Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Chrysler recalling 471 minivans over liftgate issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/chrysler-recalling-471-minivans-over-liftgate-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/chrysler-recalling-471-minivans-over-liftgate-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/chrysler-recalling-471-minivans-over-liftgate-issue/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

Chrysler has already sold over 84,000 minivans this year, but an unfortunate few were built with defective liftgate sensors. The 471 vehicles with the bad parts include both Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan models, all of them 2012s built in March, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall report.

The power liftgates are supposed to stop during automatic closing if they detect resistance, but NHTSA says the recalled vehicles could malfunction, and "may close on an appendage." Owners should keep their arms and legs safely inside the vehicle and look for notification from Chrysler this month. Dealers will be fixing affected vehicles free of charge.

Scroll down to read the full report.

Continue reading Chrysler recalling 471 minivans over liftgate issue

Chrysler recalling 471 minivans over liftgate issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chrysler town and country2012 dodge grand caravanchryslerdodgegrand caravanminivanminivan recallnhtsarecalltown and countryWed, 09 May 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233614/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/chrysler-recalling-471-minivans-over-liftgate-issue/20233614/article-detail.xml 20233614 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-2011-dodge-grand-caravan-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-2011-dodge-grand-caravan-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler CEO votes for keeping Town & Country if minivans merge [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/chrysler-ceo-votes-for-keeping-town-and-country-if-minivans-merge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/chrysler-ceo-votes-for-keeping-town-and-country-if-minivans-merge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/chrysler-ceo-votes-for-keeping-town-and-country-if-minivans-merge/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chrysler Town & Country - front three-quarter view

If you believe the gossip around Detroit, one of the Chrysler Group's minivan twins is fixin' to be killed. This is not news. In fact, it's now been over one year since we first reported that either the Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Grand Caravan will likely get the axe by 2013. What's still unknown, however, is exactly which of the two minivans will be left standing after the vehicles merge into one Pentastar van.

"If we were to combine them into one minivan, Town & County has the natural fit to continue," Chrysler brand CEO Saad Chehab said while speaking to Automotive News, adding that the T&C is the "bread and butter" of his brand. "It's always been Town & Country that leads the way for the business of minivans, but there is a certain cache and there is loyalty that we've got to consider to move forward."

In 2010, the Chrysler Town & Country was the best-selling minivan in the United States. Things shifted in 2011, however, where the Dodge Grand Caravan outsold the Town & Country - 110,862 units to 94,320 - and both were bested by the Toyota Sienna in sales. We suspect it isn't just owner loyalty that Chrysler would be keen to maintain with the Town & Country - it's also priced higher and that presumably translates into bigger margins.

Until the next-generation Chrysler Group minivan launches in 2013, we won't know which of the two current minivans will get the axe, though earlier reports have stated that the one van could wear different badges, depending on the market. Still, one of America's minivans is going away, so sound off in our poll below to tell us which of the two nameplates you'd like to see stick around.


View Poll

Chrysler CEO votes for keeping Town & Country if minivans merge [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chrysler town and countrychryslerdodgegrand caravanminivansaad chehabtown countrytown and countryFri, 24 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20178914/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/24/chrysler-ceo-votes-for-keeping-town-and-country-if-minivans-merge/20178914/article-detail.xml 20178914 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/03-2011-chrysler-town-country-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/03-2011-chrysler-town-country-review.jpg <![CDATA[One-off Mercedes 500K barn find discovered in South Central, LA salvage yard]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Being agriculturally inclined to build barns in the country, we don't expect barn finds to turn up in the middle of a high-turnover metropolis. Yet that's been happening more regularly of late, and writer Michael Mraz has found another example in South Central, Los Angeles: a one-of-one Mercedes-Benz 1935 Caracciola 500K built especially for Silver Arrows race driver Rudolph Caraccioloa. It is pictured above in better days, after having been restored and displayed on the lawn at the Pebble Beach concours in the late 1970s.

What's amazing about the Caracciola 500K, and tragic for car lovers, is that it has a good deal of company: in a piece called "Wheels of Fortune" in the February issue of Town & Country magazine, Mraz found scaffolds full of vintage metal in awful condition, rusting outside in a parts yard called Porche Foreign Auto. They include:

...a pair of one-off prewar Maybachs; one of two Iso Grifo Spyders (designed and engineered by Giotto Bizzarrini, who also has the Ferrari 250 GTO on his résumé); one of 29 alloy-bodied Mercedes Gullwings...; a couple of BMW 502s and 507s; a half-dozen or so Lamborghini Miuras, with their mighty V12 engines; and the last surviving example of the seven Horch 855 Spezial Roadsters ever built, a specimen once owned by Eva Braun that was for a time on loan to the Audi Museum in Germany. (Audi was founded by August Horch.) Parked one on top of the other are dozens upon dozens of Porsche Carrera carcasses....

