Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Volkswagen Routan dead, pour out a sippy cup for your little homies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-routan-dead-pour-out-a-sippy-cup-for-your-little-hom/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-routan-dead-pour-out-a-sippy-cup-for-your-little-hom/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-routan-dead-pour-out-a-sippy-cup-for-your-little-hom/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Volkswagen Routan - front three-quarter dynamic view

America's minivan wolfpack has just gotten smaller by one. According to Automotive News, Volkswagen officials have confirmed what we've suspected for some time - the Routan is dead. Essentially a lightly reworked version of the Dodge Grand Caravan, the Routan actually hasn't been rolling off of Chrysler's Windsor, Ontario production line at all this year, but VW had yet to confirm its discontinuation. However, Jonathan Browning, CEO of VW America, has reportedly admitted that the Routan is being axed, with remaining units expected to be funneled into corporate functions for "internal purposes."

The move isn't unexpected - the Routan has never been a big seller, with just 57,650 examples moved since sales began in 2008 - peak yearly sales totaled under 16,000 units, and that was back in 2010. And while many have talked of the minivan segment shrinking, Automotive News points out that the segment actually grew 14 percent last year to 597,118 units, though it should be noted that most segments have been on sales upticks as the US economy chugs out of its recession.

So, is volume-crazy Volkswagen prepared to pass on large family vehicle sales? Probably not - the German automaker has signaled that it plans to build a three-row crossover in North America soon, and we wouldn't be surprised if it looks an awful lot like the Crossblue Concept from January's Detroit Auto Show - minus the fancy plug-in diesel powertrain.

Volkswagen Routan dead, pour out a sippy cup for your little homies originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volkswagen routancrossblueminivanvolkswagenvolkswagen crossbluevwThu, 28 Mar 2013 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20520780/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/28/volkswagen-routan-dead-pour-out-a-sippy-cup-for-your-little-hom/20520780/article-detail.xml 20520780 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2010-volkswagen-routan-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2010-volkswagen-routan-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler slows minivan production, hasn't built VW Routan this year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/chrysler-slows-minivan-production-hasnt-built-vw-routan-this-y/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/chrysler-slows-minivan-production-hasnt-built-vw-routan-this-y/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/chrysler-slows-minivan-production-hasnt-built-vw-routan-this-y/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dodge Grand Caravan

Chrysler has slowed production of its Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans this week, Automotive News reports. The Windsor, Ontario plant will cut its three shifts from eight hours each to four hours each in an effort "to align production with market demand," a Chrysler spokesperson told AN. Chrysler also builds the closely related Routan minivan for Volkswagen at its Ontario facility, but has not built a single example thus far in 2013.

Sales of Chrysler's minivans fell 15 percent for the first two months of 2013, and a large part of that has to do with the 26-percent drop of the Grand Caravan alone (the T&C was only down by one percent). According to Automotive News data, as of March 1, Chrysler had an unsold inventory of 24,713 Town and Country models and 18,547 Grand Caravans - a 69- and 43-day supply, respectively.

"No sense running full speed now, then have a lot of vehicles sitting around a few months down the line," Chrysler spokeswoman Jodi Tinson told AN. Full production is expected to resume again on March 18.

According to our earlier reports, Chrysler will continue to build the minivans as-is through the 2014 model year. After that, a decision will be made about which one of the two vans will get the axe, to be replaced by a different sort of people-mover. Our best guess is that the Chrysler brand will continue on with the Town and Country, and this makes more and more sense considering the recent sales figures.

Chrysler slows minivan production, hasn't built VW Routan this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chrysler town and country2013 dodge grand caravan2013 volkswagen routanchryslerdodgegrand caravanminivanroutantown and countryvolkswagenvwWed, 13 Mar 2013 08:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20498900/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/13/chrysler-slows-minivan-production-hasnt-built-vw-routan-this-y/20498900/article-detail.xml 20498900 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/08-2011-dodge-grand-caravan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/08-2011-dodge-grand-caravan.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler still on the fence about which brand will get next minivan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/chrysler-still-on-the-fence-about-which-brand-will-get-next-mini/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/chrysler-still-on-the-fence-about-which-brand-will-get-next-mini/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/chrysler-still-on-the-fence-about-which-brand-will-get-next-mini/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Chrysler Town and Country S - front three-quarter with city backdrop.

