MINIVANS

FCA’s sales streak should continue with minivans providing an unlikely contribution.

Car manufacturers track sales carefully, using monthly statistics to measure progress. Any month-over-month change falling outside of expected parameters can result in a change in strategy, including short-term production output, what incentives are offered to consumers, and a host of behind-the-scenes adjustments.

Yes, automakers often place outsized importance on sales changes, especially in the ultra-competitive and highly profitable US consumer market. Manufacturers aren’t always patient when it comes to short-range developments.

Jeep, Ram Propel FCA

Fiat Chrysler is riding a 73-month streak of year-over-year sales increases, the longest in the industry. After sales bottomed out during the last recession and just as Fiat gained control of Chrysler, the automaker has been nearly unstoppable. Credit the Jeep brand and Ram trucks with much of that continued good fortune, but when sales are tallied this month, a trio of oft-dismissed minivans may hold the key to FCA’s continued expansion.

The Chrysler Corporation launched the modern minivan movement in 1983 with the introduction of the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. From the onset, Chrysler has dominated the segment, typically accounting for at least 50 percent of the industry’s sales. But minivans have long since peaked as customers flocked to more versatile crossover utility vehicles.

Since last fall, FCA has been in transition concerning its minivan products. The automaker invested upwards of $2.6 billion to develop a new model, the Chrysler Pacifica, while also continuing production of the Dodge Grand Caravan. The Chrysler Town & Country is officially canceled, but before shutting down production FCA pushed out thousands of models, flooding dealer inventories with the same.

Chrysler Pacifica Production Begins

Chrysler Pacifica production began on Feb. 29 and just 487 copies were sold in April. May will be this model’s first full month and sales should prove robust.

At the same time, Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan sales continue with year-to-date sales up 64 and 104 percent respectively through April 2016.

Strong Incentive on Three Minivan Models

Propelling sales for both models are strong incentives. As of publication, Town & Country incentives include a $3,500 cash allowance or 1.9 percent financing for up to 84 months plus an additional $500 back. Grand Caravan incentives also come in at $3,500 along with 0 percent financing for 60 months plus a $1,500 cash allowance. Additional incentives should bring in deeper cuts, especially for remaining 2015 inventory.

Lease deals are also available, depending on the trim level selected. Typically, you’ll pay $289 to $299 per month for 36 months, with $2,999 down. However, CarsDirect.com explains that the Dodge lease on Grand Caravan SE isn’t especially attractive, considering its low MSRP.

Despite being a new model, financing and lease deals on the Chrysler Pacifica are in place. Right now, Chrysler is offering a $2,000 cash credit on the Pacifica. Or, buyers can choose 0 percent financing for 36 months and receive $1,500 cash back. If leasing is your preference, a Pacifica LX can be had for $269 per month with $1,999 due at signing.

Well-Stocked Inventory and May 2016 Sales

Last week, Automotive News noted that as of the beginning of May, 22,170 Town & Countrys and 29,247 Grand Caravans were unsold, representing a two-month inventory. Add in thousands of Pacificas and FCA’s dominance in the minivan segment will continue.

The timing of the Pacifica’s release coincides with curtailing Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart sedan sales. Jeep and Ram sales should continue to bolster the automaker for May; together FCA is looking at a 74th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases and should do so despite two fewer selling days this year.

Chrysler Minivan History

Regardless of what either manufacturer claims, the Chrysler minivans did change the market and in a way that Volkswagen never did. Indeed, when the first two models rolled out, it forever changed the way that people look at vans and people movers in general. With the advent of the minivan, the tired station wagon was assured its demise and larger families no longer had to resort to opting for the bulky and inefficient vans sold by GM, Ford and Chrysler.

Yesterday’s minivans were based on the K-car platform, one of several model lines Chrysler used to power its cars in the 1980s. Those vans were truly “mini” in proportion and powered by four cylinder engines. Today’s vans have largely dropped the mini appellation as they’ve grown bigger and heavier over the years. The V-6 engine is the common choice for these vans, a market that has been eclipsed by crossover utility vehicles.

The 30th anniversary Dodge Grand Caravan.

The 30th anniversary edition Dodge Grand Caravan.

30th Anniversary Models

To mark its 30th minivan anniversary, the Chrysler Group announced in Sept. that it would release special anniversary editions of its current models. Both the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan will be available in 30th anniversary editions, models that feature unique content including special paint, black interior trim and commemorative badging.

Chrysler will base the 30th anniversary Chrysler Town & Country on its Touring-L model. That includes the 3.6-liter V-6 engine used across the model line and its accompanying six-speed automatic transmission. These models will be outfitted with 17-inch aluminum wheels with polished faces and satin carbon pockets, and an available Granite Crystal Pearl Coat paint.

Inside, the anniversary edition Town & Country are black Alcantara seat inserts with Nappa seat bolsters, updated steering wheel and instrument panel trim, a power folding third-row seat and the Driver’s Convenience Group. That group includes heated first- and second-row seating, keyless entry, power adjustable pedals and bright door handles. You will also get power folding side mirrors.

For the Dodge Grand Caravan, the special edition package will be available with both the SE and SXT trim levels. Corresponding interior and exterior enhancements found on the Town & Country will be available here and will also include the Uconnect Handsfree Group with a one-year SiriusXM Satellite Radio subscription, Bluetooth streaming audio and voice command, and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

Grand Caravan SXT models step things up with fog lamps, automatic headlights, leatherette seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat and the appropriate badging. Bright work trim embellishments will further distinguish this model from the SE.

Built in Canada

Besides it claim to being the first producer of minivans, Chrysler says that it has sold twice as many models than any other manufacturer, selling more than 13 million units to date. Chrysler claims a number of firsts too including its patented “Stow ‘n Go” seating and Blu-ray rear-seat entertainment system. As always, Chrysler’s minivans have been built in Windsor, Ontario, it sole supplier to the world.

How many iterations of the Chrysler’s minivans have there been? Following the Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan, extended wheelbase models were named Grand Voyager and Grand Caravan respectively. The Chrysler Town & Country came later and when Plymouth folded, the Voyager was sold as Chrysler briefly before being dropped. The Volkswagen Routan is another model, produced for the German manufacturer for four model years ending in 2012. That makes seven models for North America and eight total if you include the Lancia Grand Voyager.