Chrysler to Broaden Minivan Appeal and Introduce Four New
Models in 2002
Company Expands 'e-Strategy' to Target Competition
and Attract New Minivan Buyers
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 27 After successfully launching
its Chrysler and Dodge eX minivans directly into the heart of the market
earlier this year, the Chrysler Group will add four new 'e' models to its
extensive menu of minivans this fall. Now with 21 models from which to
choose, Chrysler and Dodge continue to offer the largest selection in the
segment.
Chrysler Town & Country eX and Dodge Grand Caravan eX were launched in
mid-March of 2001. To date, more than 17,000 eX units have been sold. For
the 2002 model year, the Chrysler Group will add four new additions to its 'e'
family of minivans: Chrysler Voyager eC, Dodge Caravan eC, Chrysler Town &
Country eL and Dodge Grand Caravan eL. Production for the new models will
begin in late-September of 2001 and will arrive in Chrysler and Dodge
dealerships by October.
"Our focus is clear," said James C. Schroer, Executive Vice President,
Global Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group. "And that focus is on winning.
Approximately 75 percent of minivan shoppers use the Internet to gather
information before visiting their local dealers to compare and make their
purchase. Our e-strategy offers consumers attractive, complete, high-value
models in critical parts of the minivan segment."
2002 Chrysler Voyager eC and Dodge Caravan eC
Starting at $16,995 (which includes $640 for destination), Chrysler
Voyager eC and Dodge Caravan eC will be positioned as the most affordable
minivans in the market. Chrysler Voyager eC and Dodge Caravan eC are
standard-wheelbase, four-cylinder, five-passenger minivans. A short list of
optional equipment includes a seven-passenger seating package, rear defrost,
adjustable pedals, power locks and side air bags.
"Our new Chrysler and Dodge eC models offer the lowest point of entry for
young families in the market for an affordable minivan," said Schroer. "We
currently have a 62 percent market share for minivans priced below $20,000.
Our new Chrysler and Dodge eC models will help solidify our position in this
part of the market, while attracting new buyers who feel they may have
previously been priced out of this segment."
2002 Chrysler Town & Country eL and Dodge Grand Caravan eL
In addition to its new eC models, Chrysler and Dodge will offer eL models
that will be positioned as high-value, entry-level long-wheelbase minivans.
Chrysler Town & Country eL and Dodge Grand Caravan eL are targeted directly at
the Honda Odyssey LX and will offer the following standard features: 3.3-liter
V6 engine, quad seats, minivan-first split 50/50 Easy Out(R) roller seats, and
first and second row storage trays. Optional equipment includes a roof rack,
right power sliding door, side air bags and adjustable pedals. The
manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2002 Chrysler Town &
Country eL is $24,330 (which includes $655 for destination), or $360 less than
the 2002 Honda Odyssey LX. The MSRP for the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan eL is
$24,175 (which includes $655 destination), or $515 less than the 2002 Honda
Odyssey LX.
"With our new 2002 Chrysler and Dodge eL models, we are now offering
minivan shoppers apples-to-apples models to compare with the competition,"
said Schroer. "Anyone in the market for a Honda Odyssey LX should compare it
directly with our eL models in order to determine which is the best minivan.
Similar to eX, we feel confident that dollar for dollar, feature for feature,
mile for mile, we still offer the best minivan on the planet."
2002 Chrysler Town & Country eX and Dodge Grand Caravan eX
Launched in mid-March of 2001, Dodge and Chrysler eX minivan models were
targeted directly at the Honda Odyssey EX and potential minivan buyers who
conducted research on the Internet before visiting their local dealership.
Chrysler Town & Country eX and Dodge Grand Caravan eX are extended-
wheelbase minivans that feature an industry-first power up and down liftgate,
minivan-first power center console, minivan-first split 50/50 Easy Out(R)
roller seats, three-zone temperature control, four-wheel disc brakes with
traction control and a 215 horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine. Other features
include a passenger-side power sliding door, second row bucket seats, and 16-
inch tires and aluminum wheels. Optional features include side air bags,
adjustable pedals and driver-side power sliding door. The MSRP for the 2002
Chrysler Town & Country eX is $26,830 (which includes $655 destination), or
$360 less than the 2002 Honda Odyssey EX. The MSRP for the 2002 Dodge Grand
Caravan eX is $26,725 (which includes $655 destination), or $465 less than the
2002 Honda Odyssey EX.
Minivan Market
The minivan market remains vibrant. For the 2000 calendar year, the
entire minivan segment climbed to an all-time high of 1.6 million sales in
North America. And for the 2001 calendar year, Chrysler Group minivan market
share has increased to 39 percent, from 35.7 percent in 2000.
In terms of total minivans sold, the Chrysler Group continues to outsell
its nearest rivals, General Motors and Ford, by a nearly two-to-one margin,
and Honda by nearly four-to-one.
