Industry Debates Minivan Survival Amid Ongoing Sales Slump

[T-Type]

Industry Debates Minivan Survival Amid Ongoing Sales Slump
By Christie Schweinsberg
WardsAuto.com, Dec 29, 2006 10:06 AM

Some auto industry observers consider the minivan an endangered species, like the station wagon it replaced, while others claim the traditional minivan need only undergo an image makeover to spice demand.

Against this debate, the numbers clearly show the segment’s current appeal is on a slippery slope. Sales of minivans in 2006, classified as Small Vans according to Ward’s segmentation, fell 11.7% through November, to 896,458 units vs. 1,015,392 in like-2005, Ward’s data shows.

With December drawing to a close, the segment likely will miss the 1 million-unit mark for first time since 1992.

http://wardsauto.com/ar/industry_debates_minivans/

[soloyosh]

Curious to see the new Chrysler and the VW offerings...

[desmo9]

What's the difference between a minivan and the taller CUVs? Just the switch from sliding rear doors to hinged rear doors, right? And that somehow means the "death of the minivan" ?? It seems like a big marketing ploy, because the word "van" is not as desirable as "CUV" . Maybe the CUVs have slightly lower roofs, as well ... but not always.

And what if it's determined that some people want sliding doors, so some CUVs start using sliding doors. What are the vehicles called then?

The subject "debate" really isn't one. It's nothing but a word game amid subtle variations of people movers.

[Dave B]

Originally Posted by desmo9

And what if it's determined that some people want sliding doors, so some CUVs start using sliding doors. What are the vehicles called then?

Why....SD-CUV of course (Sliding Door - Crossover Utility Vehicle).

Dave

[jbartley]

interesting. it seems Chrysler and the Japanese automakers don't seem to care that the segment is shrinking, by ALOT!

Chrysler is in the same position GM was with it's GMT-800/900's. time to redesign, and you gotta make them fantastic just to hold your market share.

GM is smart to leave, the segment is going to get too small.

[ZRock]

Originally Posted by Dave B

Why....SD-CUV of course (Sliding Door - Crossover Utility Vehicle).

Dave

Nah, by then, the term CUV will be a couple of years old, and the car companies will have to think of another entirely new euphamism to try to fool people into thinking their product is "different". Gotta be a "segment buster" after all

Wagon
Minivan
SUV
SAV
RAV
MPV
Sports Tourer
CSV
CUV
???

[WishIhadatruck]

I know someone that works for GM and he heard of the possibility of a sliding door Lambda SUV. He works at a stamping plant. A van that looks like an SUV? They are still way to expensive to compete at the price many starting vans sell for.

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by soloyosh

Curious to see the new Chrysler and the VW offerings...

Here you go:

Here are some leaked images of the new DCX vans. Not sure what to think of the Dodge rear end. I like the look of the Chrysler T&C. I can't wait to see the interior:

http://www.foro.mopar-extreme.org/showthread.php?t=5912

[mkaresh]

They look a bit like the 1997 GM minivans...which looked too square at the time compared to the 1996 Chryslers. (The designers inside GM much preferred the Chrysler.)

Styling is clean, but definitely far from "gotta have."

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by mkaresh

They look a bit like the 1997 GM minivans...which looked too square at the time compared to the 1996 Chryslers. (The designers inside GM much preferred the Chrysler.)

Styling is clean, but definitely far from "gotta have."

It is the interior of a minivan that defines "gotta have" status. Look at the existing DCX vans - basically unchanged (except for the addition of Sto-N-Go for the 2005 model year) since the 2000 model year. With an exterior that is little changed in eight years - it is hardly "gotta have" but the van remains #1 in sales. Chrysler has excelled on interior features over the years - I suspect that this van will retain its crown as the #1 selling minivan for years to come.

[Bravada]

About as desperate-looking as the "forever young" Odyssey - looks like Chrysler would cobble together the Honda, the Quest and the new Sebring together. I am sorry but I can't see it winning if that's the real thing...

[page2171]

Originally Posted by mkaresh

Styling is clean, but definitely far from "gotta have."

There is no such thing as "gotta have" styling for a minivan, just styling that isn't so bad that you don't want to be seen near it (think CUV).

It is a good thing that DCX didn't make it as fugly as some of the models they have brought out recently, since this will be my only choice for an American minivan.

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by Bravada

About as desperate-looking as the "forever young" Odyssey - looks like Chrysler would cobble together the Honda, the Quest and the new Sebring together. I am sorry but I can't see it winning if that's the real thing...

Its the real thing - and I suspect the DCX vans gain market share when these hit the dealerships. Remember - GM and Ford are gone - and Chrysler has a minivan heritage that people flock to.

I really like the 2008 T&C - the best looking minivan in my opinion.

[Shotgun]

Originally Posted by boblutzfan

Its the real thing - and I suspect the DCX vans gain market share when these hit the dealerships. Remember - GM and Ford are gone - and Chrysler has a minivan heritage that people flock to.

I really like the 2008 T&C - the best looking minivan in my opinion.

I agree. These two vans, particularly the Chrysler, seem to have the best look of all minivans that are currently out there. The interior will be interesting to see. I think the boxier look makes them more appealing than the current ones, like I have.

[page2171]

Originally Posted by Shotgun

I agree. These two vans, particularly the Chrysler, seem to have the best look of all minivans that are currently out there. The interior will be interesting to see. I think the boxier look makes them more appealing than the current ones, like I have.

I agree on the boxier styling (I have an '02 Grand Caravan). I am also interested in seeing how the interior looks.