Chrysler strives to retain Minivan market leadership

A six-speed automatic transmission and swiveling second-row seats are among thirty-five new or improved features of the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, which the Chrysler Group unveiled today in the early hours of the North American International Auto Show.

Chrysler Group design Vice President Ralph Gilles noted that the latest iterations of the Town & Country and Grand Caravan have eliminated the “pudge factor" thanks to a wider track, lower sills, bigger tires, and sleeker windows. The Town & Country’s front cap mimics that of the Chrysler 300C, while the Grand Caravan retains the Dodge crosshairs grille.

Chrysler Group hopes to maintain its status as sales leader in the minivan market, a role it has held since introducing the first minivan 23 years ago.