When will Chrysler start making its next-generation minivans?
Allpar’s sources claim that the plant will shut down near the end of the year, and stay closed for months, preparing to make the new independent-suspension, AWD-capable minivans and full-size crossovers. Two Januaries ago, Sergio Marchionne said we could expect production around January 2015.
Last year, though, Mr. Marchionne said we could expect production around January 2016, and most media outlets seem to be sticking with this statement.
It’s possible that the renovation of the aged Windsor plant — still a facility known for high quality and engaged employees — is required just to produce new-minivan pilots, so that the plant must be refitted long before any prototype vans are made. With a February deadline, one would expect to have seen some serious minivan spy shots by now... perhaps.
The Town & Country is selling well, but it’s also been getting incentives, and for 2015 it will reportedly add a power sunroof to the top model while lowering its price. While the van is much more attractive than in the past, it is having a hard time winning over customers from the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Dodge Caravan remains a sales leader, propped up by low entry prices and fleet sales.
The image above shows JackRatchett’s latest thoughts on the future minivan, with a stylish crease unbroken from front fender to tail, dual Chrysler-wing shapes framing the rear license plate, and a 700C-style dual door handle.
Allpar’s sources claim that the plant will shut down near the end of the year, and stay closed for months, preparing to make the new independent-suspension, AWD-capable minivans and full-size crossovers. Two Januaries ago, Sergio Marchionne said we could expect production around January 2015.
It’s possible that the renovation of the aged Windsor plant — still a facility known for high quality and engaged employees — is required just to produce new-minivan pilots, so that the plant must be refitted long before any prototype vans are made. With a February deadline, one would expect to have seen some serious minivan spy shots by now... perhaps.
The Town & Country is selling well, but it’s also been getting incentives, and for 2015 it will reportedly add a power sunroof to the top model while lowering its price. While the van is much more attractive than in the past, it is having a hard time winning over customers from the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Dodge Caravan remains a sales leader, propped up by low entry prices and fleet sales.
The image above shows JackRatchett’s latest thoughts on the future minivan, with a stylish crease unbroken from front fender to tail, dual Chrysler-wing shapes framing the rear license plate, and a 700C-style dual door handle.