Motorcycles & Cars

Archive for March 31st, 2010

Chrysler Pinning Hopes On Minivan Sales Surge

Twentyfive years ago Chrysler introduced a family of iconic vehicles minivans that quickly boosted the struggling automaker pictured below with the current generation model. Just a few years removed from a federal government bail out Chrysler needed something that would help the automaker stand out its segment inventing minivans proved to be the answer.

For the first several years Chrysler had no competition in the segment as Ford and GM had nothing to counter the Dodge Caravan Plymouth Voyager and the Chrysler Town Country. It would be several more years before Toyota Honda and Nissan got into the game as well a head start that has kept the Chrysler minivans at the top of the sales heap ever since.

Grand Caravan Sales Down Sharply

Sales since the fifthgeneration minivans were launched six months ago are down 12 not surprising given the overall drop in the economy. The Dodge Grand Caravan version has experienced the largest decline nearly 20 while the Town Country has slipped just 1.7. The newest generation minivans are the first where the shortened wheelbase model isnt available a strong seller for the Dodge brand.

But it is the Spring months when Chrysler and Dodge dealers usually sell the most minivans a full 40 of their annual sales as families prepare to take their summer vacations. Unknown for this year are two things: how high gas prices and a struggling economy will impact sales. Many consumers are delaying their purchases until gas prices stabilize and the economy improves.

Good Reviews May Help

Although the Chrysler minivans have trailed Honda and Toyota in quality but not in sales the reviews for the current iteration have been good. The vehicles are well equipped and they come with features not available by Honda and Toyota including stow n go seating. It also helps that Ford and General Motors have since exited the segment which has been declining. Crossovers are gaining in strength a new segment which may eventually put more pressure on Chrysler and its competitors.

About the writer:  Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in Cary North Carolina. Matt provides magazine web content and article writing services to clients all over the world serving the automotive human interest and business communities. If you are looking for quality performance parts for your vehicles then consider Dodge Caravan mufflers and Dodge Caravan tail lights products which are available to you at discount prices.