Porche Foreign Auto was started in 1967 by a German butcher named Rudi Klein, who bought the Caracciola 500K after it was shown at Pebble in 1978. He took it to a Mercedes show in Newport Beach in 1980, and when it wouldn't start he loaded it on a trailer and took it home. It hasn't been seen since, outside of the parts yard.

Klein passed away, and his salvage yard is overseen by his sons, who won't let any gawkers into to view the cars. Even Mraz was denied entry. But he spoke to folks who have seen the collection, and one said that there are vehicles people have sought for decades and thought had been destroyed. The head of the Mercedes Classic Center in Irvine believes the Caracciola 500K could be worth more than the 1937 540K Spezial Roadster that was auctioned for nearly $10 million at last year's RM Auctions at Pebble. But we might never know.

Town & Country doesn't have a proper website, so pick up the magazine to read the piece and see what the automotive world is missing. There's a sample of it in the attached gallery, but be warned, it's not pleasant to see.

One-off Mercedes 500K barn find discovered in South Central, LA salvage yard originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1935 mercedes-benz 500kbarn findcaracciola 500 klos angelesmercedes-benz 500 kmike mrazporche foreign autorudolph caracciolatown and countrySun, 22 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153928/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/20153928/article-detail.xml 20153928 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mrazcaracciola500k_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mrazcaracciola500k.jpg <![CDATA[Streamlined Chrysler minivan lineup to get different branding in U.S. and Canada]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/streamlined-chrysler-minivan-lineup-to-get-different-branding-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/streamlined-chrysler-minivan-lineup-to-get-different-branding-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/streamlined-chrysler-minivan-lineup-to-get-different-branding-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

The Detroit News reports that while Chrysler is only expected to offer one minivan going forward, the vehicle will carry two different names depending on where it's sold. The Dodge Grand Caravan is expected to carry on in Canada while American buyers are likely to continue to be able to buy the Chrysler Town and Country. Reid Brigland, the head of the Dodge brand, said that the Town and Country resonates better with American buyers.

As you may recall, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has said that the automaker will only offer one minivan by 2013. In addition, the next-generation Chrysler minivan will offer optional all-wheel drive and have a nine-speed automatic transmission. Buyers will also be able to chose between standard sliding doors and a people-mover configuration with traditional hinged entrances. Chrysler also plans to take the compact-van fight to the Ford C-Max with a smaller platform as well.

The Detroit News says that the next-generation Chrysler minivan will continue to be built in the automaker's Windsor, Ontario facility.

Streamlined Chrysler minivan lineup to get different branding in U.S. and Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler minivanchrysler town and countrydodgedodge grand caravangrand caravantown and countrySat, 26 Nov 2011 12:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20114587/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/26/streamlined-chrysler-minivan-lineup-to-get-different-branding-in/20114587/article-detail.xml 20114587 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2011-dodge-grand-caravan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2011-dodge-grand-caravan.jpg <![CDATA[Man buys used Chrysler minivan from Thrifty, finds $500K in cocaine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/man-buys-used-chrysler-minivan-from-thrifty-finds-500k-in-coca/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/man-buys-used-chrysler-minivan-from-thrifty-finds-500k-in-coca/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/man-buys-used-chrysler-minivan-from-thrifty-finds-500k-in-coca/#commentsFiled under: , ,

chrysler town and country

I once rented a 2001 Mustang Convertible from Hertz in Nebraska. When placing the rental paperwork in the glove box I found a crisp $5 bill, which I promptly exchanged for a Big Mac and fries. That was lucky, but the following story is not.

Mercury News reports that Charles Preston, a doctor in Santa Clara, California, purchased a used 2008 Chrysler Town & Country from a Thrifty rental car office and got much more than his $14,000 paid for.

After about 15 months with the minivan, Preston brought the van to a local shop to get the brakes worked on. The mechanic offered to take a look at why the windows wouldn't roll down, and the solution presented itself in the form of $500,000 in cocaine wrapped in purple cellophane.

Preston, who purchased the van so he could use it to deliver food to local homeless people, immediately contacted the police, who seized the cocaine. The police also told the owner to return the van and have it checked for tracking devices. The concern was that there could be some very unhappy drug dealers tracking their large load of illegal narcotics.

As you could probably guess, Preston was keen to taking the Town & Country drug-mobile back to Thrifty in exchange for a new van, but the local rental car store told him that they would only pay Kelley Blue Book value for the van, or $4,000 less than he paid for it. But once management at Thrifty heard of the potentially dangerous gaffe, they offered to replace the van with a vehicle that wasn't packed with several kilos of coke.

