[AMERICA 123]

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html?id=c16c50a5-0ca3-4761-a09d-431312e77f0f

Worth a look - some bits and pieces.

Chrysler readies for hybrid, diesel minivans

Windsor eyed for assembly

Chris Vander Doelen , Canwest News Service

Hybrid and diesel-powered minivans are just around the corner, starting with a Dodge Grand Caravan that will almost certainly be built in Windsor.


And to meet the growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, Volkswagen and Honda are likely to offer diesel versions of their minivans. VW starts assembling its Routan van in Windsor next month, on contract in Chrysler's van assembly plant.

Based on information gleaned from suppliers and other sources, J.D. Power reports that Chrysler intends to put its two-mode hybrid system in the Grand Caravan starting next year.

Chrysler, which admitted it has a well-advanced program to bring electrically-powered vehicles to market within five years, does not comment on specific future product plans.

Based on information gleaned from suppliers and other sources, J.D. Power reports that Chrysler intends to put its two-mode hybrid system in the Grand Caravan starting next year.

But that shift in consumer demand will not make minivans a product of the past. Omotoso said: "There will always be a demand for vehicles that seat five to seven people" and are capable of hauling a family load of baby gear.

J.D. Power is predicting that Chysler will be able to sell up to 7.5 per cent of its 2010 minivan production run as hybrids, or between 12,000 and 13,000 units

 

[RamJet502]

Another smart move from Chrysler, recognizing that SUV sales will continue tanking. Why did we give up on minivans again?

 

[AMERICA 123]

If they do this right, they are going to be standing tall.

Throw in production for VW - and Nissan (possibly) plus this stuff - this Mini is only going to keep getting better.

They do the diesel right and others lolly gag around ( C'mom GM, give me my damn diesels ) - I'll be good for at least two - four.

You can't beat a BOX for certain things.

 

[Butz]

smart move, hope it stops Chrysler downwards spiral

 

[mjd1001]

I think this is one of the few good things Chrysler is coming up with. For the last few years, I wondered why no one wanted to make a Hybrid Minivan. It seems to me to be a logical step. History has shown that famalies are willing to pay $25,000 to over $35,000 for minivans, and often times people buy them because, with kids...they really NEED the space they provide (and in many cases, they provide more space than all but the largest of SUV's. But yet, most minivan owners are not concerned with performance. After all, aren't we all hearing about how much the high gas prices are hurting "american families" that need to haul the kids to the mall, soccer practice, dancing, etc? A little prius may be good for the stop and go driving, but throw in 2 or 3 kids, a friend or two...dancing uniforms or a few soccer balls and clothing..and the Prius isn't going to cut it.

 

[mbukukanyau]

Jim press is smart

 

[Michael_S]

smart move, hope it stops Chrysler downwards spiral

I don't think 13,000 hybrid minivans and another 50,000 diesel minivans (as an optimistic example) are enough to save them.

 

[A Clue]

I don't think 13,000 hybrid minivans and another 50,000 diesel minivans (as an optimistic example) are enough to save them.

Add a zero to the hybrid numbers...

 

[EldoFan]

Add a zero to the hybrid numbers...

Now that's really being optimistic, given how strong Honda, Toyota and Hyundai/Kia already are in this segment (general minivans, not hybrids)

 

[Michael_S]

Add a zero to the hybrid numbers...

J.D. Power is predicting that Chysler will be able to sell up to 7.5 per cent of its 2010 minivan production run as hybrids, or between 12,000 and 13,000 units.

Do you know something that JD Power does not? If 7.5% of Chrysler's 2010 minivan production run is 13,000, then total production is expected to be about 173,000 minivans. You really expect them to be able to make, and sell, well over half their minivans as hybrids in two years?

I'd love to see it, but my bet is that JD Powers is correct.

 

[A Clue]

Do you know something that JD Power does not? If 7.5% of Chrysler's 2010 minivan production run is 13,000, then total production is expected to be about 173,000 minivans. You really expect them to be able to make, and sell, well over half their minivans as hybrids in two years?

I'd love to see it, but my bet is that JD Powers is correct.

Back when the 300 came out, they sold 13K units a month. You don't think they can push 13K hybrid minivans a month?

I do, and if you have been paying attention, Cerberus has been low balling all their forecasts.

 

[Michael_S]

Back when the 300 came out, they sold 13K units a month. You don't think they can push 13K hybrid minivans a month?

I do, and if you have been paying attention, Cerberus has been low balling all their forecasts.

The 300 was in an economic boom cycle with cheap gas, knockout styling, and a $24,000 base price. Plus, they didn't have new technology so Chrysler could make as many as they wanted.

The hybrid minivans are coming in a recession with expensive gas, minivan styling, and probably a $3000 minimum price increase over the base model. For example, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is $6500 more than the base Highlander, though of course it has more standard features. Plus, the hybrid system is new parts, so they may be unable to make as many as they want.

Higher interest than the 300, but less people able to afford them and less production capacity.

I hope you're right but guess you're wrong.

 

[A Clue]

The 300 was in an economic boom cycle with cheap gas, knockout styling, and a $24,000 base price. Plus, they didn't have new technology so Chrysler could make as many as they wanted.

The hybrid minivans are coming in a recession with expensive gas, minivan styling, and probably a $3000 minimum price increase over the base model. For example, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is $6500 more than the base Highlander, though of course it has more standard features. Plus, the hybrid system is new parts, so they may be unable to make as many as they want.

Higher interest than the 300, but less people able to afford them and less production capacity.

I hope you're right but guess you're wrong.

From a marketing standpoint (thats what I do, auto marketing) It doesn't matter what they write about Chrysler, people still believe they build the best mini-van.

Its also been noted that Mrs. Soccer mom has no trouble breaking the bank on a new Van for practical and safety reasons (fuel mileage is now a major part of the practicality)

Take Toyotas marketer that is now on the Chrysler team, and push this thing as a "practical" hybrid, that is more functional for families than a Prius and you will see a winner.

Chrysler always pulls a lucky card when their backs are against the wall, and I believe this will be the next one.

It'll either be this, or the new car that is supposed to replace the Avenger/Sebring that they promise will leave the Camry/Accord in its dust.

And I believe these promises coming from the New Chrysler/Cerberus boys.

 

[Michael_S]

It'll either be this, or the new car that is supposed to replace the Avenger/Sebring that they promise will leave the Camry/Accord in its dust.

It's probably not available any more, but I watched the video unveiling of the Avenger and Sebring by the former CEO of Chrysler. There was much fanfare and bold statements that they had the new segment leader for midsize sedans.

 

[AMERICA 123]

Now that's really being optimistic, given how strong Honda, Toyota and Hyundai/Kia already are in this segment (general minivans, not hybrids)

It's somewhat surprising what those numbers really look like - last two months and YTD.

Sienna's negative trends are bigger than that.

Within the segment Chrysler is doing well.