fbpx
Wikipedia

Chrysler minivans (RT)

The RT-platform Chrysler minivans are a series of passenger minivans marketed by Chrysler starting in model year 2008, the fifth in six generations of Chrysler minivans. Depending on the market, these vans were known as the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler Grand Voyager, Lancia Voyager, Ram Cargo Van, and the Volkswagen Routan, a modified version sold by Volkswagen in North America. Only long wheelbase models were offered with the Dodge Journey replacing the short wheelbase model. While most versions were discontinued in 2016 with the launch of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan, the Grand Caravan remained in production until 2020.[1] It was replaced by the sixth generation Chrysler Voyager (continuing under the Grand Caravan nameplate in Canada), a new entry-level model based on the existing Chrysler Pacifica minivan.

Chrysler minivans (RT)
Overview
ManufacturerChrysler LLC (2008–2009)
Volkswagen (2008-2014)
Chrysler Group LLC (2009–2014)
FCA US LLC (2014–2020)
Also calledDodge Grand Caravan
Chrysler Town & Country
Ram C/V Tradesman
Chrysler Voyager
Lancia Voyager
Volkswagen Routan
Production2007–2020
Model years2008–2020 (Grand Caravan)
2009–2014 (Routan)
2008–2016 (Town & Country)
AssemblyWindsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada) (2007–2020)
St. Louis, Missouri, United States (2007–2008)
DesignerRalph Gilles
Body and chassis
Body style4-door minivan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel drive
PlatformChrysler RT platform
Powertrain
Engine2.8 L 176 hp (131 kW) CRD I4 diesel (export only)
3.3 L 175 hp (130 kW) V6
3.8 L 197 hp (147 kW) V6
4.0 L 251 hp (187 kW) V6
3.6 L 283 hp (211 kW) V6
Transmission4-speed automatic (3.3 engine)
62TE 6-speed automatic (3.6, 3.8, 4.0 engines)
Dimensions
Wheelbase121.2 in (3,078 mm)
Length202.5 in (5,144 mm)
202.8 in (5,151 mm) (Ram C/V)
Width78.7 in (1,999 mm)
76.9 in (1,953 mm) (Routan)
Height68.9 in (1,750 mm)
69.0 in (1,753 mm) (Ram C/V)
Curb weight4,306 lb (1,953 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorChrysler minivans (RS)
Lancia Phedra/Lancia Zeta (For FCA)
SuccessorChrysler Pacifica
Chrysler Voyager (RU)
Chrysler Grand Caravan (Canada)
Ram ProMaster City (For Cargo Van)

Overview edit

Chrysler debuted the 2008 model year minivans at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show — eliminating the short-wheelbase model. With discontinuation of the short-wheelbase minivans, Dodge offered the Journey on nearly an identical wheelbase and as a crossover rather than a minivan. Although the SWB model, which had accounted for half of all sales in Canada,[2] cost approximately $2,000 less and offered a four-cylinder engine option with improved fuel economy, Chrysler executives stated the SWB Caravan was discontinued to accommodate new features offered in the Grand Caravan, consistent with the demands of the majority of the minivan market.[3]

 
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
 
2008 Chrysler Town & Country

The RT minivans were a completely new design, sharing few components with the previous model. They abandoned the rounded styling introduced on the NS vans, instead using a more boxy look styled by Ralph Gilles. New features include standard electronic stability control, the MyGIG entertainment system (a stereo with built-in hard drive for recording, storing, and playing music), second and third row video screens, powered second row windows, standard side curtain airbags, and dashboard-mounted transmission controls. Much like its competitors, the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, the Town & Country now featured power windows on the sliding doors and moved the gear shift from the steering column to the center console, in a higher position. Another new feature of this generation was an available rear overhead console which featured LED map lights as well as halo ambient lighting. A new DVD system was also available, which featured dual screens for the rear passengers. SIRIUS Backseat TV was also offered, which featured three channels of children's programming. The Stow 'n Go seats, carried over from the previous generation, were standard, with a new seating system marketed as Swivel 'n Go optional on higher-end models. In this seating system, two full-size second row seats swivel to face the third row. A detachable table can be placed between the second and third-row seats. The Swivel 'n Go seating system includes the 3rd-row seating from the Stow 'n Go system, but not the second row, which must be manually removed from the vehicle. This model was exported as the Chrysler Town & Country to the Philippines, as well as Central and South America. With the Chrysler Grand Voyager name being used to all other markets.

Volkswagen Routan edit

 
Volkswagen Routan SEL
 
Volkswagen Routan SE

The Volkswagen Routan is a seven-seat rebadged variant of the RT minivans with revised styling, content features and suspension tuning.[4][5][6] Manufactured alongside the Chrysler and Dodge minivans at Windsor Assembly and marketed in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Routan debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and went on sale in the United States in September 2008.[7] The Routan's minivan variants include the Dodge Caravan, Ram C/V, Chrysler Town & Country, and Chrysler Grand Voyager (export)—that by 2009 have ranked as the 13th bestselling automotive nameplate worldwide, with over 12 million sold.[8]

The Routan marked the start of Volkswagen's business strategy to offer additional vehicles specially developed for the U.S. market.[9] The introduction of the 2008 model year minivan resulted from a partnership that began in 2005 between Volkswagen and DaimlerChrysler. Prior to the agreement, Volkswagen had no minivan model for the United States or Canadian markets. The Routan is sold only in North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico).[10]

