Chrysler Fiat Hybrid Mini-Van: CEO Outlines Plans to Introduce Plug-In Vehicle
Fiat Chrysler will introduce a new hybrid plug-in minivan in the next few years, among other new products according to presentations given by executives this week.
The presentations detailed the company's future products and the strategy of the business for the next five years.
Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchione hasn't been shy in revealing the company's plans and products for the future. Five years ago he delivered a similar presentation that included detailed plans for future products.
The minivan which will be a plug-in hybrid version of the Town & Country is set to go on sale sometime around 2016. It will be the first ever plug-in hybrid sold by a U.S. automaker.
Chrysler's sister minivan, the Dodge Caravan, will become extinct in 2016. It is almost identical to the Town & Country and Fiat Chrysler executives have wanted to get rid of it for quite some time. Executives have said both brands having a minivan didn't make sense.
The Caravan is an extremely popular vehicle for Dodge. More than 124,000 of them were sold in the U.S. last year. Dodge's sales numbers will drop in the near short-term but it expects to make up those numbers with new vehicle offerings like the revamped versions of the Charger and Challenger.
The last hybrids that Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge offered were the Chrysler Aspen and the Dodge Durango in 2008. The production didn't last long and the factory that produced them was shutdown.
In addition to the minivan, Chrysler will unveil a plug-in hybrid full-size crossover SUV in 2016 as well. Both the van and the SUV will be available in non-hybrid versions as well.
In total, the Chrysler brand will double its product offerings. A new Chrysler 100 compact car and a new mid-size cross over SUV is also in the works.
Fiat acquired Chrysler and the purchase was completed in January.
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