Sam Memmolo
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Also…Did you know ...
CHRYSLER Group “Floors” MINIVAN Competition with yet another
Leapfrog...
The company that
invented the minivan category 20 years ago is working its magic again.
With more than 10 million minivans sold and a segment-leading 38 percent market share, the highest in the marketplace, the Chrysler Group today revealed Stow ‘n Go and even more minivan-first features on its new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. The company’s new minivans will arrive in Chrysler and Dodge dealerships early next year. Chrysler Group invested more than $400 million to create an all-new platform and bring its new 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans to market in just 18 months. “Stow ‘n Go represents yet another leapfrog for the Chrysler Group in the minivan market segment,” said Dieter Zetsche, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler Group. “Stow ‘n Go offers unmatched convenience, versatility, and storage. It gives customers the ability to easily fold their second- and third-row seats into the floor and conveniently store items. Stow ‘n Go is one of more than 15 new features and safety enhancements to look for on our new 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans.” With Stow ‘n Go, owners of new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans will have the ability to fold their second- and third-row seats into the floor in as little as 30 seconds with a simple, one-hand operation. Stow ‘n Go will be standard on the company’s highline long-wheelbase minivans which include the 2005 Chrysler Town & Country LX, Touring and Limited, and the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. Stow ‘n Go will be available on 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SE.
“With 20 years of minivan experience and more than 10 million sold, we will continue to enhance the minivan formula in order to attract even more customers to the segment and keep minivan fans coming back for more,” said Zetsche. “At Chrysler Group, we take great pride in every single feature that we invent and every single minivan that we put on the road. Minivans are part of this company’s DNA and synonymous with the Chrysler Group.” In addition to the segment’s only Stow ‘n Go seating system, following is a complete list of available new features on the new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Dodge Grand Caravan: Seating and Storage
Minivan-First Stow ‘n Go Seating: Second-row bucket seats may be folded into the floor with virtually effortless one-hand operation. Third-row split bench (60/40) may be folded individually or in its entirety into the floor with same virtually effortless one-hand operation. With safe, smooth, integrated Stow ‘n Go seat operation, pinched fingers may be avoided. Headrests do not need to be removed before seats are folded into the floor Secure, Covered Stow ‘n Go Storage: When second-row seats are in the upright position, two spacious storage bins are available creating an additional 12 cubic feet of storage (each bin offers six cubic feet of storage). Second-row storage bins are equipped with integrated lids to keep items out of sight and securely tucked away Minivan-First Storage Bin Bags: Cargo net bags are standard and integrated into each storage bin, allowing for quick, easy removal of storage items Minivan-First Super High Density (SHD) Foam Cushion Seating: Originally developed by NASA to improve seat comfort for astronauts, this foam cushion comfort technology is also used in high-end home and office furniture, aerospace, medical, and Tempur-Pedic® mattresses Second-Row Seat Fore/Aft Adjusters and Reclining Seat Backs: Second-row seats move forward and back and offer 100 mm of seat travel. Second-row seat back reclines up to 40 degrees, offering 13 different positions from which to choose Minivan-First Outboard Break-Away Cup Holders: If outboard second-row seat cup holders are left deployed as seats are folded flat into the floor, mechanism releases the cup holder and allows the seat to be folded into the floor, leaving the cup holder intact Minivan-First Third-Row Easy Entry System: With a pull of a single strap, the second-row seat tumbles out of the way and allows for easy entry into the third row Minivan-First Split-Bench Tailgate Seating: In split seconds, the third-row split bench (60/40) may be flipped individually or in its entirety completely rearward for convenient, comfortable tailgate seating complete with weather shelter provided by the liftgate Reclining Third-Row Seat: Third-row seat back reclines up to 39 degrees, offering 12 different positions from which to choose
Safety and Security
Minivan-First Driver-side Inflatable Knee Blocker: The knee blocker inflates in conjunction with air bag deployment. It helps position the driver relative to the air bag and offers additional upper leg protection Advanced Multi-stage Front Air Bags: Provides enhanced protection for a greater range of occupants at various deployment levels, based on the severity of an impact Occupant Classification System (OCS): Determines the conditions for activation or deactivation of the passenger-side front air bag, based on the weight of the occupant BeltAlert: Chrysler Group’s new enhanced seat belt reminder system. If a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted, the system will periodically activate a chime and illuminate a light in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up Child Seat Anchor System (LATCH): Lower anchor and upper tether anchors help ease the installation of compatible aftermarket child seats. In addition to second-row seats, this feature is now available in the third-row seating of the new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan Rear Park Assist: Rear obstacle detection system with audible warning and rear overhead display Minivan-First Standard Door Alert: Signal lights activate when power sliding doors or manual sliding doors are in operation, signaling pedestrian activity. Feature is standard on all 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans
Even More Features Minivan-First Movable/Removable Overhead Rail System: Includes overhead console with three movable/removable storage bins, rear temperature controls, and an optional DVD screen Navigation System: Available as factory-installed or through Mopar®, this single DVD solution contains mapping, points of interest, and business phone numbers throughout the United States. The 4.2-inch full-color display is integrated into the center stack and features AM/FM stereo, CD player, and navigation system in one unit. Screen may be viewed as a detailed map or enlarged to be viewed turn-by-turn
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. - 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 opened 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®, 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.
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Sam interviews Mike Donoughe,
vice president of Family Vehicles at Daimler Chrysler.
2005 Chrysler and
Dodge Minivans first to offer “Stow ‘n Go”: Minivan-first feature allows
owners to fold second- and third-row seats into the floor with virtually
effortless one-hand operation