Chrysler has had at least two minivans since it started the family-friendly craze back in 1984, but we've known for some time that one of two not-so-mini vans (the Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Town and Country) would not survive for a next generation. Last we heard, it was the Chrysler model that would be losing its sliding doors in place of a crossover design, but Chrysler execs have also said in the past that Chrysler would retain the minivan design and the Grand Caravan would become a CUV. Now, it seems like the automaker might be leaving this tough decision up to potential consumers, as the Detroit Free Press is reporting that the automaker is currently showing off a quartet of concepts - a minivan and crossover for both Chrysler and Dodge - to consumer clinics before making a final decision.

The report also says that whatever decision is made, the redesigned minivan and the all-new crossover will likely go on sale in 2014 for the 2015 model year. Combined, both minivans have accounted for almost 230,000 sales through November, putting the duo well ahead of rivals like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

Over the last couple of years, there has been plenty of chatter about the future Chrysler's popular minivans including the return of all-wheel drive, the addition of a hybrid model and there was even the Chrysler 700C minivan concept vehicle at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, a surprise showcar that could inform the design of Chrysler's next-generation people movers.

Chrysler still on the fence about which brand will get next minivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chrysler town and country2013 dodge grand caravanchryslerchrysler minivanchrysler minivansdodgedodge minivangrand caravanminivantown and countryMon, 17 Dec 2012 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20404699/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/17/chrysler-still-on-the-fence-about-which-brand-will-get-next-mini/20404699/article-detail.xml 20404699 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-chrysler-town-and-country-s-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-chrysler-town-and-country-s-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Routan production halted, could lead to vehicle's demise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/volkswagen-routan-production-halted-could-lead-to-vehicles-dem/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/volkswagen-routan-production-halted-could-lead-to-vehicles-dem/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/volkswagen-routan-production-halted-could-lead-to-vehicles-dem/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Volkswagen Routan - front three-quarter view, white

The Volkswagen Routan has quietly been out of production since July, but with a new three-row crossover on the way and a recent back-and-forth spat between Volkswagen executives and Sergio Marchionne of Fiat, it's probable that the 2012 model year could be the last for this minivan. The current agreement for Chrysler to build the Routan in Windsor, Ontario lasts through 2014, but Automotive News is reporting that VW might be looking to renegotiate the deal early next year.

Aside from any of the political issues going on between the two automakers, the truth of the matter is that the Routan just isn't selling well. So far this year, VW has sold just 9,923 units of the badge-engineered minivan, down 17 percent from last year. Almost all of the other entrants in the segment have enjoyed double-digit sales increases this year including the Chrysler trio of vans (Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country and Ram C/V), Honda Odyssey and Nissan Quest. Overall, the Grand Caravan remains the top-selling minivan through November with 127,308 units sold, and Chrysler as a whole continues to dominate the segment it created with total minivan sales of 236,195 across its Dodge, Chrysler and Ram brands.

To make matters even worse for the Routan, the minivan market is about to add another (admittedly left-field) competitor into the mix when Ford returns to the segment with the long-wheelbase 2014 Transit Connect.

Volkswagen Routan production halted, could lead to vehicle's demise originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen routanminivanroutanroutan productionvolkswagenvwwindsorFri, 14 Dec 2012 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20402513/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/14/volkswagen-routan-production-halted-could-lead-to-vehicles-dem/20402513/article-detail.xml 20402513 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/routan-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/routan-630.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Chrysler Town and Country S is the van in black]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2013-chrysler-town-and-country-s-los-angeles-la-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2013-chrysler-town-and-country-s-los-angeles-la-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2013-chrysler-town-and-country-s-los-angeles-la-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Chrysler Town and Country S - front three-quarter view, black

Chrysler previously brought us the "man van" with the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T, but now it's apparently rolling out its its "mean van," with this sinister 2013 Town and Country S. Joining similar packages available on the 200 and 300 sedans, this new Town and Country trim replaces most of the standard car's shiny bits with dark accents, giving the minivan a more unique appearance.

The S trim level brings with it things like a black chrome grille, black-accented wheels and blacked-out headlight inserts, and it will only be offered in limited exterior colors (black, red, white and silver); we're guessing it looks best in the more monotone, limousine-spec paint scheme as seen above. The interior has likewise been given a blacked-out treatment including a black headliner and combination leather and cloth seats. All Town and Country S models come standard with Chrysler's new Blu-Ray rear-seat entertainment system, and it also has an HDMI input and a pair of USB ports that can charge mobile devices. The S' performance modifications start and end with a firmer sport suspension setup.

