Chrysler Group 'Floors' Minivan Competition With Yet Another Leapfrog
2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans first to offer "Stow 'n Go"
* Minivan-first feature allows owners to fold second- and third-row seats into the floor with virtually effortless one-hand operation * Stow 'n Go is one of more than 15 new features on the new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan * Best-looking minivans to offer even more safety features and the most refined driving experience * Company invests more than $400 million to create all-new platform and bring new minivans to market in just 18 months
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 8 -- The company that invented the minivan category 20 years ago is working its magic again.
With more than 10 million minivans sold and a segment-leading 38 percent market share, the Chrysler Group today revealed Stow 'n Go and even more minivan-first features on its new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Dodge Grand Caravan. The company's new minivans will arrive in Chrysler and Dodge dealerships early next year.
Chrysler Group invested more than $400 million to create an all-new platform and bring its new 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans to market in just 18 months.
"Stow 'n Go represents yet another leapfrog for the Chrysler Group in the minivan market segment," said Dieter Zetsche, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler Group. "Stow 'n Go offers unmatched convenience, versatility, and storage. It gives customers the ability to easily fold their second- and third-row seats into the floor and conveniently store items. Stow 'n Go is one of more than 15 new features and safety enhancements to look for on our new 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans."
With Stow 'n Go, owners of new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans will have the ability to fold their second- and third- row seats into the floor in as little as 30 seconds with a simple, one-hand operation. Stow 'n Go will be standard on the company's highline long- wheelbase minivans which include the 2005 Chrysler Town & Country LX, Touring and Limited, and the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. Stow 'n Go will also be available on 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SE.
"With 20 years of minivan experience and more than 10 million sold, we will continue to enhance the minivan formula in order to attract even more customers to the segment and keep minivan fans coming back for more," said Zetsche. "At Chrysler Group, we take great pride in every single feature that we invent and every single minivan that we put on the road. Minivans are part of this company's DNA and synonymous with the Chrysler Group."
In addition to the segment's only Stow 'n Go seating system, following is a complete list of available new features on the 2005 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Dodge Grand Caravan:
SEATING AND STORAGE 256 Seating Configurations
New 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans offer up to 256 seating configurations.
Minivan-First Stow 'n Go Seating
Second-row bucket seats may be folded into the floor with virtually effortless one-hand operation. Third-row split bench (60/40) may be folded individually or in its entirety into the floor with same virtually effortless one-hand operation. With safe, smooth, integrated Stow 'n Go seat operation, pinched fingers may be avoided. Headrests do not need to be removed before seats are folded into the floor.
Secure, Covered Stow 'n Go Storage
When second-row seats are in the upright position, two spacious storage bins are available. Second-row storage bins are equipped with integrated lids to keep items out of sight and securely tucked away. Both second- and third- row storage bins combined create an additional 12 cubic feet of space.
Minivan-First Storage Bin Bags
Cargo net bags are standard and integrated into each storage bin, allowing for quick, easy removal of storage items.
Minivan-First Super High Density (SHD) Foam Cushion Seating
Originally developed by NASA to improve seat comfort for astronauts, this foam cushion comfort technology is also used in high-end home and office furniture, aerospace, medical, and Tempur-Pedic(R) mattresses.
Second-Row Seat Fore/Aft Adjusters and Reclining Seat Backs
Second-row seats move forward and back and offer 100 mm of seat travel. Second-row seat back reclines up to 40 degrees, offering 13 different positions from which to choose.
Minivan-First Outboard Break-Away Cup Holders
If outboard second-row seat cup holders are left deployed as seats are folded into the floor, mechanism releases the cup holder and allows the seat to be folded into the floor, leaving the cup holder intact.
Minivan-First Third-Row Easy Entry System
With a pull of a single strap, the second-row seat tumbles out of the way and allows for easy entry into the third row.
Minivan-First Split-Bench Tailgate Seating
In split seconds, the third-row split bench (60/40) may be flipped, individually or in its entirety, completely rearward for convenient, comfortable tailgate seating complete with a weather shelter provided by the liftgate.
Reclining Third-Row Seat
Third-row seat back reclines up to 39 degrees, offering 12 different positions from which to choose.
SAFETY AND SECURITY Three-Row Supplemental Side Curtain Air bags
Three-row, A-to-D pillar side curtain air bags provide full-length coverage for all rows of seats. The side curtain extends protection to all outboard passengers. Both side curtain air bags have impact sensors, which trigger the air bag on the side where impact occurs.
Minivan-First Driver-side Inflatable Knee Blocker
The knee blocker inflates in conjunction with air bag deployment. It helps position the driver relative to the air bag and offers additional upper leg protection.
Advanced Multi-stage Front Air Bags
Provides enhanced protection for a greater range of occupants at various deployment levels, based on the severity of an impact.
Occupant Classification System (OCS)
Determines the conditions for activation or deactivation of the passenger- side front air bag, based on the weight of the occupant.