The automaker's intent with outsourcing production the Routan to Chrysler was to avoid the significant expense of developing its own family-sized minivan.[11] VW announced in an early 2008 projection that the company intended for the Routan and other models to help achieve significant expansion of U.S. sales.[12] The Routan was Volkswagen's first van offered in North America since discontinuation of the Volkswagen Eurovan in 2003, and is not related to the European-market Volkswagen Touran or Sharan.[13]

The Routan features a rebranded version of Chrysler's hard drive-based audio and navigation system—marketed by Chrysler as the MyGig system and by Volkswagen as the Joybox, but has neither Chrysler's Stow'n Go nor Swivel'n Go seating systems. Instead, the second row seats in the Routan feature the Easy Out Roller Seat system, but can be modified using Chrysler or Dodge parts to have Stow'n Go or have Swivel'n Go seats installed. Routans as of 2010 offer optional Wi-Fi access, which was also offered in Dodge and Chrysler versions as UConnect Web.

VW of America had projected for the Routan to gain at least five percent of the U.S. minivan market,[14] or 45,000 units of the 700,000 minivans sold currently. In January 2009, VW of America asked Chrysler Canada to stop production of the Routan for the month of February after 29,000 Routans had been shipped to US dealerships. By July 2009, 11,677 units had been sold.[15] In 2012, Volkswagen halted production of the Routan at Chrysler's Windsor, Ontario, plant, despite having a production contract that ran through 2014. In January 2013, Volkswagen announced there would be no 2013 retail model, but held open the possibility that development may resume with a potential 2014 model. The 2013 Routan was reserved for fleet purchasers, and 2,500 were produced by Chrysler during the calendar year.[16]

Automotive industry analysts were not surprised by VW's decision to drop the Routan because buyers had no reason for selecting the Routan over the similar Dodge Grand Caravan or the Chrysler Town & Country, and the Routan's base price of nearly $28,000 was far more than the basic $21,000 Grand Caravan, while the Routan's list of equipment was less than included on the upscale Town & Country.[17]

Jan 2008 Feb 2008 Mar 2008 Apr 2008 May 2008 Jun 2008 Jul 2008 Aug 2008 Sep 2008 Oct 2008 Nov 2008 Dec 2008 Total 2008
375[7] 789[18] 1,324[19] 899[20] 3,387
Jan 2009 Feb 2009 Mar 2009 Apr 2009 May 2009 Jun 2009 Jul 2009 Aug 2009 Sep 2009 Oct 2009 Nov 2009 Dec 2009 Total 2009
663[21] 503[22] 1,029[23] 2,606[24] 1,390[25] 2,099[26] 1,350[27] 2,098[28] 901[29] 669[30] 540[31] 833[32] 14,681

2011 revision edit

 
2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
 
Revised interior in a Dodge Grand Caravan
 
Lancia Voyager
 
2012 Ram Cargo Van

The Chrysler minivans underwent a mid-cycle refresh for the 2011 model year, which included major changes in both styling and functionality. Changes included restyled exterior and interior with all-new wing logo, standard SafetyTec™ (including Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection), improvement to the Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system, a one-touch fold down feature for easier access to the third row, (The Swivel n' Go seats were dropped) a new center console and technology, a dual DVD system that can play different media at the same time, SIRIUS Backseat TV which offers three channels of children's programming, FLO TV featuring 20 channels of live programming, Pentastar V6 (283 hp) engine replacing previous 3.8-liter and 3.3-liter V-6 engines, six-speed automatic transmission, a new fuel economizer mode, a new instrument panel and instrument cluster, new Chrysler Brand steering wheel with integrated controls that allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel; upgraded cloth and leather seating materials; new “soft touch” door trim, new heating and cooling control system. The suspension was heavily re-tuned, with both Dodge and Chrysler minivans gaining a larger front sway bar and new rear sway bar, increased rear roll center height, adjusted spring rates, a new steering gear, a revised front static camber setting, and lowered ride height. This dramatically improved handling in both the Chrysler and Dodge. Other changes included extra sound insulation, acoustic glass, new seats, softer-touch surfaces, new LED ambient lighting and center console, and halogen projector headlamps with LED accents. The Chrysler models were adjusted so that instead of competing against equivalent Dodge trim levels, they were above Dodge in trim and features.

All three of the former engine choices were replaced by the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 with six-speed automatic transmission, now the sole powertrain choice for all models. Interior trim was restyled on both vans, in addition to major exterior revisions highlighted by the new "double-crosshair" grille on the Grand Caravan and a new chrome grille for the Town & Country.

Chrysler Voyagers sold in continental Europe was rebranded as the Lancia Voyager. The Chrysler-branded variant continued to be sold in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, South Korea, Singapore, and China, as Lancia does not have sales operations in those markets.

The Ram Cargo Tradesman, or Ram C/V Tradesman, debuted for the 2012 model year, replacing the Dodge Grand Caravan C/V. It is based on the Dodge Grand Caravan, but with solid metal instead of rear windows and a flat load space with 144.4 cubic feet (4,090 L) of interior storage, and a 1,800 lb (820 kg). cargo payload plus a towing capability of up to 3,600 lb (1,600 kg). The Ram C/V is offered with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.[33] The C/V Tradesman was discontinued after the 2015 model year in favor of the ProMaster City.[34]

Safety edit

In the U.S. the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program crash testing, the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan achieved a five star (top safety) rating in several categories.[35]

