According to an Allpar insider, the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans are going on a diet to meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. According to the source, the minivans are literally going to lose their spare tires next month. The temporary compact spare will be replaced by a portable tire inflation kit with a compressor and foam tire sealant. The weight difference between the spare and the kit is around 28 pounds. Ram Cargo Vans and vehicles built for fleet sales are not included in the change. A “corporate miscalculation” was said to be the driving force behind the change which affects about 70% of the vehicles built at the Windsor Assembly Plant. Fines for failure to meet the standards can bring hefty fines from the federal government. As the full-size spare was deleted to save weight in the past, the compact spare is now on..
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