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[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[Marchionne on Alfa's US return, Dodge Dart's powertrain weakness and minivan plans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chrysler/Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne at Chrysler press conference

As a reporter covering an auto show, the one opportunity you never want to miss is going to the Sergio Marchionne press briefing.

"This undertaking to bring Alfa back is a one-shot deal... We are not going to do this twice."

There just aren't that many real characters left in the auto industry. Marchionne, who sits atop both Chrysler and Fiat, is not only one of the smartest execs in the business, but also the most frank. Herein, a sample of the quotable always-sweatered executive:

A controversial remark on the return of Alfa Romeo to the United States:

"This undertaking to bring Alfa back is a one-shot deal... We are not going to do this twice... Alfas must have 'wop' engines... and we don't have the powertrains worked out just yet.. we won't put any Chrysler engines in Alfas, or Maseratis."

The production Alfa Romeo 4C sports car, which may be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is not ready for a US launch, Marchionne said earlier this week at the Detroit Auto Show. But then, on January 18 at the INforum breakfast in Detroit, Marchionne reportedly reversed course and said the 4C will be ready for US dealers by the end of this year. Given how many delays have been suffered in Alfa's return plans, we'll file this under "wait and see."

Continue reading Marchionne on Alfa's US return, Dodge Dart's powertrain weakness and minivan plans

Marchionne on Alfa's US return, Dodge Dart's powertrain weakness and minivan plans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge dart2014 alfa romeo 4c4calfa romeochryslerdart gtdodgefiatgrand caravanminivanssergio marchionnetown countrytown and countryFri, 18 Jan 2013 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20429611/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/18/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/20429611/article-detail.xml 20429611 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/sergio-marchionne-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/sergio-marchionne-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen to resume Routan minivan production in 2013 after all]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/volkswagen-to-resume-routan-minivan-production-in-2013-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/volkswagen-to-resume-routan-minivan-production-in-2013-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/volkswagen-to-resume-routan-minivan-production-in-2013-after-all/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Last week, we reported that production of the Chrysler-based Volkswagen Routan minivan had been halted since July, and its future seemed grim. It appears now that the Volkswagen minivan will live on, with production resuming in 2013. According to an Automotive News report, the Routan will be unchanged for the 2013 model year (surprise!) and continue to be produced at the Windsor, Ontario facility, where Chrysler assembles the Town and Country.

Questions over the future of the Routan have stemmed from its poor sales performance. Just 8,882 Routans were built through December 15 of this year - a drop of 38 percent over the same time period last year - and 9,923 Routans were sold in the US through the end of November, which is down 17 percent compared to that same stretch of time in 2011. The contract that VW has with Chrysler is set to end with the conclusion of the 2014 model year. Nether company has announced intentions to extend that contract.

As part of Volkswagen's plan to sell 800,000 vehicles by 2018, the minivan seems less and less a part of that strategy. Far more effective, would be a large, three-row crossover, to compete with the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot, and we'll be seeing such a vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show next mont. So while the Routan may live on in the immediate future, its long-term hopes are certainly in question.

Volkswagen to resume Routan minivan production in 2013 after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen routanchryslerroutantown and countryvolkswagenvwTue, 18 Dec 2012 15:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20406021/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/18/volkswagen-to-resume-routan-minivan-production-in-2013-after-all/20406021/article-detail.xml 20406021 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2010-volkswagen-routan_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2010-volkswagen-routan.jpeg <![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[2013 Chrysler Town and Country S adds a dash of cool to your schoolhouse run]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2013-chrysler-town-and-country-s-la-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2013-chrysler-town-and-country-s-la-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2013-chrysler-town-and-country-s-la-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Chrysler Town and Country S

Bringing the Chrysler "S" treatment to the Town and Country minivan does not - let us be clear - make the thing any more formidable to drive. But, kicking in the cool factor for its bread-and-butter grocery-getter might just convince a few more moms and dads to pull the trigger on buying a new family ride.

The Town and Country S trim basically adds a suite of black and black chrome accents to the vehicle, as well as a not-quite-murdered-out-treatment for the interior. The model also comes standard with Chrysler's new Blu-Ray player for the rear seat entertainment system, which is sure to make the kids feel like little ballers, too.

Pictures aplenty to feed your van fetish, live from Los Angeles, above, along with the press release below.

