Chrysler to drop Dodge minivan in wider revamp

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Chrysler Group is dropping the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan and introducing a new Chrysler compact car as part of a wider effort to make the brands more distinct.

The company revealed its future product plans Tuesday at an all-day event at Chrysler’s headquarters.

Chrysler and Dodge have long suffered from an internal rivalry, with minivans and sedans competing for the same customers.

Chrysler brand chief Al Gardner says the company wants to change that by making Chrysler its mainstream brand and Dodge its sporty, performance brand.

Chrysler will keep the Town and Country minivan, and will add a plug-in hybrid version in 2016. Chrysler will also get a new full-size crossover.

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