Chrysler Takes New Approach to Minivan
Chrysler is taking a different approach to their lines of minivans. No longer are they wanting to attract soccer moms to buy the minivan, but are now trying to make the van more appealing to men. The Dodge Grand Caravan is the van that the company is dubbing the 'man van' since it has features that the car maker believes will attract more men. In recent years the minivan has suffered some great loses because women are no longer driving these, and are instead looking at the SUV sector since they are just an all around better looking vehicle in most women's eyes.
At the Chicago Auto Show, the Dodge 'man van' Grand Caravan will be making its debut to the world. While it should be arriving at dealerships in the second quarter, however, the company has yet to set a price for the new man van.
What is going to be new for the man van? First off the interior is said to be black with red splotches of color to give a more tough appeal, while the sound system is going to contain nine speakers, and a suspension that is usually only found on performance cars. This is really a trial and error vehicle, as Chrysler is just trying to figure out a way in which they can improve sales in the minivan market that is faltering in the economy. Most other automakers have the same idea, however, Chrysler is the first to take the approach of developing a more man friendly van.
Will this approach win out? This is debatable. Minivans have always been known for the soccer mom's ride. It is going to be hard to shed this image. However, if Chrysler does succeed with marketing the van towards more men, then they can be certain that they are going to dominate the minivan market. Which could be the success that Chrysler needs in order to get back into the game.