Continue reading 2013 Chrysler Town and Country S adds a dash of cool to your schoolhouse run

2013 Chrysler Town and Country S adds a dash of cool to your schoolhouse run originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 18:21:00 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 showtown and countrytown and country sWed, 28 Nov 2012 18:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20390221/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/28/2013-chrysler-town-and-country-s-la-2012/20390221/article-detail.xml 20390221 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-chrysler-town-country-s-la_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-chrysler-town-country-s-la.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[These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/these-cars-are-headed-to-the-great-crusher-in-the-sky/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/these-cars-are-headed-to-the-great-crusher-in-the-sky/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/these-cars-are-headed-to-the-great-crusher-in-the-sky/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Maybach 62 - two tone paint - front three-quarter view

It happens every year. We bid adieu to some cars and trucks that will be missed, and say good riddance to others wondering how they stayed around so long. Whether they're being killed off for slow sales or due to a new product coming along to replace them, the list of vehicles being discontinued after 2012 is surprisingly long and diverse.

CNN Money has compiled a list of departing vehicles, to which we've added a few more of our own. In the slow sales column, cars like the Lexus HS 250h, Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the full Maybach lineup appear, while the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda CX-7 and Hyundai Veracruz are all having their gaps filled with more modern and more fuel-efficient alternatives. Obvious exceptions to the rule include models that still sell in decent numbers like the Jeep Liberty and the Chrysler Town & Country (which will eventually be replaced by a crossover-like vehicle).

Check out our gallery of discontinued cars above, then scroll down for more information.

Continue reading These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky

These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5762avalanchec70chevroletchryslerdiscontinued carsdodgeelantra touringescape hybridfordg25g37 convertibleg37 coupeg37 sedangrand caravanhs 250hhyundaiinfinitijeepkialandauletlexuslibertymaybachmercedes-benzmitsubishi eclipser-classsedonatown and countryveracruzvolvoFri, 24 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20307436/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/these-cars-are-headed-to-the-great-crusher-in-the-sky/20307436/article-detail.xml 20307436 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/maybach-62-in-two-tone-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/maybach-62-in-two-tone-628.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne confirms Compass, Town & Country to die; Dart to get SRT version]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/marchionne-confirms-compass-town-and-country-to-die-dart-to-get/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/marchionne-confirms-compass-town-and-country-to-die-dart-to-get/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/marchionne-confirms-compass-town-and-country-to-die-dart-to-get/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

2011 Jeep Compass - silver - front three-quarter view

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has shed a little light on the future of a few Chrysler products, including the Jeep Compass, Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Dart. While speaking at the Chrysler Belvidere Assembly Plant, Marchionne said both the Jeep Patriot and Compass will continue to be build at the facility through 2014, at which point it will be replaced by a new model. The executive was mum on the Patriot's future, however. Marchionne also tipped his company's hand on the development of a Dodge Dart SRT model, saying the machine is coming. Right now, the company is simply trying to decide "how big an engine we stick in it."

That has to be a fun debate.

Then there's Chrysler Town & Country. We've already heard word that Chrysler aims to kill off either the Dodge Grand Caravan or the Town & Country, and now it appears the latter is destined to leave the market. Marchionne said the Grand Caravan will be the automaker's only minivan moving forward and that Chrysler will fill the void in its lineup with a new, smaller upscale crossover. Details are slim on that model, though other reports have suggested the machine may resemble to the unloved Mercedes-Benz R-Class.

Marchionne confirms Compass, Town & Country to die; Dart to get SRT version originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler town and countrycompassdartdodge dartdodge dart srtdodge grand caravanfiatfiat-chryslerjeep compassjeep patriotpatriotsergio marchionnesrttown countrytown and countryWed, 30 May 2012 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20247517/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/30/marchionne-confirms-compass-town-and-country-to-die-dart-to-get/20247517/article-detail.xml 20247517 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01-2011-jeep-compass-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01-2011-jeep-compass-review-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.


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>200200 convertibleavengercaliberchevroletchryslerchrysler recallcompassdodgedodge recallgrand caravanjeepjeep compassjeep recalljourneylibertynhtsanitropatriotrecallrecallstown and countrywranglerThu, 16 Jun 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19968654/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/16/chrysler-recalling-11-000-new-vehicles-over-steering-concern/19968654/article-detail.xml 19968654 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/000-2011-chrysler-200-1308233470_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/000-2011-chrysler-200-1308233470.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[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 -1 2