Chrysler Dropping SWB Minivans

The Chrysler group is betting that new crossover models will woo minivan buyers now that the automaker is dropping short-wheelbase minivans.

Industry sources say the automaker will offer two mid-sized crossovers, developed on its new front-drive Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger platform.

The sources say the Dodge crossover is due in December and will be assembled in Chrysler's Toluca, Mexico plant, where the PT Cruiser is made. The Chrysler crossover will debut either in late 2008 or 2009. Frank Klegon, executive vice president of product development for the Chrysler group, said "in the future you will see some other things from us" that offer minivan-like utility. He declined to provide details.

AutoWeek

So is it still called Grand Caravan? On the one hand it's a little sad, since the original Caravan was SWB. Still, it's a smart idea to offer a unique model for buyers interested in a smaller people mover.

I think this is a good move. SWB minivans looked awkward and cheap. This will allow DCX to style each vehicle in proportion to their actual size. It eliminates the compromise.

now i see why they postponed/canceled the Pacifica chassis, cause they are going with the D-seg chassis instead.

Sort of knew it when they said they were dropping 4cyls from the lineup.

now i see why they postponed/canceled the Pacifica chassis, cause they are going with the D-seg chassis instead.

I still think it's a mistake to cancel the Pacifica.

I still think it's a mistake to cancel the Pacifica.

unless things have changed since I heard that the pacifica specific chassis was canceled, the truck itself was just on hold. It quite possible the d-seg crossover they mentioned is the next gen Pacifica.

unless things have changed since I heard that the pacifica specific chassis was canceled, the truck itself was just on hold. It quite possible the d-seg crossover they mentioned is the next gen Pacifica.

That would mean it shrinking, and probably downgrading it's interior

like the d-seg is for all intents and purposes a scaled up c-seg, this chassis could be a scaled up version of d-seg.

they simply weren't getting high enough transaction prices on the SWB versions.

Yet, people I know who have the SWB versions, love the manueverability of them.

Fact, a SWB caravan is cheaper than most compact crossovers, like Vibes. they just aren't as 'cool'.

Unfortunatelly this is why the PT is doomed....The new chrysler crossover is supposed to be the PT replacement..but loosing all its style and becoming bigger.

The Post Office has a bunch of the SWB ones around here...labeled 'Dodge C-V' instead of Caravan ('Cargo-Van' is the commercial name, apparently)....along with some Windstars and a few of those older wierd little trapazoidal box trucks...