Man buys used Chrysler minivan from Thrifty, finds $500K in cocaine originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 chrysler town and countrychryslercocaineminivanrental carthriftytown and countryMon, 14 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20106066/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/14/man-buys-used-chrysler-minivan-from-thrifty-finds-500k-in-coca/20106066/article-detail.xml 20106066 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/chrysler-town-and-country-2008_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/chrysler-town-and-country-2008.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Chrysler Town & Country Touring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/2011-chrysler-town-and-country-touring-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/2011-chrysler-town-and-country-touring-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/2011-chrysler-town-and-country-touring-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Meaningful Updates Rekindle A Once Top Competitor

2011 Chrysler Town & Country Touring

If you woke up today hoping to read a minivan review, then it's your lucky day. We know that sliding doors and third-row seating aren't the most exciting traits, but the minivan needs love, too. In fact, the entire minivan segment was all but ignored for nearly a decade as automakers responded to our fevered clamoring for more sport utility vehicles and crossovers. The good news is the minivan is back, and every option in the segment has been completely redesigned or updated within the past two years, including the Chrysler Town & Country.

Chrysler is, of course, the company that invented the modern minivan. But while Team Pentastar can lay claim to being the segment's father, many soccer moms and dads have long since migrated to the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. In fact, while the Town and Country emerged as last year's best-selling minivan, it won't repeat that feat this year. Its sales so far this year are behind both the Odyssey and Sienna, the latter of which may be the new best-selling minivan if the Dodge Grand Caravan doesn't finish up strong.

Why has the Town and Country slipped? The competition's fresher designs and higher build quality are at the top of the list of reasons. To dig a littler deeper, we got an adequately equipped base model 2011 Town & Country Touring to see if Chrysler's redesigned mainstay is doing enough to regain its place at the top of the minivan hierarchy.

Continue reading 2011 Chrysler Town & Country Touring

2011 Chrysler Town & Country Touring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chrysler town and countrychryslerminivanreviewreviewstown and countrytown and country touringvanTue, 08 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20100826/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/08/2011-chrysler-town-and-country-touring-review/20100826/article-detail.xml 20100826 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2011-chrysler-town-country-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2011-chrysler-town-country-review.jpg <![CDATA[Five minivans earn IIHS <em>Top Safety Pick</em> award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/five-minivans-earn-iihs-top-safety-pick-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/five-minivans-earn-iihs-top-safety-pick-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/five-minivans-earn-iihs-top-safety-pick-award/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Chrysler Town and Country Roof Strength Test

If there's a vehicle segment where safety matters most, it's the minivan. So the good news for soccer moms and dads is that the best selling minivan in the U.S. has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award. By virtue of acing its roof strength test, the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country joins the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna at the top of IIHS's rankings. The Dodge Grand Caravan and Volkswagen Routan doppelgangers get included, as well.

The bad news, however, is that the brand new Nissan Quest minivan didn't do as well, receiving only an "acceptable" rating in roof strength, which kept it from being named a Top Safety Pick. The Kia Sedona, which was last redesigned for the 2006 model year, was given a "poor" rating in roof strength, the worst score possible.

IIHS started requiring good results in its roof strength test for the 2010 Top Safety Pick. The tests are designed to predict performance in a rollover accident. IIHS says that its research indicates that a higher strength to weight ratio than the government mandated minimum of 1.5:1 helps reduce the risk of injury. Its recommended ratio is 4:1, which will earn a vehicle a "good" rating and make it eligible for the Top Safety Pick award if it also scores well in front, side and rear impact crash tests.

The Chrysler minivans scored 4.51:1 on the roof strength test, while the Quest managed 3.36:1, and the Sedona's, only 2.3:1. The strongest minivan roof on the market belongs to the Honda Odyssey, at 5.15:1. Toyota's Sienna scored 4.12:1.

Read the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Five minivans earn IIHS Top Safety Pick award

Five minivans earn IIHS Top Safety Pick award originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslercrash testiihsinsurance institute for highway safetykianissanquestsafetysedonatop safety picktown and countryWed, 02 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20095597/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/02/five-minivans-earn-iihs-top-safety-pick-award/20095597/article-detail.xml 20095597 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2012-chrysler-town-and-country-roof-safety-test-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2012-chrysler-town-and-country-roof-safety-test-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler recalls 300,000 minivans for airbags that could spontaneously deploy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/chrysler-recalls-300-000-minivans-for-airbags-that-could-spontan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/chrysler-recalls-300-000-minivans-for-airbags-that-could-spontan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/chrysler-recalls-300-000-minivans-for-airbags-that-could-spontan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

Chrysler has announced that it is recalling 299,178 minivans for a potentially dangerous HVAC fault. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, certain 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager, Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan models could have air conditioning systems that leak condensation onto the occupant restraint control module. This can cause the airbag light to illuminate and may eventually lead to the accidental deployment of the supplemental restraints. The vehicles in question were manufactured between June 24, 2007 and July 30, 2008, and NHTSA warns that an accidental airbag deployment could cause occupant injury or lead to a serious accident.