BeltAlert
Chrysler Group's new enhanced seat belt reminder system. If a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted, the system will periodically activate a chime and illuminate a light in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up.
Child Seat Anchor System
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH) help ease the installation of compatible aftermarket child seats. In addition to second-row seats, this feature is now available in the third-row seating of the new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan.
Rear Park Assist
Rear obstacle detection system with audible warning and rear overhead display.
Minivan-First Standard Door Alert
Signal lights activate when power sliding doors or manual sliding doors are in operation, signaling occupants getting in or out of the vehicle. Feature is standard on all 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans (late availability).
EVEN MORE FEATURES Minivan-First Factory-Installed UConnect(TM) Hands-Free Communication
Integrated into the vehicle's electrical and audio system, wireless Bluetooth(R) technology links to the customer's cell phone. Control buttons are intuitive and conveniently located on the rearview mirror.
Minivan-First Movable/Removable Overhead Rail System
Includes overhead console with three movable/removable storage bins, rear temperature controls, and an optional DVD screen.
Navigation System
Available as factory-installed or through Mopar(R), this single DVD solution contains mapping, points of interest, and business phone numbers throughout the United States. The 4.2-inch full-color display is integrated into the center stack and features AM/FM stereo, CD player, and navigation system in one unit. Screen may be viewed as a detailed map or enlarged to be viewed turn-by-turn.
SOUND OF QUALITY: MOST REFINED DRIVING EXPERIENCE
2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans continue to offer the most refined driving experience in terms of comfort and quietness, an experience that communicates confidence and quality. For 2005, Chrysler Group engineers enhanced this experience by further reducing noise, vibration and harshness:
Quiet Steel
Quiet steel technology was utilized in the recessed floor. The steel has a visco-elastic treatment sandwiched between two steel layers that reduces vibration, road noise, and stone impingement.
Liquid-Applied Spray Dampener
Robotically applied liquid spray dampener technology provides barrier to noise entering the passenger compartment. The damping treatment is applied to the floor, toe-pan, cowl, and roof panel.
Polyurethane Foam
Expandable polyurethane foam is injected into cavities at the base of the cowl plenum, liftgate opening, and center and rear door pillars.
New Underbody Structure
The new underbody structure is designed for high bending and torsional stiffness, which helps isolate suspension vibration and chatter from passenger compartment.
Hydro Engine Mount
A fluid-filled hydro engine mount significantly reduces engine vibration into the front rails to help isolate engine vibration.
Hydro Bushings
Suspension control arms utilize tuned hydro bushings to further reduce suspension vibration.
Tuned Super High Density (SHD) Second-Row Seating
Second-row foam seating technology is tuned to dampen vibration to the occupants.
Tight-Tolerancing
Engineering and manufacturing's precision of the folding seats and covers ensure that seats remain free of squeaks and rattles.
Wind Noise
Wind noise was reduced by incorporating triple door seals, molded gaskets, aerodynamically configured roof rack cross bows, and a spiraled antenna.
Results
These initiatives make the 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans more than 16 percent quieter.
BEST-LOOKING, BEST-SELLING MINIVANS LOOK EVEN BETTER: 2005 CHRYSLER AND DODGE MINIVANS "DESIGNED FROM THE INSIDE OUT"
Interior of 2005 Chrysler Town & Country
* Elegant appearance achieved with all-new Sycamore wood designed into the center stack bezel and complemented with satin silver accents
* Beautiful wood and satin silver appearance continues on the door bolsters and throughout entire cabin
* Chromed Chrysler badging with jeweled Chrysler seal integrated into steering wheel horn pad
* Touring model features satin silver appearance on the center stack bezel
Exterior of 2005 Chrysler Town & Country
* Chrysler's prominent winged badge extends the entire width of grille, which now features four horizontal chromed bars
* New, distinguished sculpted dual headlamps and a new front fascia that includes a carved, molded-in license plate pocket and precise circular fog lamps
* Chromed fascia inserts complete new premium front-end appearance
* Bright roof rack and new cladding with chromed inserts highlight the side view
* New rear fascia includes chromed inserts with four integrated sensors for rear park assist
Interior of Dodge Caravan * New chromed Dodge badging integrated into steering wheel horn pad * SE features new mechanical grained appearance on the center stack bezel * SXT features new carbon-weave design on the center stack bezel Exterior of Dodge Caravan * Distinct Dodge crosshair grille is instantly recognizable as Dodge
* New front fascia with a molded-in license plate pocket and new fog lamps
* New machined body-side moldings with chromed inserts highlight side view
Since November of 1983, Chrysler Group has sold more than 10 million minivans and earned more than 150 awards for its impressive lineup of Chrysler and Dodge minivans.
Dodge Caravan, Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country are built in Windsor, Ontario; St. Louis, Missouri; and Graz, Austria.
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