Frontal Impact – Driver and Passenger:      
Side Impact Driver:      
Side Impact Rear Passenger:      
Rollover:      
IIHS:[36]
Moderate overlap frontal offset Good
Small overlap frontal offset Poor
Side impact Good
Roof strength (2012–present models) Good
Euro NCAP test results
Lancia Voyager (2011)[37]
Test Points %
Overall:      
Adult occupant: 29 79%
Child occupant: 33 67%
Pedestrian: 17 47%
Safety assist: 5 71%

Powertrains edit

The 2.4 L EDZ I4 was dropped, with the 3.3 L EGA V6 standard. The 3.8 L EGH V6 engine was optional on mid level models, with a 4.0L SOHC V6 engine optional as the top level engine. A 2.8 L RA428 I4 diesel was available on export models, while the 3.3L wasn't offered in Europe. The 3.3L got a 4 speed Ultradrive automatic transmission, while all the other engines came with a new 6 speed 62TE automatic transmission. In 2011, the 3.3L, 3.8L and 4.0L engines were all dropped, replaced with the Pentastar 3.6 L V6, which came with the 62TE transmission.

Model Displacement Type Valves Power
(HP)
Torque
(lb-ft)
hp
@ rpm
Torque
@ rpm
Compression
Ratio
Transmission Fuel economy
(MPG)
Years
2.8L VM Motori A 428 DOHC diesel I4 2,766 cc (168.8 cu in) DOHC 16 161 266 3600 2000 6-speed 62TE automatic 2011–
2.8L VM Motori RA 428 DOHC diesel I4 2,766 cc (168.8 cu in) DOHC 16 161 310 3600 2000 6-speed 62TE automatic 2008–2010
3.3 L V6 3,301 cc (201.4 cu in) OHV 12 175 205 5,000 4,000 9.3:1 4-speed 41TE automatic 17/24 2008–2010
Pentastar 3.6 L[38] V6 3,600 cc (220 cu in) DOHC 24 283 260 6,400 4,400 10.0:1 6-speed 62TE automatic 17/25 2011–2020
3.8 L V6 3,778 cc (230.5 cu in) OHV 12 197 230 5,200 4,000 9.6:1 16/23 2008–2010
4.0 L V6 3,952 cc (241.2 cu in) SOHC 24 251 259 6,000 4,100 10.2:1 16/23 (2008), 17/25 (2009-2010) 2008–2010

Sales edit

Grand Caravan:

Calendar Year United States[39] Canada[40] Total
2008 123,749 39,396 163,145
2009 90,666 40,283 130,949
2010 103,323 55,306 158,629
2011 110,862 53,406 164,268
2012 141,468 51,552 193,020
2013 124,019 46,732 170,751
2014 134,152 51,759 185,911
2015 97,141 46,927 144,068
2016 125,275 51,349 176,624
2017 125,196 46,933 172,129
2018 151,927 32,253 184,180
2019 122,648 27,982 150,630

Automotive news reported that, from January to October in 2010, Dodge sold about a third of its 2010 Grand Caravans to rental fleets. The number of returned ex-rental 2010 Grand Caravan to the market jumped fourfold between July and October, depressing prices of used 2009 and 2010 Dodge minivans by as much as 20%.[41]

Town & Country:

Calendar Year United States Canada Total
2007[42] 138,151 1,531 139,682
2008[43] 118,563 4,865 123,428
2009[44] 84,558 3,165 87,723
2010[45] 112,275 4,175 116,450
2011[46] 94,320 4,536 98,856
2012[47] 111,744 3,991[48] 115,735
2013[49] 122,288 8,425 130,713
2014[50] 138,040 8,944 146,984
2015[51] 93,848 9,001[52] 102,849
2016[53] 59,071 2,910[54] 61,981

Future of the Dodge Grand Caravan edit

With the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica introduced to replace the Chrysler Town & Country, the Dodge Grand Caravan was due to be discontinued after the 2016 model year. However, it was later announced that the Grand Caravan would be sold alongside the Chrysler Pacifica unchanged from the 2016 model, with a simplified model lineup.

At the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said there may be a successor to the current Dodge Grand Caravan, which would be based on the Chrysler Pacifica, saying that the Grand Caravan successor would be "a Caravan-like vehicle".[55]

Marchionne is quoted as saying, "The replacement of the Caravan will be a Caravan-like vehicle. I need another minivan. It's going to be in line with the Pacifica architecture".

Dodge originally announced that the Grand Caravan will be discontinued in May 2020 but has since pushed it back by three months, with the current end date being August 22.[56][57] Its replacement will be the Chrysler Voyager, which is an entry-level version of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan, and will offer similar pricing and features to its Grand Caravan predecessor. In Canada, a version similar to the Pacifica will be sold as the Chrysler Grand Caravan. For its final model year, the Grand Caravan will be offered in three trim levels: base SE, midlevel SE Plus, and range-topping SXT. The previous GT trim, a fleet-exclusive model, has been dropped for the 2020 model year. For 2020, the midlevel SE Plus receives standard "Super Stow-'n'-Go" second-row bucket seats and in-floor storage bin, a standard eight-way power front driver's seat, a black interior with "Cranberry Wine" stitching, and an available Blacktop Package. The base SE trim no longer offers aluminum-alloy wheels as an option. A compact spare tire and wheel is now optional equipment on all trim levels.[58]