Chrysler dealers will replace the occupant restraint control module free of charge once the recall begins this month. At this point it's unclear whether any work will be done to the HVAC system to prevent condensation from causing the same issue in the future. Click past the jump for a look at the full recall notice. Owners may contact NHTSA or Chrysler for more information.

Continue reading Chrysler recalls 300,000 minivans for airbags that could spontaneously deploy

Chrysler recalls 300,000 minivans for airbags that could spontaneously deploy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler airbag recallchrysler grand voyagerchrysler minivan recallchrysler recallchrysler town and countrydodge grand caravangrand caravangrand voyagerminivan recallNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsarecalltown and countryThu, 04 Aug 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20009836/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/04/chrysler-recalls-300-000-minivans-for-airbags-that-could-spontan/20009836/article-detail.xml 20009836 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/2008-dodge-grand-caravan-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/2008-dodge-grand-caravan-630.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler recalling 11,000 new vehicles over steering concern *UPDATE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/16/chrysler-recalling-11-000-new-vehicles-over-steering-concern/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/16/chrysler-recalling-11-000-new-vehicles-over-steering-concern/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/16/chrysler-recalling-11-000-new-vehicles-over-steering-concern/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 chrysler 200
Chrysler's recalled vehicles for 2011 steering defect - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has issued a recall that spans across its family lines. A missing or incorrectly installed rivet on the steering column could result in a loss of control.

The recall affects the following 2011 model year vehicles:

In total, 11,351 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles need to be inspected by a dealer. Affected vehicles will have their steering column inspected and adjusted as needed, at no cost to owners. The recall will begin this month. Click past the jump for the full National Highway Traffic Safety Administration bulletin.

*UPDATE: Chrysler has corrected NHTSA on the effect of the missing or incorrectly installed rivet. This issue has no affect on a vehicle's steering ability, but could cause the steering column to improperly bear the driver's weight in the event of a front-end crash.

Continue reading Chrysler recalling 11,000 new vehicles over steering concern *UPDATE

Chrysler recalling 11,000 new vehicles over steering concern *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chrylser Town & Country
2011 Chrysler Town & Country - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sergio Marchionne has reportedly confirmed that the next Chrysler Town & Country minivan will be available with all-wheel drive. According to The Detroit News, Marchionne has also confirmed that this vehicle will continue to be a traditional minivan, but the company also plans to spin off a crossover-style people mover as well, a model that which hasn't been finalized yet.

The new platform will also allow Chrysler to narrow the minivan's track, which helps attract European buyers. The fate of Stow 'n Go seating, the feature whose packaging requirements is understood to have killed all-wheel drive back in 2004, remains to be seen. Though the new models were scheduled to arrive in 2014, Marchionne has apparently also pushed up the timetable for their release, and they will likely surface in 2013.

Next-gen Chrysler minivan to see return of all-wheel drive, spawn second model originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chrysler town countrycaravanchryslerchrysler minivanchrysler town and countrydodge caravanmarchionneminivantown and countryFri, 03 Jun 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19957465/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/03/next-gen-chrysler-minivan-to-see-return-of-all-wheel-drive/19957465/article-detail.xml 19957465 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/01-2011-chrysler-town-and-country-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/01-2011-chrysler-town-and-country-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Lancia brings rebadged Chrysler models to join facelifted Delta in Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/14/lancia-brings-rebadged-chrysler-models-to-join-facelifted-delta/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/14/lancia-brings-rebadged-chrysler-models-to-join-facelifted-delta/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/14/lancia-brings-rebadged-chrysler-models-to-join-facelifted-delta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

2012 Lancia Thema
2012 Lancia Thema (née Chrysler 300) - Click above for high-res image gallery

Once upon a time, it used to be that an automaker would debut one, maybe two new products at a car show. Then Lotus came along and blew 'em all out of the water with five new concept cars. Now Lancia is preparing to roll across the Alps and into Geneva with - how many? - six new debuts. Is the quasi-premium Italian automaker following the path set out by Lotus? Well, not quite.

In addition to the new Ypsilon - a genuinely new vehicle debut - Lancia is also lifting the veil on a subtly refreshed version of the Delta. But that's not the end of it - they've also got the new Thema, Flavia, Flavia Cabrio and Grand Voyager. In case that last bit (or the title) didn't tip you off, these four are little more than Chrysler models we already know (and in some cases love), albeit with Lancia grilles and badges.

