Summary
- Stellantis has halted development of the first electric vehicle for the Chrysler brand, focusing on other electric models
- Development of the Chrysler Airflow concept for an electric SUV has been suspended until further notice
- Stellantis is assessing market needs before continuing with the electric SUV project
- Chrysler plans to introduce a new crossover SUV and an electric model based on the Halcyon concept in addition to the refreshed Pacifica
- The electric SUV based on the Airflow concept was initially planned for 2025 but enthusiasm for the project waned, shifting focus to other electric models
Article
Stellantis has decided to halt development of the first electric vehicle for its Chrysler brand, the Chrysler Airflow concept, which was initially announced in 2022. The development work on this electric SUV has been suspended, according to a report from Mopar Insiders, which cited an email to suppliers stating that the program was on hold until further notice. The decision was made as Stellantis assesses the market and the needs and wants of its customers. As a result, the Chrysler brand will continue with just a single minivan in 2025, its 100th anniversary year, with a refreshed Pacifica coming in 2026.
The Chrysler Airflow concept, which was set to serve as the basis for the production electric SUV, will no longer move forward as initially planned. Instead, Stellantis will focus on other electric models including a new crossover SUV and a third model based on the Halcyon concept, a four-door electric coupe unveiled in 2024. While the Airflow concept was originally intended to lead to an electric SUV launch in 2025, enthusiasm for the project began to decline after 2023 when Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell ordered a redesign that would drop the concept’s styling and the Airflow name referencing a historic Chrysler model line.
In addition to the canceled electric SUV, Chrysler is also in the process of developing an electric minivan, which was confirmed by Feuell in an interview at the 2024 LA Auto Show. This new model will be named the Pacifica and is expected to be introduced after the refreshed version of the current Pacifica arrives in 2026. With these changes in the lineup, Chrysler is shifting its focus to electric vehicles, including a mix of minivans, SUVs, and electric coupes, to meet the demands of the market and the preferences of its customers.
The decision to pause the development of the Chrysler Airflow concept electric SUV is part of Stellantis’ strategy to assess the market and prioritize its electric vehicle offerings. As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, automakers are reevaluating their product plans to meet the changing needs and preferences of consumers. By taking a step back to reassess the electric SUV project, Stellantis is ensuring that its future electric vehicles align with market demands and customer expectations.
With the halt in development of the Chrysler Airflow concept electric SUV, Stellantis is focusing its efforts on other electric models such as the upcoming refreshed Pacifica, a new crossover SUV, and a third model based on the Halcyon concept. These new electric vehicles will help Chrysler expand its electric vehicle lineup and meet the growing demand for electrified transportation. By introducing a variety of electric models, Chrysler is positioning itself to compete in the evolving automotive market and offer customers a range of electric vehicle options to choose from.
Overall, Stellantis’ decision to pause the development of the Chrysler Airflow concept electric SUV reflects the company’s commitment to adapting to the changing automotive landscape. By reassessing its electric vehicle lineup and prioritizing other models, Stellantis is positioning itself for success in the electric vehicle market. With plans to introduce new electric vehicles in the coming years, Chrysler is poised to meet the demands of consumers and remain competitive in the growing market for electric vehicles.
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