief Al Gardner, the company wants to change that by making Chrysler its mainstream brand and Dodge its sporty, performance brand.

Chrysler will also get a new full-size crossover.

Dodge is dropping the Avenger sedan, which competes too closely with the Chrysler 200.