The Flavia and Flavia Cabrio are Lancia-ized versions of the Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible, and are officially dubbed as "concepts" - a little backwards from how the usual path concept cars take to production, but globalization occasionally does strange things. The Thema is the Lancia version of the Chrysler 300 sedan. And the Grand Voyager, well...we hope we don't have to fill in the blanks on that bit.

Read more about Lancia's Geneva-bound range in the press releases posted after the jump, and visualize how your Chrysler would look with a Lancia badge in the gallery below.


Gallery: 2012 Lancia Delta, Thema, Flavia, Flavia Cabrio and Grand Voyager


[Source: Lancia]

Continue reading Lancia brings rebadged Chrysler models to join facelifted Delta in Geneva

Lancia brings rebadged Chrysler models to join facelifted Delta in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2002011 geneva motor show2012 lancia delta2012 lancia flavia2012 lancia thema300chryslerchrysler 200chrysler 300chrysler grand voyagerdeltaflaviaflavia cabriogenevageneva 2011geneva motor showgrand voyagerlancialancia deltalancia grand voyagerlancia thematown and countryMon, 14 Feb 2011 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19842535/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/14/lancia-brings-rebadged-chrysler-models-to-join-facelifted-delta/19842535/article-detail.xml 19842535 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/web630-lancia-thema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/web630-lancia-thema.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne: Chrysler planning hybrid minivan for 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/19/marchionne-chrysler-planning-hybrid-minivan-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/19/marchionne-chrysler-planning-hybrid-minivan-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/19/marchionne-chrysler-planning-hybrid-minivan-for-2013/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Chrysler Town & Country
2011 Chrysler Town & Country - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler, the automaker at the forefront of the minivan movement back in the 1980s, is seriously rethinking its family-hauler business. As we reported earlier, Chrysler will be scrapping one of its two minivan twins by 2013, making room for a smaller micro-van to launch within the next few years - a vehicle that will compete with the likes of the Ford C-Max and Mazda5. Now, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has reportedly confirmed that a hybrid version of the company's next-generation minivan is on its way, scheduled to debut by 2013.

The powertrain slated for use in the hybrid minivan will use the same powertrain technology that we'll be seeing in the gasoline-electric version of the Chrysler 300 sedan, also set to launch in 2013. The new van will be built at the automaker's Windsor Assembly Plant in Canada - the factory where both the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan are built today.


Gallery: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country

2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country

[Source: Allpar]

Marchionne: Chrysler planning hybrid minivan for 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodgegrand caravanhybridminivantown and countryWed, 19 Jan 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19806749/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/19/marchionne-chrysler-planning-hybrid-minivan-for-2013/19806749/article-detail.xml 19806749 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/01-2011-chrysler-town-and-country630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/01-2011-chrysler-town-and-country630opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler's Marchionne says only one minivan per brand, C-Max competitor coming]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/11/chryslers-marchionne-says-only-one-minivan-per-brand-c-max-com/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/11/chryslers-marchionne-says-only-one-minivan-per-brand-c-max-com/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/11/chryslers-marchionne-says-only-one-minivan-per-brand-c-max-com/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dodge Caravan

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne says the automaker plans to only offer one minivan in the future, eliminating either the Chrysler Town and Country or Dodge Caravan by 2013. Additionally, the company is working on a smaller "people mover," that will go to whichever marque doesn't retain the minivan.

"If our Project Genesis [a plan to have all Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep showrooms at a single dealership] goes to its conclusion, which is the plan, then it makes no sense to offer consumers two minivans differentiated only by equipment," Marchionne said in an interview with reporters at the North American International Auto Show.

The smaller "people mover" is being engineered from a new architecture that will underpin several new vehicles in the Fiat and Chrysler lineups. Though Marchionne didn't get into specifics, the platform is likely to be developed for the Fiat Giulietta, with Chrysler and Fiat engineers planning to expand and adapt the chassis to serve as the basis for a replacement for the Jeep Compass and Patriot, among other vehicles.

Inititally, Marchionne indicated that he would prefer to keep the Dodge Caravan and make the micro-van a Chrysler. In Canada, 80% of the minivan mix is comprised of the Dodge Caravan. But the Town and Country outsells the Caravan in the U.S. and other markets. "We will have to look at the branding, but we are absolutely going to one minivan." One consideration for Chrysler planners will be that it would be difficult to get the premium price points - over $40,000 for the top-of-the-line Town and Country - for a Dodge branded minivan. LIkewise, it will be difficult to get prices North of 30,000 for even a loaded Chrysler micro-van.

Marchionne also said that both the minivan, and the micro-van would be built at the company's Windsor, Ontario plant where the minivans are currently produced and designed to compete against the Mazda5 and Ford Grand C-Max.

