First-Generation Dodge Caravan Joins Smithsonian Collection

National Museum of American History Displays First-Generation Dodge Caravan In New 'America on the Move' Exhibition

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 4 -- When the "magic wagon," or minivan, was first introduced to the public in November of 1983, it revolutionized family transportation. It replaced the station wagon, revolutionized the cup holder industry and put America's families on wheels. Chrysler Group today announced that the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History has added a first-generation Dodge Caravan to its collections.

A 1986 Dodge Caravan will be featured in the museum's unique, new transportation exhibit titled, "America on the Move," which opens November 22, 2003. Commanding nearly 26,000 square feet, "America on the Move" will feature more than 300 objects and provide a multi-media educational experience on the role transportation played in the nation's development from 1876 to present.

"To this day, the minivan continues to answer the call for thoughtful, practical, flexible family transportation," said Dieter Zetsche, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler Group. "With command-of-the-road chair- height seating, minivans are extremely fun to drive and now offer a variety of amenities including a power liftgate, Rear Seat Video(R), power sliding doors, and up to 14 cup holders.

"It's an incredible honor to have one of our first-generation Dodge Caravans featured in one of the most prestigious museums in the world," said Zetsche. "And it's great timing as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the minivan and the year we sold our 10 millionth minivan worldwide."

Today, Chrysler Group sells minivans in more than 70 countries and continues to lead the U.S. minivan market segment with a 38 percent market share. Since November of 1983, Chrysler Group has sold more than 10 million minivans worldwide, introduced 50 minivan-first features, and earned more than 150 awards industry-wide.

Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan and Dodge Caravan are manufactured in St. Louis, Missouri; Ontario, Canada; and Graz, Austria.