Back in April, we reported that the current Dodge Journey would soldier on for another two years due to a change in strategy in FCA's passenger car lineup - outsourcing production of the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart. This caused plans for the next-generation Journey - due sometime this year - to be pushed back. Now, a possible new plan for the Journey has come to light.

 

Automotive News has learned from supplier sources that FCA will shift Journey production from Mexico to Italy when the crossover is redesigned for the 2019 model year. Why Italy? Sources explain that the Journey will share the platform underpinning the Alfa Romeo Giulia, meaning a transition from front-wheel to rear-wheel drive.

 

With production moving to Italy, this would free up production capacity at FCA's North American plants where more trucks and SUVs can be produced.

 

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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Probably to also appeal the socialist unions that are demanding they keep their over paid over benefited jobs.

While I like the idea of it going RWD...

 

The Journey is so lame now, that's only existence is fleets and heavily incentivized retail, because it's so old, and it's uninspiring as a vehicle. It's merits are rock-bottom access to the Pentastar V6 and AWD, and a third row that is handy in a pinch. 

 

Going RWD makes no sense, it's only going to cause sticker shock for those bots and people flocking to the nearest Dodge retailer.

 

Thus my reaction...

 

+1 ^^^ No annoying sound track!