Chrysler's Marchionne says only one minivan per brand, C-Max competitor coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 detroit2011 detroit auto show2011 naiascaravanchryslerdetroitdodgegiuliettaminivannaiasNorth American International Auto Showsergio marchionnetown and countryTue, 11 Jan 2011 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19796474/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/11/chryslers-marchionne-says-only-one-minivan-per-brand-c-max-com/19796474/article-detail.xml 19796474 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/01-caravan-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/01-caravan-630.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler recalling nearly 370,000 minivans over potential airbag flaw]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/15/chrysler-recalling-nearly-370-000-minivans-over-potential-airbag/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/15/chrysler-recalling-nearly-370-000-minivans-over-potential-airbag/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/15/chrysler-recalling-nearly-370-000-minivans-over-potential-airbag/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2008 Chrysler Town and Country - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has put out a notice that it will be recalling 367,350 minivans in both Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan flavors. The reason? The airbags might go off when you don't want them to. Water leaks in 2008 model year minivans may accidentally trigger a warning light and/or accidental airbag deployment.

The culprit is an HVAC hose grommet that was improperly installed. Moisture can then collect in the minivan's carpet and drip into the airbag deployment module. Chrysler will begin notifying owners of the recall in February, and as always, the fix will come at no cost.

Gallery: 2008 Chrysler Town and Country


[Sources: BusinessWeek, Reuters]

Chrysler recalling nearly 370,000 minivans over potential airbag flaw originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 chrysler town and country2008 dodge grand caravanchryslerchrysler recallchrysler town and countrydodgedodge grand caravandodge recallgrand caravantown and countryWed, 15 Dec 2010 14:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19763634/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/15/chrysler-recalling-nearly-370-000-minivans-over-potential-airbag/19763634/article-detail.xml 19763634 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/2008-chrysler-town-and-country-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/2008-chrysler-town-and-country-630.jpg <![CDATA[Pricing announced for 2011 Chrysler 200, Town & Country]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/10/pricing-announced-for-2011-chrysler-200-town-and-country/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/10/pricing-announced-for-2011-chrysler-200-town-and-country/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/10/pricing-announced-for-2011-chrysler-200-town-and-country/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Chrysler 200
2011 Chrysler 200 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not long after Chrysler announced pricing for the full host of updated 2011 Dodge products, the automaker has priced its own reworked Pentastar-badged products - the Sebring 200 sedan and Town & Country minivan. Both vehicles feature vastly better interiors than the models they replace, as well as the automaker's smooth new 3.6-liter V6 under the hood.

The 200 indeed has its work cut out for it, since the Sebring it replaces was one of the most poorly received vehicles in Chrysler's lineup. Four trim levels are available - LX, Touring, Limited and S - with pricing starting at $19,995 for the base model, $21,995 for the Touring and $24,495 for the Limited. Chrysler tells us that the S trim will arrive shortly after the rest of the 200 lineup, and official pricing for that top-rung trim has not been released at this time.

Chrysler's bread-and-butter Town & Country now enters its 21st year of production, preparing to do battle with the newly reworked Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. Pricing starts at $30,995 for the base Touring model, and rises to $33,995 for the Touring L and $39,495 for the decked-out Limited. We're eager to get some seat time in the refreshed minivan to see if it can once again regain its place as the family-hauler sales leader.

Both of the updated 2011 models will be available at dealers in the coming months, and we'll be hatching our first driving impressions in the not-too-distant future. For the full details, follow the jump for Chrysler's press blast.

Note: All prices include the respective destination charges - $750 for the 200 and $835 for the Town & Country.


Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 200


Gallery: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country

2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Pricing announced for 2011 Chrysler 200, Town & Country

Pricing announced for 2011 Chrysler 200, Town & Country originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2002011 2002011 chrysler 2002011 chrysler town and country2011 town and countrychryslerchrysler 200chrysler town and countrytown and countryWed, 10 Nov 2010 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19711012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/10/pricing-announced-for-2011-chrysler-200-town-and-country/19711012/article-detail.xml 19711012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/01-2011-chrysler-200_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/01-2011-chrysler-200.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Supplier strike may lead to shutdown of Chrysler's minivan line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/27/report-supplier-strike-may-lead-to-shutdown-of-chryslers-miniv/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/27/report-supplier-strike-may-lead-to-shutdown-of-chryslers-miniv/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/27/report-supplier-strike-may-lead-to-shutdown-of-chryslers-miniv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Chrysler Town & Country
2011 Chrysler Town & Country - Click above for high-res image gallery

Integram Seating is a parts supplier for Chrysler. The factory workers there produce seats, which are then sent to the Pentastar's Windsor Assembly plant to be installed in the brand's Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan people movers. The popular family vehicles are set to get an update for 2011, but according to CBS News, their assembly may be put on hold because 700 workers at Ingram Seating have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike. If Integram's employees walk and Chrysler doesn't have seats to put into its vehicles, production will almost certainly be halted. the supplier's union, Canadian Auto Workers Local 4-44, says the majority vote is intended to send a message to the company.