References edit

  1. ^ Borrelli, Melanie (August 21, 2020). "Last Dodge Grand Caravan rolls off the line at Windsor Assembly Plant". Windsor. Retrieved August 22, 2020.
  2. ^ McIntosh, Jil (February 25, 2008). "Test Drive: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Canada "Value Package"". Autos Canada. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
  3. ^ Durbin, Dee-Ann (June 6, 2008). "Minivan sales slow, hit by gas prices and image". USAtoday. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
  4. ^ Korzeniewski, Jeremy (February 6, 2008). "Chicago 2008: Volkswagen unveils the newish Routan minivan". Autoblog.com. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  5. ^ Nagy, Bob (November 2008). "2009 Volkswagen Routan". Motor Trend. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  6. ^ Bailey, Shaun (February 7, 2008). "2009 Volkswagen Routan - A price-conscious decision over the less practical Touareg". Road and Track. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  7. ^ a b (Press release). Volkswagen. October 1, 2008. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  8. ^ Stern, Daniel (2009). "25th Anniversary of the Chrysler Minivan at the Windsor Assembly Plant". allparcom. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  9. ^ (PDF). Volkswagen AG. p. 182. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 10, 2016. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  10. ^ Grünig, Rudolf; Morschett, Dirk (2012). Developing International Strategies: Going and Being International for Medium-sized Companies. Springer-Verlag. pp. 284–285. ISBN 9783642247248. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  11. ^ Healey, James R. (September 23, 2013). "VW axes Routan van, mulls 7-passenger SUV replacement". USA Today. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  12. ^ "VW Plans to Triple U.S. Vehicle Sales". Car & Driver. September 2007. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  13. ^ Vander Doelen, Chris (January 22, 2008). . Windsor Star. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  14. ^ Boyce, Christopher (February 7, 2008). . St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Highbeam. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  15. ^ Paukert, Chris (January 30, 2009). "Routan Bust? VW asks Chrysler to stop building minivans for February". Autoblog.com. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  16. ^ "Chrysler Group LLC December 2013 Production Data". Chrysler Group LLC. January 17, 2014. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  17. ^ "2013 VW Routan Canceled". autotrader. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  18. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. November 3, 2008. Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  19. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. December 2, 2008. Archived from the original on January 29, 2009. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  20. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. January 5, 2009. Archived from the original on January 29, 2009. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  21. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. February 3, 2009. Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  22. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. March 3, 2009. Archived from the original on March 8, 2009. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  23. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. April 1, 2009. Archived from the original on April 3, 2009. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  24. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. May 1, 2009. Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  25. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. June 2, 2009. Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  26. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. July 1, 2009. Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  27. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. August 3, 2009. Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  28. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. September 1, 2009. Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  29. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. October 1, 2009. Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  30. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. November 3, 2009. Archived from the original on June 21, 2010. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  31. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. December 1, 2009. Archived from the original on June 21, 2010. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  32. ^ (Press release). Volkswagen. January 5, 2010. Archived from the original on June 21, 2010. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  33. ^ . Carscoop. March 8, 2011. Archived from the original on December 22, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
  34. ^ . Ram Trucks. Archived from the original on December 6, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  35. ^ . NHTSA www.Safercar.gov. Archived from the original on May 22, 2010. Retrieved June 23, 2010.
  36. ^ . Iihs.org. 2015. Archived from the original on October 6, 2015. Retrieved October 5, 2015.
  37. ^ "Official Chrysler Voyager 2011 safety rating results". Euro NCAP.
  38. ^ "Chrysler Pentastars Engines – Specifications". Allpar. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
  39. ^ Model (November 1, 2015). "Dodge Grand Caravan US car sales figures". carsalesbase.com. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  40. ^ "Dodge Grand Caravan Sales Figures". goodcarbadcar.net. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  41. ^ "High fleet sales rates take toll". Automotive News. November 15, 2010. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
  42. ^ "Total Chrysler LLC December 2007 Sales Up 1 Percent on the Strength of Retail". CheersandGears.com. January 3, 2008. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
  43. ^ "December 2008 Sales: Chrysler LLC". CheersandGears.com. January 5, 2009. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
  44. ^ "Chrysler Group LLC December 2009 Sales". CheersandGears.com. January 5, 2010. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
  45. ^ Oldsmoboi (November 4, 2009). "December 2010 Sales: Chrysler - Cheers & Gears Forums". Cheersandgears.com. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  46. ^ "Chrysler Sales Shoot Up 37% (26% for 2011)". Allpar.com. January 4, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2012.
  47. ^ "Chrysler Group LLC Reports December 2012 U.S. Sales Increased 10 Percent" (Press release). Chrysler Group LLC. January 3, 2013. Retrieved January 4, 2013.
  48. ^ "Chrysler Canada Finishes Year With Best Sales Since 2000". Chrysler (Press release). January 3, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
  49. ^ "Chrysler Group LLC Reports December 2013 U.S. Sales Increased 6 Percent" (Press release). Chrysler Group LLC. January 3, 2014. Retrieved January 6, 2014.
  50. ^ (PDF) (Press release). FCA US LLC. January 5, 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 22, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
  51. ^ (PDF) (Press release). FCA US LLC. January 5, 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 8, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  52. ^ "Stellantis Media - FCA Canada is Top-Selling Car Company in Canada for 2015".
  53. ^ "FCA US Reports 2016 December and Full-year U.S. Sales" (Press release). FCA North America. January 4, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  54. ^ "FCA Canada December and Full-year 2016 Sales" (Press release). FCA North America. January 4, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  55. ^ "Future of the Caravan: Sergio semi-confirms the rumors". January 17, 2018.
  56. ^ Beresford, Colin (February 28, 2020). "Dodge Grand Caravan Production Coming to an End". Car and Driver. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  57. ^ Waddell, Dave (May 8, 2020). "950 Windsor Assembly workers return next week, demise of Caravan pushed back 3 months". Windsor Star. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
  58. ^ "Stellantis Media - Press Kit: 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan:2020 Dodge Grand Caravan Fact Sheet".