No word on pricing yet for the Town and Country S or when it will go on sale, but we'll see it in person later this week at the LA Auto Show. Scroll down for Chrysler's official press release.

Continue reading 2013 Chrysler Town and Country S is the van in black

2013 Chrysler Town and Country S is the van in black originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 la auto show2013 chrysler town and country2013 chrysler town and country schryslerlala auto showminivantown and countrytown and country sMon, 26 Nov 2012 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20384496/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/26/2013-chrysler-town-and-country-s-los-angeles-la-reveal/20384496/article-detail.xml 20384496 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-chrysler-town-and-country-s-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-chrysler-town-and-country-s-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon brings minivans back to the Blue Oval]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/2014-ford-transit-connect-wagon-brings-minivans-back-to-the-blue/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/2014-ford-transit-connect-wagon-brings-minivans-back-to-the-blue/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/2014-ford-transit-connect-wagon-brings-minivans-back-to-the-blue/#commentsFiled under: ,

2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon - brown - front three-quarter view

It's been a minute since there was a minivan in Ford showrooms, but that's about to change. The automaker has unveiled its 2014 Transit Connect Wagon built for families looking for a more functional alternative to the world's ever-growing fleet of SUVs and crossovers. Powered by either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or an EcoBoost 1.6-liter four pot, the front-drive Transit Connect Wagon may be had in one of two wheelbase configurations. That means there are both five and seven-seat variants, and both will offer fold-flat seating for more than 100 cubic feet of cargo area. In addition, Ford says its commercial-van-turned-people-mover can be configured to tow up to 2,000 pounds.

The EPA has yet to release fuel economy estimates for the 2014 Transit Connect Wagon, but Ford believes the vehicle will return better than 30 mpg highway when equipped with its EcoBoost engine. Both powerplants are bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford currently sells about 35,000 Transit Connect units per year, and the new Wagon variant should bolster that figure by expanding the vehicle to family-minded. Check out the full press release below for more information. Look for the 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon to land on dealer lots in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Continue reading 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon brings minivans back to the Blue Oval

2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon brings minivans back to the Blue Oval originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 ford transit connect wagonfordminivantransit connecttransit connect wagonTue, 13 Nov 2012 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378326/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/2014-ford-transit-connect-wagon-brings-minivans-back-to-the-blue/20378326/article-detail.xml 20378326 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2014-ford-tranist-connect-wagon-6278_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2014-ford-tranist-connect-wagon-6278.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota debuts 2013 Verso with a new nose and high hopes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/2013-toyota-verso-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/2013-toyota-verso-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/2013-toyota-verso-paris-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Toyota Verso

After the mini-people mover's introduction in 2010, the 2013 Toyota Verso signals a significant mid-cycle refresh for the model.

Changes for the 2013 Verso include visual updates to the front and rear - new headlights, LED running lights, taillights etc. - as well as other exterior tweaks. The inside has been refined as well, with more soft-touch materials, satin chrome trim and cool new lighting; just what the small, modern European family needs to motor in happiness.

Getting it all right is important, too, if Toyota hopes to meet its own lofty sales goals for the MPV - the company stated that it wants to sell 50,000 Versos in 2013, which would give the vehicle five percent of the European market for its segment.

Take a closer look at the freshened 2013 Toyota Verso, live on its stand at the Paris show, in our gallery of images. Full details are available in the press blast posted below.

Continue reading Toyota debuts 2013 Verso with a new nose and high hopes

Toyota debuts 2013 Verso with a new nose and high hopes originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota versohatchbackminivanmpvparisparis 2012paris motor showtoyotaversoSat, 29 Sep 2012 16:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20336029/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/29/2013-toyota-verso-paris-2012/20336029/article-detail.xml 20336029 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01-2013-toyota-verso-paris-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01-2013-toyota-verso-paris-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford suing Dana over faulty Windstar frames]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/ford-suing-dana-over-faulty-windstar-frames/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/ford-suing-dana-over-faulty-windstar-frames/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/ford-suing-dana-over-faulty-windstar-frames/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Windstar minivan - maroon and tan two-tone

Ford Motor Company is suing supplier Dana Corp., seeking reimbursement for what it says are faulty vehicle frames.

