Toralt on Cars
Image by Getty Images via @daylifeThe next generation of
Chrysler minivan is not due until 2014, but the strength of its two current offerings raises the question of whether the automaker should maintain both nameplates. "We are still studying whether we need two minivans in the future", said
Ralph Gilles, head of design and of the Dodge brand. … Gilles said his team worked hard to better differentiate the two minivans for 2011. "We split the range by how they look, equipment and content", he said. "The two minivans have a very different mission". …
Image via WikipediaEarly next year, Dodge will add its "man van", an R/T performance version with a macho black interior, including the headliner, and red stitching. "It’s an itch I’ve wanted to scratch for a long time", Gilles said. The minivans also have been divided up by price: The Town & Country, with greater content, competes at $30,000 and up and the Dodge at $30,000 and below. The effect on their respective sales will be closely monitored before a decision is made. "This year is the moment of truth for both brands", Gilles said. The latest minivans also took pointers from the
Volkswagen Routan, which shares underpinnings and engines with the Chrysler models and is built in the same plant. Critics have said the Routan has a nicer interior and more dynamic handling. "I asked my guys why our suspension was not tuned the same way", Gilles said, and then told them "make ours better". For 2011, Chrysler’s Stow ‘n Go seating has been improved with softer seats and the Swivel ‘n’ Go feature has been discontinued. Buyers can also opt for luxury quad seating in the second row, similar to the Routan’s layout. "The Town & Country is a comeback story", said Francois. And deserved, said Charlie Vogelheim, analyst with IntelliChoice. "Chrysler is not winning the sales race because it was first to market, but for continuing to improve the product", Vogelheim said. "They haven’t been resting on their laurels and are back on the shopping list of the public". …
Image via Wikipedia
Image via WikipediaEarly next year, Dodge will add its "man van", an R/T performance version with a macho black interior, including the headliner, and red stitching. "It’s an itch I’ve wanted to scratch for a long time", Gilles said. The minivans also have been divided up by price: The Town & Country, with greater content, competes at $30,000 and up and the Dodge at $30,000 and below. The effect on their respective sales will be closely monitored before a decision is made. "This year is the moment of truth for both brands", Gilles said. The latest minivans also took pointers from the Volkswagen Routan, which shares underpinnings and engines with the Chrysler models and is built in the same plant. Critics have said the Routan has a nicer interior and more dynamic handling. "I asked my guys why our suspension was not tuned the same way", Gilles said, and then told them "make ours better". For 2011, Chrysler’s Stow ‘n Go seating has been improved with softer seats and the Swivel ‘n’ Go feature has been discontinued. Buyers can also opt for luxury quad seating in the second row, similar to the Routan’s layout. "The Town & Country is a comeback story", said Francois. And deserved, said Charlie Vogelheim, analyst with IntelliChoice. "Chrysler is not winning the sales race because it was first to market, but for continuing to improve the product", Vogelheim said. "They haven’t been resting on their laurels and are back on the shopping list of the public". …