External links edit

  • Dodge Grand Caravan Official website(USA)

chrysler, minivans, platform, chrysler, minivans, series, passenger, minivans, marketed, chrysler, starting, model, year, 2008, fifth, generations, chrysler, minivans, depending, market, these, vans, were, known, dodge, grand, caravan, chrysler, town, country,. The RT platform Chrysler minivans are a series of passenger minivans marketed by Chrysler starting in model year 2008 the fifth in six generations of Chrysler minivans Depending on the market these vans were known as the Dodge Grand Caravan Chrysler Town amp Country Chrysler Grand Voyager Lancia Voyager Ram Cargo Van and the Volkswagen Routan a modified version sold by Volkswagen in North America Only long wheelbase models were offered with the Dodge Journey replacing the short wheelbase model While most versions were discontinued in 2016 with the launch of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan the Grand Caravan remained in production until 2020 1 It was replaced by the sixth generation Chrysler Voyager continuing under the Grand Caravan nameplate in Canada a new entry level model based on the existing Chrysler Pacifica minivan Chrysler minivans RT OverviewManufacturerChrysler LLC 2008 2009 Volkswagen 2008 2014 Chrysler Group LLC 2009 2014 FCA US LLC 2014 2020 Also calledDodge Grand CaravanChrysler Town amp CountryRam C V TradesmanChrysler VoyagerLancia VoyagerVolkswagen RoutanProduction2007 2020Model years2008 2020 Grand Caravan 2009 2014 Routan 2008 2016 Town amp Country AssemblyWindsor Ontario Canada Chrysler Canada 2007 2020 St Louis Missouri United States 2007 2008 DesignerRalph GillesBody and chassisBody style4 door minivanLayoutFront engine front wheel drivePlatformChrysler RT platformPowertrainEngine2 8 L 176 hp 131 kW CRD I4 diesel export only 3 3 L 175 hp 130 kW V63 8 L 197 hp 147 kW V64 0 L 251 hp 187 kW V63 6 L 283 hp 211 kW V6Transmission4 speed automatic 3 3 engine 62TE 6 speed automatic 3 6 3 8 4 0 engines DimensionsWheelbase121 2 in 3 078 mm Length202 5 in 5 144 mm 202 8 in 5 151 mm Ram C V Width78 7 in 1 999 mm 76 9 in 1 953 mm Routan Height68 9 in 1 750 mm 69 0 in 1 753 mm Ram C V Curb weight4 306 lb 1 953 kg ChronologyPredecessorChrysler minivans RS Lancia Phedra Lancia Zeta For FCA SuccessorChrysler PacificaChrysler Voyager RU Chrysler Grand Caravan Canada Ram ProMaster City For Cargo Van Contents 1 Overview 1 1 Volkswagen Routan 1 2 2011 revision 1 3 Safety 1 4 Powertrains 1 5 Sales 2 Future of the Dodge Grand Caravan 3 References 4 External linksOverview editChrysler debuted the 2008 model year minivans at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show eliminating the short wheelbase model With discontinuation of the short wheelbase minivans Dodge offered the Journey on nearly an identical wheelbase and as a crossover rather than a minivan Although the SWB model which had accounted for half of all sales in Canada 2 cost approximately 2 000 less and offered a four cylinder engine option with improved fuel economy Chrysler executives stated the SWB Caravan was discontinued to accommodate new features offered in the Grand Caravan consistent with the demands of the majority of the minivan market 3 nbsp 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan nbsp 2008 Chrysler Town amp CountryThe RT minivans were a completely new design sharing few components with the previous model They abandoned the rounded styling introduced on the NS vans instead using a more boxy look styled by Ralph Gilles New features include standard electronic stability control the MyGIG entertainment system a stereo with built in hard drive for recording storing and playing music second and third row video screens powered second row windows standard side curtain airbags and dashboard mounted transmission controls Much like its competitors the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey the Town amp Country now featured power windows on the sliding doors and moved the gear shift from the steering column to the center console in a higher position Another new feature of this generation was an available rear overhead console which featured LED map lights as well as halo ambient lighting A new DVD system was also available which featured dual screens for the rear passengers SIRIUS Backseat TV was also offered which featured three channels of children s programming The Stow n Go seats carried over from the previous generation were standard with a new seating system marketed as Swivel n Go optional on higher end models In this seating system two full size second row seats swivel to face the third row A detachable table can be placed between the second and third row seats The Swivel n Go seating system includes the 3rd row seating from the Stow n Go system but not the second row which must be manually removed from the vehicle This model was exported as the Chrysler Town amp Country to the Philippines as well as Central and South America With the Chrysler Grand Voyager name being used to all other markets Volkswagen Routan edit Main article Volkswagen Routan nbsp Volkswagen Routan SEL nbsp Volkswagen Routan SEThe Volkswagen Routan is a seven seat rebadged variant of the RT minivans with revised styling content features and suspension tuning 4 5 6 Manufactured alongside the Chrysler and Dodge minivans at Windsor Assembly and marketed in the United States Canada and Mexico the Routan debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and went on sale in the United States in September 2008 7 The Routan s minivan variants include the Dodge Caravan Ram C V Chrysler Town amp Country and Chrysler Grand Voyager export that by 2009 have ranked as the 13th bestselling automotive nameplate worldwide with over 12 