Chrysler Minivan Replacements Still In Flux: Marchionne
The long awaited replacements for the Chrysler minivan twins are still at least 21 months away, according to Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.
Speaking to Automotive News, Marchionne said that if the vehicles currently in consumer products got favorable reactions, then production could begin in as little as 21 months. But as it stands, Chrysler isn’t even sure which of the nameplates will survive as a traditional minivan and which will become a crossover with hinged doors.
Regarding plans for the Chrysler lineup to retain the minivan with Dodge getting a crossover, Marchionne said
“This is how I view it, but forget about my preference. Those are big issues, and we need to find out in the marketplace what works. We are having customer clinics right now.”
We thought the matter had been settled already. Evidently, it hasn’t been.
More by Derek Kreindler
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A lack of a brand-new minivan isn't hurting them per se (both vans have already surpassed '11 YTD sales through October), so why rush out with something so important?
I've always liked the driving position and dash design of the latest Caravan / TC. The 2011 exterior refresh could have gone further, but hey...people are still buying them. I think the next generation for BOTH nameplates needs to keep their traditional size & shape, and expand on refinement of the details. Let the marketing department handle any image and "nameplate mission" distinctions. Keep the crown, fellas!
My wife recently replaced her Freestyle with a new T&C. I drove a Siena and an Odyssey as well, and the Chrysler handled better than either, and had better visibility to boot. Not to mention the fact my wife bought it for thousands less than either the Honda or the Toyota would have cost with similar options. Baruth reviewed on of these not too long ago. I'm not 1/10th the driver he is, but he pegged the driving experience. It drives a lot better than a big box on wheels has any right to.
I think the Chrysler triplets, especially the Routan, are by far the best looking, best handling of the minivan brood. One of the families at our school traded in her 2000 Odyssey for a Routan last year...she hasn't been impressed with the build quality. I still think there's market room for a well designed, well built SWB model. Something between the Mazda5 and Grand Caravan.