Dodge may be the spiritual home of the Hellcat, but it's the brand's ancient minivan that's turning out to have nine lives.
Fiat Chrysler dealers in the United States were warned this month to stock up on the Dodge Grand Caravan because production in Windsor, Ont., will go on a hiatus in mid-August and won't resume until December when 2018 model output begins.
The dealers were told they will need to order enough 2017 Grand Caravans this month "to last through December" because ordering for the 2018 model won't open until October and new minivans won't arrive until January.
It's not known if Canadian dealers were given the same instructions.
Dealers in the United States also were told that only the two lowest-trim — and lowest cost — versions of the Grand Caravan will be available through August: the US $27,090 SE and the Us $29,790 SE Plus. Prices include shipping.
The reason for the Grand Caravan's extended production break is unclear. Two FCA spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment on the hiatus or whether the vehicle would be significantly altered when it returns as a 2018 model. Officials with Unifor, the union representing Canadian auto workers at FCA's Windsor Assembly plant in Windsor, Ont., could not be reached for comment.