Workers at Integram Seating have not had a pay raise in four years and the average wage there is about $24.32 per hour. The strike will occur if no labor contract has been worked out by November 7, the expiration date for the current agreement.


Gallery: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country

2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country

[Source: CBC News]

Report: Supplier strike may lead to shutdown of Chrysler's minivan line originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chrysler town and countrycanadachryslerchrysler minivandodge caravanintegram seatinglabor disputestriketown and countryunionwindsorwindsor assembly plantWindsor OntarioWed, 27 Oct 2010 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19691344/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/27/report-supplier-strike-may-lead-to-shutdown-of-chryslers-miniv/19691344/article-detail.xml 19691344 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01-2011-chrysler-t-and-c-1284484117_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01-2011-chrysler-t-and-c-1284484117.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler releases details, images of refreshed 2011 Town & Country]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/14/chrysler-releases-details-images-of-refreshed-2011-town-and-count/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/14/chrysler-releases-details-images-of-refreshed-2011-town-and-count/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/14/chrysler-releases-details-images-of-refreshed-2011-town-and-count/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Chrysler Town & Country
2011 Chrysler Town & Country - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is continuing to hone the minivan that started it all - the Town & Country (okay, so it was the Plymouth Voyager and the Dodge Caravan, sue us). For 2011, buyers can look to find a slew of safety and technology treats on board, both in standard and optional trims. Every 2011 Town & Country will ship with tricks like blind spot and rear cross-path detection as part of what the company says is a 40-strong list of features designed to keep families as safe as can be. In a segment that's primary focus is shepherding herds of young ones around town, we're guessing that's going to be a strong selling point.

Of course, as important as safety is, it's also pretty boring. Fortunately, Chrysler has loaded up the new Town & Country with enough entertainment goodies to keep even the most spastic of rug rats sufficiently sedated. Buyers can opt for a dual-DVD system that can play separate media at the same time, SIRIUS backseat TV with plenty of children's programming or FLO TV with 20 channels of programming. There's also a raft of new instrument panel changes and softer touchpoints, along with a refined Stow 'n Go seating system. Road trips will never be the same.

For you lead-footed moms and dads late to soccer practice, under the hood, Chrysler has packed the company's new 283-horsepower Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 with 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which helps the six-pot net 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Hit the jump for the press release and check out the gallery of exterior and interior changes below.


Gallery: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country

2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country2011 Chrysler Town & Country

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler releases details, images of refreshed 2011 Town & Country

Chrysler releases details, images of refreshed 2011 Town & Country originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 Chrysler Town and Country2011 Town and CountryChryslerchrysler minivanChrysler Town and Countrypentastarstow n goTCTown and CountryTown countryTue, 14 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19632950/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/14/chrysler-releases-details-images-of-refreshed-2011-town-and-count/19632950/article-detail.xml 19632950 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01-2011-chrysler-t-and-c-1284484117_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01-2011-chrysler-t-and-c-1284484117.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country nip/tuck spotted]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/23/spy-shots-2011-chrysler-town-and-country-nip-tuck-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/23/spy-shots-2011-chrysler-town-and-country-nip-tuck-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/23/spy-shots-2011-chrysler-town-and-country-nip-tuck-spotted/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota and Honda may be improving the images of their minivans, but we mustn't forget about the company that started it all: Chrysler. The very first Dodge Grand Caravan went on sale 27 years ago, and through all of the ups and downs that the automaker has faced over the years (especially in recent times), the Grand Caravan and Town & Country twins have always been a mainstay.

The current pair of minivans was introduced for the 2008 model year, so it's only fitting that a slight mid-cycle refresh is on deck, and the folks at The Detroit News have snagged some spy shots of a Town & Country prototype out testing. In addition to modest exterior updates that include things like LED taillamps and a reworked rear bumper, expect Chrysler's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 to be slotted under the hood. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, this should account for a healthy improvement in fuel economy, not to mention power.

What's most important for minivan shoppers, though, is interior refinement, and the 2011 T&C is expected to get a host of cabin upgrades. More comfortable seats, higher-quality materials and an integrated center console will be on hand, and we'd expect the nifty Stow 'N Go and Swivel 'N Go seating configurations to carry over, as well. Look for similar improvements to make their way into the Dodge Grand Caravan, as well. Thanks for the tip, Aaron!

