Chrysler, once one of America’s largest and most successful automakers, builds a single vehicle today. That situation may not improve anytime soon. The company confirmed Tuesday that executives have paused development of the next car in its pipeline.
Chrysler’s 2025 lineup consists entirely of two minivans that are only pretending to be different. Dealers have just the upscale Pacifica and reborn Voyager to sell. The Voyager wears a different name but is essentially a bare-bones trim level of Pacifica.
Beleaguered dealers had hope, however, knowing that the company was developing an all-electric crossover meant to kickstart Chrysler’s future.
The Airflow and Whatever Replaced It
Dealers lost their biggest cash cow when Chrysler stopped building its once-successful 300 sedan in mid-2023.
But the company had laid out a future for them, promising to go all-electric by 2028. The centerpiece of its electric vehicle (EV) lineup would be a sleek, pavement-focused crossover, the Chrysler Airflow, borrowing a name from company history.
When it appeared in concept form three years ago, the Airflow seemed like a promising design. It was low-set and sleek, with a contrast-colored roof, rounded lines, and tall wheel arches that made it look cinched tightly to the road.
However, Chrysler was slow to bring it to market. By spring 2023, reports said the company was working on a new design and perhaps a new name.
On Monday, Chrysler fan site Mopar Insiders published an email from Stellantis to Chrysler suppliers, placing the project “on hold until further notice.” The email continued, “Any spending associated with this program should be suspended immediately.”
The automaker later confirmed the news to industry publication Automotive News, saying, “The program is paused for now as we assess the market and our customers’ needs and wants.”
Parent Company’s Troubles Have Future in Question
Chrysler insists it has other projects in its pipeline. “The future for Chrysler is bright with a refreshed Chrysler Pacifica coming in 2026, a new crossover coming soon after, and a third product inspired by the Halcyon concept,” the company says.
The Halcyon Concept appeared early last year. As the name implies, it’s a concept car. Far from a product dealers could sell soon, it highlights fanciful ideas like the ability to charge wirelessly from electric roads and a steering wheel and pedals that fold away so the car can drive itself. In other words, it’s not something the company could realistically build and sell at an affordable price.
That’s worrisome, as parent company Stellantis has suggested that it could be forced to shutter underperforming brands as soon as 2026. Chrysler has a long, proud history — it celebrates its 100th birthday this year — and seems an unlikely target for closure.
But a solid pipeline of future cars would reassure dealers and longtime loyalists.
