Expect More Price Increases As FCA Continues To Redesign Its Lineup

The days of affordable options in Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s lineup aren’t over yet, but they’re definitely numbered.

Speaking at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last week, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne said price increases between new models and outgoing ones will continue as the company updates its lineup, according to Automotive News.

“This is going to happen with every architecture that we launch,” Marchionne said, via Automotive News. “Because the level of technology that’s in these cars is, by definition, more costly.”

The introduction of the technologically superior Chrysler Pacifica led many to speculate that FCA would discontinue the dated Dodge Caravan. But it isn’t ready to pull the plug yet.

U.S. sales of the 2016 Grand Caravan, which starts at $24,590, were up 26 percent last year — according to Automotive News — a sign that average consumers aren’t ready to pay $29,590 for the redesigned Pacifica.

“When we shut production of the Grand Caravan is not clear to us yet,” Marchionne said. “But I agree…that we need to look at the (price) range, and to offer some level of affordable access to the Pacifica at the lower end to try and replace the outgoing models.”

Looks like that comfy commute to soccer practice is going to cost you in the future.