According to an Associated Press report, Ford claims that Dana frames were the cause of a 2011 recall of close to a half a million Windstar minivans. Apparently, the salt used on roads in cold weather states caused the frames to corrode and actually break. Dana denies Ford's charges, but that isn't stopping the Blue Oval from attempting to seek reimbursement.

The 2011 recall focused on more than 425,000 Windstar minivans from the 1998 to 2003 model years. The Windstar has also been beset by other rust-related issues, including a 2010 rear axle recall of some 492,000 units over corrosion fears.

Autoblog has reached out to Ford to inquire if the troublesome axles were also provided by Dana, but as of publish time, have received no response. According to the report, Ford continues to source parts from Dana Corp. despite the legal battle.

Ford suing Dana over faulty Windstar frames originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Aug 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axlesdanadana corpfordford windstarford windstar recallminivanrecallsafetywindstarSat, 04 Aug 2012 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20290806/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/04/ford-suing-dana-over-faulty-windstar-frames/20290806/article-detail.xml 20290806 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2000windstar-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2000windstar-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi mulling sporty new people carrier and... a scooter?!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/audi-mulling-sporty-new-people-carrier-and-a-scooter/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/audi-mulling-sporty-new-people-carrier-and-a-scooter/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/audi-mulling-sporty-new-people-carrier-and-a-scooter/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Audi Q5 - dead-on front view, gray

Autocar says they have spoken to Audi sales and marketing chief Peter Schwarzenbauer who admits his company may soon enter the MPV market (pronounced "minivan" here in the U.S.) market. Of course, with Audi that means a premium minivan with as many as seven seats.

Schwarzenbauer tells Autocar that the brand's target is sportier - think more Ford S-Max than Honda Odyssey. That makes some sense, as Ford claims many premium brand offerings have been traded in on its rakish European S-Max.

Schwarzenbauer also let slip that as new owners of Ducati, Audi will soon introduce its own two-wheeled vehicle. The exec didn't give any indication if it would be a motorcycle or (like the concepts by Mini, Smart and BMW) a scooter. But he says there would never be a "Ducati wearing an Audi badge," characterizing the vehicle as a "future mobility solution. Thus, Autocar predicts the new vehicle will be a scooter of some sort.

Audi mulling sporty new people carrier and... a scooter?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi minivanaudi mpvaudi scooterducatiminivanmpvpeople moverpeter schwarzenbauerscooterTue, 17 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20278954/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/17/audi-mulling-sporty-new-people-carrier-and-a-scooter/20278954/article-detail.xml 20278954 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-audi-q5-dead-on-front_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-audi-q5-dead-on-front.jpg <![CDATA[Mini Traveller/Spacebox mule suggests van/MPV cometh]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/mini-traveller-spacebox-mule-suggests-van-mpv-cometh/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/mini-traveller-spacebox-mule-suggests-van-mpv-cometh/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/mini-traveller-spacebox-mule-suggests-van-mpv-cometh/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mini Spacebox/Traveller Mule - red - front three-quarter dynamic view

It looks like BMW is set to put the Mini back in minivan, with an enlarged version of its Countryman crossover.

Our spy photographers snagged these shots of the jumbo-sized Mini mule testing in Europe and wearing conventional Countryman bodywork. But if you look closely, you can see that the front wheels have moved forward a bit, suggesting the Mini people mover will have a longer wheelbase than the Countryman. It should also prove to be wider to accommodate three across in the backseat, which is probably why the mule has those extended fender flares.

Sources say the five-passenger Mini van will debut as a concept named "Spacebox," though the production version could pick up the vintage "Traveller" moniker. Expect to see something on the streets by 2014.

Check out all the high-res images in our gallery.

Mini Traveller/Spacebox mule suggests van/MPV cometh originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>minimini spaceboxmini travellerminivanmpvmulespaceboxspy shotstravellerMon, 25 Jun 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20265483/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/25/mini-traveller-spacebox-mule-suggests-van-mpv-cometh/20265483/article-detail.xml 20265483 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mini-spacebox-mule-spy-photos-001-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mini-spacebox-mule-spy-photos-001-opt.jpg <![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.


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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[Chrysler 700C concept minivan quietly rolls into Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/chrysler-700c-concept-minivan-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/chrysler-700c-concept-minivan-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/chrysler-700c-concept-minivan-detroit-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The crowd here at the Detroit Auto Show may be oohing and aahing over the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, but something else caught our eye at the Chrysler display here inside Cobo Hall. The swoopy minivan you see above is the Chrysler 700C Concept, a vehicle that we hadn't heard a peep about until we spent a few minutes talking with Rick Deneau from Chrysler Brand Communications.