million sold 8 The Routan marked the start of Volkswagen s business strategy to offer additional vehicles specially developed for the U S market 9 The introduction of the 2008 model year minivan resulted from a partnership that began in 2005 between Volkswagen and DaimlerChrysler Prior to the agreement Volkswagen had no minivan model for the United States or Canadian markets The Routan is sold only in North America U S Canada Mexico 10 The automaker s intent with outsourcing production the Routan to Chrysler was to avoid the significant expense of developing its own family sized minivan 11 VW announced in an early 2008 projection that the company intended for the Routan and other models to help achieve significant expansion of U S sales 12 The Routan was Volkswagen s first van offered in North America since discontinuation of the Volkswagen Eurovan in 2003 and is not related to the European market Volkswagen Touran or Sharan 13 The Routan features a rebranded version of Chrysler s hard drive based audio and navigation system marketed by Chrysler as the MyGig system and by Volkswagen as the Joybox but has neither Chrysler s Stow n Go nor Swivel n Go seating systems Instead the second row seats in the Routan feature the Easy Out Roller Seat system but can be modified using Chrysler or Dodge parts to have Stow n Go or have Swivel n Go seats installed Routans as of 2010 offer optional Wi Fi access which was also offered in Dodge and Chrysler versions as UConnect Web VW of America had projected for the Routan to gain at least five percent of the U S minivan market 14 or 45 000 units of the 700 000 minivans sold currently In January 2009 VW of America asked Chrysler Canada to stop production of the Routan for the month of February after 29 000 Routans had been shipped to US dealerships By July 2009 11 677 units had been sold 15 In 2012 Volkswagen halted production of the Routan at Chrysler s Windsor Ontario plant despite having a production contract that ran through 2014 In January 2013 Volkswagen announced there would be no 2013 retail model but held open the possibility that development may resume with a potential 2014 model The 2013 Routan was reserved for fleet purchasers and 2 500 were produced by Chrysler during the calendar year 16 Automotive industry analysts were not surprised by VW s decision to drop the Routan because buyers had no reason for selecting the Routan over the similar Dodge Grand Caravan or the Chrysler Town amp Country and the Routan s base price of nearly 28 000 was far more than the basic 21 000 Grand Caravan while the Routan s list of equipment was less than included on the upscale Town amp Country 17 Jan 2008 Feb 2008 Mar 2008 Apr 2008 May 2008 Jun 2008 Jul 2008 Aug 2008 Sep 2008 Oct 2008 Nov 2008 Dec 2008 Total 2008 375 7 789 18 1 324 19 899 20 3 387Jan 2009 Feb 2009 Mar 2009 Apr 2009 May 2009 Jun 2009 Jul 2009 Aug 2009 Sep 2009 Oct 2009 Nov 2009 Dec 2009 Total 2009663 21 503 22 1 029 23 2 606 24 1 390 25 2 099 26 1 350 27 2 098 28 901 29 669 30 540 31 833 32 14 6812011 revision edit nbsp 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan nbsp Revised interior in a Dodge Grand Caravan nbsp Lancia Voyager nbsp 2012 Ram Cargo VanThe Chrysler minivans underwent a mid cycle refresh for the 2011 model year which included major changes in both styling and functionality Changes included restyled exterior and interior with all new wing logo standard SafetyTec including Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection improvement to the Stow n Go seating and storage system a one touch fold down feature for easier access to the third row The Swivel n Go seats were dropped a new center console and technology a dual DVD system that can play different media at the same time SIRIUS Backseat TV which offers three channels of children s programming FLO TV featuring 20 channels of live programming Pentastar V6 283 hp engine replacing previous 3 8 liter and 3 3 liter V 6 engines six speed automatic transmission a new fuel economizer mode a new instrument panel and instrument cluster new Chrysler Brand steering wheel with integrated controls that allow the driver to operate the radio cruise control hands free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel upgraded cloth and leather seating materials new soft touch door trim new heating and cooling control system The suspension was heavily re tuned with both Dodge and Chrysler minivans gaining a larger front sway bar and new rear sway bar increased rear roll center height adjusted spring rates a new steering gear a revised front static camber setting and lowered ride height This dramatically improved handling in both the Chrysler and Dodge Other changes included extra sound insulation acoustic glass new seats softer touch surfaces new LED ambient lighting and center console and halogen projector headlamps with LED accents The Chrysler models were adjusted so that instead of competing against equivalent Dodge trim levels they were above Dodge in trim and features All three of the former engine choices were replaced by the new Pentastar 3 6 liter V6 with six speed automatic transmission now the sole powertrain choice for all models Interior trim was restyled on both vans in addition to major exterior revisions highlighted by the new double crosshair grille on the Grand Caravan and a new chrome grille for the Town amp Country Chrysler Voyagers sold in continental Europe was rebranded as the Lancia Voyager The Chrysler branded variant continued to be sold in the United Kingdom Ireland Russia Australia New Zealand the Middle East South Korea Singapore and China as Lancia does not have sales operations in those markets The Ram Cargo Tradesman or Ram C V Tradesman debuted for the 2012 model