[Source: The Detroit News]

Spy Shots: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country nip/tuck spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chrysler town and country2011 dodge grand caravan2011 town and country2011ChryslerTownAndCountry2011DodgeGrandCaravan2011TownAndCountrychryslerchrysler town and countryChrysler Town CountryChryslerTownAndCountryChryslerTownCountrydodgedodge grand caravanDodgeGrandCaravanGrand caravanGrandCaravanspiedspy photosspy picsspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyPicsSpyShotstown and countrytown countryTownAndCountryTownCountryFri, 23 Jul 2010 11:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19565054/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/23/spy-shots-2011-chrysler-town-and-country-nip-tuck-spotted/19565054/article-detail.xml 19565054 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/chryslertcdn-250op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/chryslertcdn-250op.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler recalls 312,000 2005-2006 minivans over airbag issue *UPDATE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/23/chrysler-recalls-312-000-2005-2006-minivans-over-airbag-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/23/chrysler-recalls-312-000-2005-2006-minivans-over-airbag-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/23/chrysler-recalls-312-000-2005-2006-minivans-over-airbag-issue/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Just because Toyota may be garnering the most attention for its current recall crisis, it isn't the only automaker having issues. Chrysler has just released its own recall which affects more than 312,000 2005-2006 Town and Country, Caravan, and Grand Caravan models.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the minivan's front crash sensors may crack "under certain environmental conditions," which can then cause water to seep into the sensor. We're guessing that these environmental conditions refer to cold temperatures, since the list of states affected by this recall are mostly in the northern half of the U.S. If water does enter the sensor, it can trigger the airbag fault warning light and may hinder the performance of the overall airbag system.

In the event of airbag warning light illumination, owners are asked to have their vans serviced immediately to correct the problem. The full recall campaign will begin in June of this year, and owners can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 for more information. Click through the jump to read the official NHTSA statement.

UPDATE: Chrysler informs us that this is not an official recall, but rather a "safety improvement campaign" that was reported in early January.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Chrysler recalls 312,000 2005-2006 minivans over airbag issue *UPDATE

Chrysler recalls 312,000 2005-2006 minivans over airbag issue *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20052006Caravanchryslerchrysler town and countryChryslerTownAndCountrydodgedodge caravandodge grand caravanDodgeCaravanDodgeGrandCaravanGrand caravanGrandCaravanNHTSANhtsaRecallrecallRecallssafetytown and countryTownAndCountryTue, 23 Feb 2010 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19367850/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/23/chrysler-recalls-312-000-2005-2006-minivans-over-airbag-issue/19367850/article-detail.xml 19367850 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2006chryslertowncountryopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2006chryslertowncountryopt.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler unveils new electric minivan for U.S. Postal Service duty]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/chrysler-unveils-new-electric-minivan-for-u-s-postal-service-du/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/chrysler-unveils-new-electric-minivan-for-u-s-postal-service-du/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/chrysler-unveils-new-electric-minivan-for-u-s-postal-service-du/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Chrysler U.S. Postal Service Minivan - Click above for a high-res gallery

Chrysler is celebrating Earth Day today by unveiling the first four of what will be a fleet of 250 battery powered minivans for the US Postal Service. The U.S.P.S. will be using the vans for variety of duties at locations around the country - including daily home delivery.

The vans themselves are based on the concept Town and Country EV that was unveiled last Fall by Chrysler. However, because of the duty cycle used by the Postal Service - which generally amounts to only about 18-20 miles per day on a fixed route - these vehicles are being built without the range extender seen on the concept. However, the electric drive portion of the vehicles, including the motor, electronics and A123 System lithium ion battery pack is identical. The head of Chrysler's ENVI division Lou Rhodes told Autoblog Green this morning that Chrysler is marketing this battery-only version of the van to commercial fleet customers who typically have a shorter range requirements. The extended-range version will be focused on retail customers.

The initial batch of vehicles include a pair of right- and left-hand drive versions, and the total fleet will include a mix. The Postal Service will be using the vehicles for whatever applications they have in different regions of the country. The intent is to evaluate the usability of electric vans, as well as the interaction between the vehicles and the infrastructure. In addition to the post office, Consolidated Edison (Con Ed), Duke Energy, DTE Energy and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) will participate in the test program.


Gallery: Chrysler EV USPS mini-van


[Source: Chrysler]

Chrysler unveils new electric minivan for U.S. Postal Service duty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chrysler minivanChryslerMinivanConEdDTE EnergyDteEnergyDuke EnergyDukeEnergyElectric Power Research InstituteElectricPowerResearchInstituteENVIEPRILou RhodesLouRhodesPost officepostal servicePostalServicePostOfficeTown and countryTownAndCountryUSPSWed, 22 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1524646/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/22/chrysler-unveils-new-electric-minivan-for-u-s-postal-service-du/1524646/article-detail.xml 1524646 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/usps1_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/usps1_opt.jpg -1 2