LexFather

Chrysler is celebrating a quarter-century of MPV innovation, on-going development and leadership since launching the world’s first MPV. The year was 1983. The Internet was created, and the first mobile phones were introduced to the public, U.S. astronauts completed the first space shuttle spacewalk; and Dallas was the most popular programme on TV ...... and Chrysler hit a home run with the introduction of the world’s first MPV.

On November 2, 1983, the first MPV rolled down the assembly line in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The launch of Chrysler’s MPV in 1983 created an all-new vehicle segment and was an instant success.

As the MPV became a cultural icon throughout North America in the 1980s, its introduction to the international markets helped establish and solidify the Chrysler brand worldwide. It was in 1987 that Chrysler’s new MPV began sales in Europe.

Diesel-powered MPVs were introduced in 1993, aimed at further strengthening the presence of Chrysler MPVs in Europe. In 1996, the Company offered right-hand-drive versions, opening up sales opportunities in markets such as the UK, Japan, Australia and South Africa. Since then more than 53,000 versions have been sold to date in the UK alone.

Chrysler defined the ‘family room on wheels concept’ in 1983. In 2008, Chrysler has taken this concept to a new level.

The newest, fifth-generation of Chrysler MPVs – The Grand Voyager, launched in March 2008 – encapsulates more than 65 MPV-first features and more than 25 years of development. The latest generation offers more than 35 new or improved features over the previous generation including: dual-screen DVD entertainment system that can play different media simultaneously on two screens; ambient halo lighting package with directional LED pinpoint lights; removable and rechargeable LED flashlight; a six-speed automatic transmission; stain repelling seat fabric. Not forgetting Chrysler’s unique, renowned and innovative Stow ‘n Go® seating and storage system.

Other new innovations include Chrysler’s Swivel ‘n Go™ seating system which allow the two second row seats to be rotated 180 degrees to face the third row of seats so rear passengers can chat face to face; three-zone climate control for ultimate comfort; power windows for all three rows of passengers; and standard power sliding side doors and tailgate.

Improved active and passive safety features have also been introduced: next generation, multistage front airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and supplemental front seat-mounted side thorax airbags. Additionally, electronic stability programme (ESP), panic brake assist, all-speed traction control and anti-lock brakes all become standard across the entire range.

Federico Goretti, Managing Director of Chrysler UK Ltd, said: “The Grand Voyager is a firm favourite in the UK and the latest model has all the right ingredients to make it the most successful Chrysler ever. It has an unrivalled blend of luxury, equipment, comfort, versatility, performance and load-carrying capacity at a very competitive price – offering customers a hassle-free motoring package.”

UK models have a six-speed automatic transmission and either a 2.8-litre diesel engine or a 3.8 V6 petrol engine. There are three trim levels – LX, Touring and Limited. Prices start from £25,456.49 OTR.

In the first 25 years, Chrysler has sold more than 12 million MPVs – more than any other manufacturer in the world and have claimed over 260 awards – including 2008 “MPV of the Year” and “International Truck of the Year” by the International Car of the Year organisation – Chrysler MPVs are continuing to make history.

Faymester

Well isn't that nice for them. I wonder how they feel about that today.

felixsc300

iTrader: (5)

Hard to believe it's only been 25 years since the minivan was created. Good job Chrysler.

Indio

iTrader: (1)

Congratulations to them for being innovative.

Lil4X

Before SUVs, Chrysler's minivans launched the era of the practical family hauler. At the time, conventional wisdom dictated that families grown beyond the two-seat sportscar drove a 4-door sedan . . . but as the big "family car" was forced to shrink due to EPA and fuel economy regulation, it was not filling the needs of families of five-plus. Conventional truck-based vans were the only solution, except that they were trucks - large, unwieldy, difficult to park, and overqualified for hauling a load of kids to school or a day of shopping. Then there was that gas mileage thing . . . .

Chrysler rethought the entire concept, right down to repackaging a vehicle that met the needs of the growing family. With more upright seating and a squared-off profile, the minivan made much more efficient use of a smaller footprint. With large windows, it avoided the "boxed-in" feeling produced by truck-based vans so the smaller size didn't seem to exact a penalty in claustrophobia. A smaller, more manageable size made them easy to manuver and park, while combined with much lighter weight, they could be considerably more economical.

Those early minivans were based on the Chrysler "K"-car, the platform that offered the Omni, Horizon, and the stretched versions to follow, the Aries, Reliant, Caravelle, Dynasty, and LeBaron. By building a van on the platform, Chrysler had to watch efficiency because early on, there was only a 4-cylinder engine available for power. Although some abortive attempts at offering the turbo package were successful, it's peaky torque curve rewarded aggressive driving - not what you want to do in a tippy, underbraked, box.

Over time, the original van grew up. The second and third generations were visibly larger and required the installation of a small V6 in the engine room. Today, minivans have given up a good deal of market share to hulking SUVs that husbands and fathers aren't ashamed to be seen driving, but if there is to be a renewed interest in packaging and operating efficiency, look for the "mommy-van" to make a comeback. For nearly $10K less than a typical SUV, you get a more maneuverable vehicle with more passenger/cargo space, greater flexibility - making it a near-perfect suburban hauler.

OK, it won't impress the railbirds down at the icehouse - for that you need a pickup - and it won't give you instant cred with the stringback glove and sporty-car set, but it will tote a family of five or more along with a week's worth of groceries. Try that with any other vehicle that doesn't have "Greyhound" painted on the side.

Congrats to Chrysler for once again, showing how it's done.