year replacing the Dodge Grand Caravan C V It is based on the Dodge Grand Caravan but with solid metal instead of rear windows and a flat load space with 144 4 cubic feet 4 090 L of interior storage and a 1 800 lb 820 kg cargo payload plus a towing capability of up to 3 600 lb 1 600 kg The Ram C V is offered with a 3 6 liter Pentastar V 6 engine and 6 speed automatic transmission 33 The C V Tradesman was discontinued after the 2015 model year in favor of the ProMaster City 34 Safety edit In the U S the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration s NHTSA New Car Assessment Program crash testing the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan achieved a five star top safety rating in several categories 35 Frontal Impact Driver and Passenger nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Side Impact Driver nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Side Impact Rear Passenger nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Rollover nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp IIHS 36 Moderate overlap frontal offset GoodSmall overlap frontal offset PoorSide impact GoodRoof strength 2012 present models GoodEuro NCAP test resultsLancia Voyager 2011 37 Test Points Overall nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Adult occupant 29 79 Child occupant 33 67 Pedestrian 17 47 Safety assist 5 71 Powertrains edit The 2 4 L EDZ I4 was dropped with the 3 3 L EGA V6 standard The 3 8 L EGH V6 engine was optional on mid level models with a 4 0L SOHC V6 engine optional as the top level engine A 2 8 L RA428 I4 diesel was available on export models while the 3 3L wasn t offered in Europe The 3 3L got a 4 speed Ultradrive automatic transmission while all the other engines came with a new 6 speed 62TE automatic transmission In 2011 the 3 3L 3 8L and 4 0L engines were all dropped replaced with the Pentastar 3 6 L V6 which came with the 62TE transmission Model Displacement Type Valves Power HP Torque lb ft hp rpm Torque rpm CompressionRatio Transmission Fuel economy MPG Years2 8L VM Motori A 428 DOHC diesel I4 2 766 cc 168 8 cu in DOHC 16 161 266 3600 2000 6 speed 62TE automatic 2011 2 8L VM Motori RA 428 DOHC diesel I4 2 766 cc 168 8 cu in DOHC 16 161 310 3600 2000 6 speed 62TE automatic 2008 20103 3 L V6 3 301 cc 201 4 cu in OHV 12 175 205 5 000 4 000 9 3 1 4 speed 41TE automatic 17 24 2008 2010Pentastar 3 6 L 38 V6 3 600 cc 220 cu in DOHC 24 283 260 6 400 4 400 10 0 1 6 speed 62TE automatic 17 25 2011 20203 8 L V6 3 778 cc 230 5 cu in OHV 12 197 230 5 200 4 000 9 6 1 16 23 2008 20104 0 L V6 3 952 cc 241 2 cu in SOHC 24 251 259 6 000 4 100 10 2 1 16 23 2008 17 25 2009 2010 2008 2010Sales edit Grand Caravan Calendar Year United States 39 Canada 40 Total2008 123 749 39 396 163 1452009 90 666 40 283 130 9492010 103 323 55 306 158 6292011 110 862 53 406 164 2682012 141 468 51 552 193 0202013 124 019 46 732 170 7512014 134 152 51 759 185 9112015 97 141 46 927 144 0682016 125 275 51 349 176 6242017 125 196 46 933 172 1292018 151 927 32 253 184 1802019 122 648 27 982 150 630Automotive news reported that from January to October in 2010 Dodge sold about a third of its 2010 Grand Caravans to rental fleets The number of returned ex rental 2010 Grand Caravan to the market jumped fourfold between July and October depressing prices of used 2009 and 2010 Dodge minivans by as much as 20 41 Town amp Country Calendar Year United States Canada Total2007 42 138 151 1 531 139 6822008 43 118 563 4 865 123 4282009 44 84 558 3 165 87 7232010 45 112 275 4 175 116 4502011 46 94 320 4 536 98 8562012 47 111 744 3 991 48 115 7352013 49 122 288 8 425 130 7132014 50 138 040 8 944 146 9842015 51 93 848 9 001 52 102 8492016 53 59 071 2 910 54 61 981Future of the Dodge Grand Caravan editFurther information Chrysler Voyager With the all new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica introduced to replace the Chrysler Town amp Country the Dodge Grand Caravan was due to be discontinued after the 2016 model year However it was later announced that the Grand Caravan would be sold alongside the Chrysler Pacifica unchanged from the 2016 model with a simplified model lineup At the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit Michigan Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said there may be a successor to the current Dodge Grand Caravan which would be based on the Chrysler Pacifica saying that the Grand Caravan successor would be a Caravan like vehicle 55 Marchionne is quoted as saying The replacement of the Caravan will be a Caravan like vehicle I need another minivan It s going to be in line with the Pacifica architecture Dodge originally announced that the Grand Caravan will be discontinued in May 2020 but has since pushed it back by three months with the current end date being August 22 56 57 Its replacement will be the Chrysler Voyager which is an entry level version of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan and will offer similar pricing and features to its Grand Caravan predecessor In Canada a version similar to the Pacifica will be sold as the Chrysler Grand Caravan For its final model year the Grand Caravan will be offered in three trim levels base SE midlevel SE Plus and range topping SXT The previous GT trim a fleet exclusive model has been dropped for the 2020 model year For 2020 the midlevel SE Plus receives standard Super Stow n Go second row bucket seats and in floor storage bin a standard eight way power front driver s seat a black interior with Cranberry Wine stitching and an available Blacktop Package The base SE trim no longer offers aluminum alloy wheels as an option A compact spare tire and wheel is now optional equipment on all trim levels 58 References edit Borrelli Melanie