Deneau tells us that, in essence, the 700C is simply a design study of what the future of the Chrysler minivan could look like, and that its presence here in Detroit is simply to gauge interest from not only the media, but consumers and the general public. It's a three-row vehicle, styled here at Chrysler's headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and truth be told, that's really all there is to say.

It's a futuristic look for a minivan, and significantly more swoopy than the decidedly boxy Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan twins that currently roam the streets. The backwards-sloping sheetmetal that disguises the B-pillar is interesting, as are the rear taillamps that extend upward onto the rear wheel well arches. Even so, many of the Autoblog staffers have mentioned that, while forward-thinking, this concept looks like it could have been designed ages ago. We can even see a bit of last-generation Nissan Quest in the rear three-quarter and side profile, too.

Check out the 700C Concept for yourself in our attached high-res image gallery, and give us your take on this minivan design study in Comments.

Chrysler 700C concept minivan quietly rolls into Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>700c700c conceptchryslerconceptdetroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showminivanMon, 09 Jan 2012 17:23:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144379/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/09/chrysler-700c-concept-minivan-detroit-2012/20144379/article-detail.xml 20144379 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-chrysler-700c-concept628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-chrysler-700c-concept628.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[How do you say "Chrysler minivan" in Italian? "Lancia Voyager"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/how-do-you-say-chrysler-minivan-in-italian-lancia-voyager/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/how-do-you-say-chrysler-minivan-in-italian-lancia-voyager/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/how-do-you-say-chrysler-minivan-in-italian-lancia-voyager/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Lancia Voyager

The Chrysler-Fiat merger has already spawned some nicely badge-engineered Chryslers for the U.K. market, and now comes payback. The 2012 Lancia Voyager goes on sale in Europe this month, and if it looks like a Chrysler Town & Country Limited, well, that's because it is.

Save for some rather tastefully applied badging identifying the upscale Italian brand - and the removal of the TC's chrome bodyside molding - we're hard pressed to see much difference between the U.S. and Euro versions of the people mover, at least on the surface. Underhood, however, Lancia will be offering a 2.8-liter common rail turbodiesel that's unavailable in the States.

While the diesel is only rated at a meager 163 horsepower, its 265 pound-feet of torque is more than the Pentastar V6 gasoline engine, which is also an option overseas. Fiat says the diesel Voyager is good for 30 miles per gallon in the European combined cycle; the 283-horsepower Pentastar manages just 22 mpg in this application.

This would be the place where we would normally grumble about not getting the diesel version here in the U.S., but we're not going to do that this time. After all, it's just a Chrysler minivan. See the full press release after the break.

Continue reading How do you say "Chrysler minivan" in Italian? "Lancia Voyager"

How do you say "Chrysler minivan" in Italian? "Lancia Voyager" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 lancia voyagerchryslerchrysler-fiat mergerfiatlanciaminivanvoyagerThu, 20 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20086325/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/20/how-do-you-say-chrysler-minivan-in-italian-lancia-voyager/20086325/article-detail.xml 20086325 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lancia-voyager_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lancia-voyager.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Nissan Quest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/08/2011-nissan-quest-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/08/2011-nissan-quest-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/08/2011-nissan-quest-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A Minivan-Shaped SUV Minus The Ground Clearance

2011 Nissan Quest

The last-gen Nissan Quest minivan was an oddball. It had good power, handled quite well, and was unconventional-looking. The thing is, unconventional isn't necessarily the best thing for a vehicle as mainstream as a minivan. Nissan pulled the plug on the funky-looking Quest after the 2009 model year, promising to return after skipping 2010.

So here we are with the new 2011 Nissan Quest, which is essentially a less dramatic-looking Nissan Elgrand (as it's known in Japan). It arrives in a minivan segment that's as competitive as ever and stacked with new products. The excellent 2011 Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna lead the class. Chrysler punted the gimmicky in-car card tables, banished the trashy interiors, and released the greatly improved Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country. We grabbed the keys to a new Quest to see whether it really hangs with the A-listers.

