Chrysler Celebrates 15th Anniversary of the Minivan
29 October 1998
Chrysler Celebrates 15th Anniversary of the Minivan: Company Unveils Three Concept Minivans and Gives Away 7 Millionth
WINDSOR, Ontario and ST. LOUIS, Oct. 29 -- Chrysler
Corporation's "Magic Wagon", or minivan, has been credited with
replacing the station wagon, forever changing the landscape of highways and
driveways, saving a Fortune 500 company from bankruptcy -- and even
revolutionizing the cup holder industry. Today, Chrysler marked the 15th
Anniversary of the Minivan at two of its North American minivan assembly
plants in St. Louis, Missouri, and Windsor, Ontario -- the birthplace of the
minivan.
"Minivans are the crown jewels of Chrysler Corporation," said Chrysler
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Eaton in a speech to employees
at the company's Windsor Assembly Plant. "We sell 700,000 minivans worldwide
every year and still hold a 45 percent share of the minivan market despite new
competition. In addition, we have built an extremely loyal customer base by
continuing to delight our owners with numerous minivan-firsts including a
driver-side sliding door, integrated child safety seats, and all-wheel drive.
Without question, there's something to be said for being first and being the
best."
In addition to celebrating its past, Chrysler showcased three minivan
concept vehicles: Plymouth Voyager XG, Dodge Caravan R/T and Chrysler
Pacifica.
Plymouth Voyager XG, which is intended for a new generation of minivan
buyers, is powered by a 2.5-liter turbo diesel engine and a five-speed manual
transaxle which would achieve nearly 30 miles per gallon. Voyager XG has a
powered retractable roof, removable storage pod that serves as a built-in ice
chest, and numerous storage cargo nets. With its bright graphics and blue
tinted windows, XG graphics have cues from high-quality mountain bikes and
sunglasses.
Painted in Viper Red, Dodge Caravan R/T is a concept that explores adding
even more performance to the minivan market segment. Caravan R/T is armed
with 18-inch wheels, AutoStick(R) transaxle, a rear spoiler and the most
powerful in class 225 horsepower 3.5-liter aluminum multi-valve V-6 engine.
The performance theme continues inside with a brushed aluminum instrument
panel, race-inspired accelerator and brake pedals, and black rubber flooring
with a raised rubber texture making the vehicle a virtual race car shop on
wheels.
Chrysler Pacifica takes minivan luxury to new heights. Inspired by
executive jet travel, Pacifica introduces numerous minivan-firsts including
overhead storage bins, adjustable, power leather seats with power foot rests
and sky lights that run the length of the roof. Pacifica's grille is
distinctive and similar to that of the all-new 1999 Chrysler LHS with its
egg-crate design and chrome edging. The winged Chrysler medallion adorns the
grille while sculptured headlamp bezels house compact projector beams and turn
signals which flow seamlessly into the hood.
Separately, at Chrysler's St. Louis South Assembly Plant celebration, the
seven millionth minivan was presented to 22-year-old Tim Forneris, the
St. Louis Cardinals' grounds keeper who retrieved and returned Mark McGwire's
record-breaking 62nd home run ball. Shamel T. Rushwin, Chrysler's Vice
President of International Manufacturing and Minivan Assembly Operations, said
Forneris represented the spirit of St. Louis before presenting him with a
brand new 1999 Chrysler Town & Country Limited, which was painted in Cardinal
Red and featured "NO 62" vanity license plates.
"This is an honor," said Forneris. "This is Chrysler's ultimate minivan
and they built it for me. It'll be perfect for road trips and taking friends
and family to and from the ball park."
Industry-wide, minivans account for approximately eight percent of all new
vehicles sold in North America. Chrysler Corporation minivans, which include
Plymouth Voyager, Dodge Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country are manufactured
in St. Louis, Missouri; Windsor, Canada; and Graz, Austria.