--- title: "Chrysler Halts Electric SUV Development, Tells Suppliers to Stop Spending" date: "2025-01-13" modified: "2025-01-14" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/chrysler-halts-electric-suv-development-tells-suppliers-to-stop-spending-report" categories: - "Chrysler News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Chrysler" - "Electric Vehicle" - "suv/crossover" --- # Chrysler Halts Electric SUV Development, Tells Suppliers to Stop Spending ![Chrysler Airflow Concept]() *\Stellantis\* Remember the [Chrysler Airflow]() electric crossover concept from a few years back? That's OK, I forgot, too. It's a bummer that Chrysler's been so quiet about the Airflow, because it could've acted as the brand's EV flagship during its transition from an aging minivan-maker to a more aspirational brand. Unfortunately, things are looking even worse for the stylish concept today. First reported by [*Mopar Insiders*](), Chrysler has now confirmed to *The Drive* that the Airlow has been shelved for the time being. "Chrysler brand CEO Chris Feuell confirmed the program is paused for now as we assess the market and our customers' needs and wants," a brand representative told *The Drive* late Monday. "She added that as the Chrysler brand celebrates its 100th anniversary this summer, 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, to follow." This isn't the first setback for the Airflow. In 2023, Stellantis design boss Ralph Gilles told *[MotorTrend]()* that the project had been restarted from a blank slate, as Feuell wanted to go in a different direction. “She wanted a statement that had literally zero to do with anything that you have seen today, even the Airflow concept car,” Gilles said. Given the recent news, it seems there may not be any direction at all for the Airflow moving forward. ![]() *Chrysler Airflow concept. *Stellantis** The Airflow was supposed to be built on Stellantis' STLA Large platform—the same one that underpins the new electric [Dodge Charger]() and Jeep [Wagoneer S]()—under the codename C6X(CA). A source close to *Mopar Insiders* sent the site a screenshot of an email, seemingly as part of a group correspondence from Stellantis to part suppliers. "Dear Supplier, the C6X(CA) program has been put on hold until further notice. Therefore, any spending associated with this program should be suspended immediately." If legitimate, this email isn't an absolute cancellation of the project, but it's not an encouraging sign, either. Stellantis isn't in a comfortable spot right now, especially with U.S. sales either flatlining or dropping each year since 2021. It isn't entirely surprising that [Chrysler]() would kill an already high-cost project that was then restarted from scratch. That doesn't mean the Chrysler brand itself is dead, though. ![]() *Chrysler Airflow concept. *Stellantis** Last week, Feuell told [*CNBC*]() that Chrysler isn't going anywhere. “Chrysler brand is here to stay,” Feuell said. “It is being well invested in. The brand is not on the table for elimination, and it has a very bright future.” There's reportedly a new large SUV in the works—the statement above appears to allude to it—and [*Car and Driver*]() received similar intel that the stylish Halcyon concept should reach production in some form, too. "Chrysler brand CEO Chris Feuell has said that we are working to develop a production version of the Chrysler Halcyon concept at some point in the future, but did not confirm timing," the outlet reported on January 9. Any funding that was previously going to the Airflow could now be going toward that. ![The thin, clean, cross-car front LED headlamp of the Chrysler Halcyon Concept is adaptive, and centered by a new LED lit Chrysler Wing logo, first debuted on the Chrysler Airflow Concept.]() *Chrysler Halcyon concept. *Stellantis** There seems to be a lot of flip-flopping, uncertainty, and brand devaluing at Chrysler, but if one car comes out of this fiasco, I sure hope it's the Halcyon. The stunning four-door electric sports sedan would act as a fine electric flagship, showing customers that Chrysler is no longer just a minivan-making afterthought. Hopefully, Stellantis doesn't cancel that, too—otherwise, then there actually may not be a way forward for the once-great brand. ***Update January 14, 2025, 9:35 a.m. Eastern:** Added Chrysler's response confirming the Airflow's development pause.* *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()