Continue reading 2011 Nissan Quest

2011 Nissan Quest originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 nissan questfeaturedminivannissannissan quest reviewquestreviewreviewsMon, 08 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20011606/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/08/2011-nissan-quest-review/20011606/article-detail.xml 20011606 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/2011-nissan-quest-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/2011-nissan-quest-review.jpg <![CDATA[Ford cancels seven-passenger C-Max for U.S., focuses solely on Hybrid and Energi models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/ford-cancels-seven-passenger-c-max-for-north-america-focuses-so/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/ford-cancels-seven-passenger-c-max-for-north-america-focuses-so/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/ford-cancels-seven-passenger-c-max-for-north-america-focuses-so/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Ford C-Max
2012 Ford C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery

Turns out Americans won't be getting another crack at a Euro-style mini minivan. Ford has officially canceled plans for its seven-passenger C-Max for the United States. Fans of small-in-stature MPVs may still be able to find what they are looking for in the Mazda5, but definitely not in Ford dealerships.

The retraction of the seven-seater means the U.S. market will be left with the C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi electric vehicle. These vehicles eschew the minivan-spec sliding side doors in favor of four regularly hinged portals and a rear hatchback. The Hybrid is expected to boast better than 41 miles per gallon on the highway, while the plug-in Energi promises to boast 500 miles of driving range from its battery and gasoline engine combined, along with better fuel efficiency than the Chevrolet Volt. We look forward to verifying those claims.

Ford is keen to point out that the C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi (yep, spelled with an 'i') models will be built alongside its 2012 Ford Focus and Focus Electric at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. Why is that important? Assuming all goes to plan, Wayne will be the first plant in the world to produce gasoline-powered vehicles, full-electric vehicles, hybrid and plug-in hybrids under the same roof.

If you'd like, you're free to peruse the official press release after the break, which is not surprisingly focused much more on the two promised green-mobile five-seaters than on the death of the seven-seater. Now, if you'll excuse us for a moment, we're going to don our solid-black Sunday Bests and mourn the passing of Ford's planned seven-seater. Poor thing never even had a chance...

Continue reading Ford cancels seven-passenger C-Max for U.S., focuses solely on Hybrid and Energi models

Ford cancels seven-passenger C-Max for U.S., focuses solely on Hybrid and Energi models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-maxc-max energic-max hybridc-max minivanc-max mpvfordgrand c-maxminivanmpvwayne assemblyThu, 09 Jun 2011 13:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19963043/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/09/ford-cancels-seven-passenger-c-max-for-north-america-focuses-so/19963043/article-detail.xml 19963043 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/ford-c-max-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/ford-c-max-630.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Chrysler minivan to see return of all-wheel drive, spawn second model]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/next-gen-chrysler-minivan-to-see-return-of-all-wheel-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/next-gen-chrysler-minivan-to-see-return-of-all-wheel-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/next-gen-chrysler-minivan-to-see-return-of-all-wheel-drive/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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[Cars.com performs ultimate minivan shootout. Guess who won...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/cars-com-performs-ultimate-minivan-shootout-guess-who-won/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/cars-com-performs-ultimate-minivan-shootout-guess-who-won/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/cars-com-performs-ultimate-minivan-shootout-guess-who-won/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Cars.com rounded up the year's crop of new minivans for a comparison, the rare thrill being that minivans from every major maker are completely fresh for 2011. The entrants were the Nissan Quest (pictured), Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town & Country, Volkswagen Routan and Dodge Grand Caravan.

The testing format was also novel, in that Cars.com paired its own editors with reviewers from USA Today and the MotorWeek television show, plus the Weatherby family, an 'average' family of five - husband, wife and three kids.

After three days of testing and the tallying of numerous criteria, there was, of course, one 7-seater to rule them all. We won't tell you which one it is, but its reviews included both "It doesn't look like such a mommy car" and "Distressingly ugly in profile." The Cars.com video review is after the jump, or head over to the link for the long-form skinny.

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Continue reading Cars.com performs ultimate minivan shootout. Guess who won...

Cars.com performs ultimate minivan shootout. Guess who won... originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 May 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chrysler town and country2011 dodge grand caravan2011 honda odyssey2011 nissan quest2011 toyota sienna2011 volkswagen routancars.comchrysler town and countrydodge grand caravanhonda odysseyminivannissan questshootouttoyota siennavolkswagen routanSun, 29 May 2011 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19952596/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/29/cars-com-performs-ultimate-minivan-shootout-guess-who-won/19952596/article-detail.xml 19952596 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/carscomminivancomparo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/carscomminivancomparo.jpg -1 2