Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Chrysler still on the fence about which brand will get next minivan

Chrysler has had at least two minivans since it started the family-friendly craze back in 1984, but we've known for some time that one of two not-so-mini vans (the Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Town and Country) would not survive for a next generation. Last we heard, it was the Chrysler model that would be losing its sliding doors in place of a crossover design, but Chrysler execs have also said in the past that Chrysler would retain the minivan design and the Grand Caravan would become a CUV. Now, it seems like the automaker might be leaving this tough decision up to potential consumers, as the Detroit Free Press is reporting that the automaker is currently showing off a quartet of concepts – a minivan and crossover for both Chrysler and Dodge – to consumer clinics before making a final decision.

The report also says that whatever decision is made, the redesigned minivan and the all-new crossover will likely go on sale in 2014 for the 2015 model year. Combined, both minivans have accounted for almost 230,000 sales through November, putting the duo well ahead of rivals like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

Over the last couple of years, there has been plenty of chatter about the future Chrysler's popular minivans including the return of all-wheel drive, the addition of a hybrid model and there was even the Chrysler 700C minivan concept vehicle at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, a surprise showcar that could inform the design of Chrysler's next-generation people movers.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/c...get-next-mini/

Outrage

The Chrysler Town & Country nameplate has existed since 1941. At one time it described a premium vehicle. This is the name that should stay as I think it has a more positive connotation.



The Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan nameplate has been tarnished by years of lackluster vehicles. I fear it will always bring to mind images such as this:

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I feel the opposite. No need for Chrysler to have an upscale minivan. Give them a Pacifica/R-Class CUV/people hauler thing competitor and let Dodge have the minivan

LexFather

I think there is a market, sienna xle and odyssey ex l are like 45k and people buy them. I actually miss the R class now.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Been saying that for years

Miss that AMG CUV

84Cressida

The R class was hideous.

The Grand Caravan has always been a (terrible) minivan. The Town and Country has only been a (terrible) minivan for 22 years and has been applied to other (terrible) Chrysler Corp cars. This should be a no brainer...

And that picture of that old Caravan is SPOT ON.

Fizzboy7

The Caravan and T&C were two of the first minvans. I think they have a decent history with mid-America and both should stay. They also serve rental agencies very well.

Anyone know if the latest models are more reliable than the earlier ones? At least they are cheap to buy with all the discounts and massive depreciation.

TangoRed

I couldn't disagree more. The 90s models ate their transmissions with startling regularity, but outside of that they were innovative and extremely competitive. Had it note been for Chrysler's downturn with this current generation they would've had great interiors from the start, and not just at the refresh.

They brought you dual sliding doors, the first power liftgate, and fold-in-to-the-floor 2nd row seating.

Outrage

The Chrysler Pacifica and Mercedes-Benz R- Class sold poorly. The Dodge Caravan (short wheelbase) was replaced by the Dodge Journey. Only the long wheelbase Grand Caravan remains.

Of course, after the demise of Plymouth, Chrysler sold the Plymouth Voyager as the Chrysler Voyager just to make sure consumers were thoroughly confused. The Chrysler brand would sell both the lowest and highest models of their minivans while Dodge would receive the middle tier.

mmarshall

There's another (apparant) option for future Chrysler/Dodge minivans which doesn't seem to have been discussed much. Since Chrysler is Fiat-owned, Fiat, if it chooses, could take one of its own Fiat (or Lancia, which is also Fiat-owned) minivans currently sold in other markets and Federalize them to American standards. That, of course, would save some time and development money. The only question is....would Americans accept that kind of design after decades of buying up Chrysler-designed minivans in droves?

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

doesn't matter if they sold poorly. They will make a 7 passenger CUV/Hatch/Wagon/SUV/Van thing again if they drop the TC and let Dodge have it.

Blackraven

I agree. R63 AMG was ******ing genius.

It's just too bad that market didn't approve of the R-class

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

They should consult with Enterprise

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

i think this dilemma chrysler is in falls into the category of "news nobody cares about"

LexFather

It wasn't a looker but it was a nice niche for a luxurious van with some panache. Why must van owners be regulated to non luxury brands?

Agreed

Indeed....