August 21 2020 Last Dodge Grand Caravan rolls off the line at Windsor Assembly Plant Windsor Retrieved August 22 2020 McIntosh Jil February 25 2008 Test Drive 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Canada Value Package Autos Canada Retrieved May 11 2014 Durbin Dee Ann June 6 2008 Minivan sales slow hit by gas prices and image USAtoday Retrieved May 11 2014 Korzeniewski Jeremy February 6 2008 Chicago 2008 Volkswagen unveils the newish Routan minivan Autoblog com Retrieved March 2 2015 Nagy Bob November 2008 2009 Volkswagen Routan Motor Trend Retrieved March 2 2015 Bailey Shaun February 7 2008 2009 Volkswagen Routan A price conscious decision over the less practical Touareg Road and Track Retrieved March 2 2015 a b Volkswagen Reports September 2008 Sales Press release Volkswagen October 1 2008 Archived from the original on December 5 2008 Retrieved February 11 2017 Stern Daniel 2009 25th Anniversary of the Chrysler Minivan at the Windsor Assembly Plant allparcom Retrieved January 28 2014 2008 Annual Report PDF Volkswagen AG p 182 Archived from the original PDF on November 10 2016 Retrieved March 2 2015 Grunig Rudolf Morschett Dirk 2012 Developing International Strategies Going and Being International for Medium sized Companies Springer Verlag pp 284 285 ISBN 9783642247248 Retrieved March 2 2015 Healey James R September 23 2013 VW axes Routan van mulls 7 passenger SUV replacement USA Today Retrieved March 2 2015 VW Plans to Triple U S Vehicle Sales Car amp Driver September 2007 Retrieved March 2 2015 Vander Doelen Chris January 22 2008 VW s Routan to roll off Windsor Assembly Windsor Star Archived from the original on March 3 2016 Retrieved March 2 2015 Boyce Christopher February 7 2008 Chrysler built Routan has VW look St Louis Post Dispatch Highbeam Archived from the original on March 10 2016 Retrieved March 2 2015 Paukert Chris January 30 2009 Routan Bust VW asks Chrysler to stop building minivans for February Autoblog com Retrieved March 2 2015 Chrysler Group LLC December 2013 Production Data Chrysler Group LLC January 17 2014 Retrieved January 28 2014 2013 VW Routan Canceled autotrader Retrieved January 28 2014 Volkswagen Reports October 2008 Sales Press release Volkswagen November 3 2008 Archived from the original on February 18 2012 Retrieved February 11 2017 Volkswagen Reports November 2008 Sales Press release Volkswagen December 2 2008 Archived from the original on January 29 2009 Retrieved February 11 2017 Volkswagen Reports December 2008 Sales Press release Volkswagen January 5 2009 Archived from the original on January 29 2009 Retrieved February 11 2017 Volkswagen Reports January 2009 Sales Press release Volkswagen February 3 2009 Archived from the original on February 18 2012 Retrieved February 11 2017 Volkswagen Reports February 2009 Sales Press release Volkswagen March 3 2009 Archived from the original on March 8 2009 Retrieved February 11 2017 Volkswagen Reports March 2009 Sales Press release Volkswagen April 1 2009 Archived from the original on April 3 2009 Retrieved February 11 2017 Volkswagen Reports April 2009 Sales Press release Volkswagen May 1 2009 Archived from the original on February 18 2012 Retrieved February 11 2017 Volkswagen Reports May 2009 Sales Press release Volkswagen June 2 2009 Archived from the original on February 11 2017 Retrieved February 11 2017 Volkswagen Reports June 2009 Sales Press release Volkswagen July 1 2009 Archived from the original on February 11 2017 Retrieved February 11 2017 Volkswagen Reports Jul 2009 Sales Press release Volkswagen August 3 2009 Archived from the original on February 11 2017 Retrieved February 11 2017 Volkswagen Reports Aug 2009 Sales Press release Volkswagen September 1 2009 Archived from the original on February 11 2017 Retrieved February 11 2017 Volkswagen Announces September Sales Totals Press release Volkswagen October 1 2009 Archived from the original on February 11 2017 Retrieved February 11 2017 Volkswagen of America Announces October Sales Press release Volkswagen November 3 2009 Archived from the original on June 21 2010 Retrieved February 11 2017 Volkswagen of America Announces November Sales Press release Volkswagen December 1 2009 Archived from the original on June 21 2010 Retrieved February 11 2017 Volkswagen of America Announces December Sales Press release Volkswagen January 5 2010 Archived from the original on June 21 2010 Retrieved February 11 2017 New Ram Cargo Van is a 2012 Dodge Caravan for the Pro Carscoop March 8 2011 Archived from the original on December 22 2011 Retrieved May 11 2014 Ram C V Tradesman Official Site Ram Trucks Archived from the original on December 6 2016 Retrieved February 11 2017 2010 Chrysler minivan US NCAP safety ratings NHTSA www Safercar gov Archived from the original on May 22 2010 Retrieved June 23 2010 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan Iihs org 2015 Archived from the original on October 6 2015 Retrieved October 5 2015 Official Chrysler Voyager 2011 safety rating results Euro NCAP Chrysler Pentastars Engines Specifications Allpar Retrieved October 28 2010 Model November 1 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan US car sales figures carsalesbase com Retrieved May 7 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan Sales Figures goodcarbadcar net Retrieved November 11 2014 High fleet sales rates take toll Automotive News November 15 2010 Retrieved May 11 2014 Total Chrysler LLC December 2007 Sales Up 1 Percent on the Strength of Retail CheersandGears com January 3 2008 Retrieved January 5 2009 December 2008 Sales Chrysler LLC CheersandGears com January 5 2009 Retrieved January 5 2009 Chrysler Group LLC December 2009 Sales CheersandGears com January 5 2010 Retrieved January 5 2010 Oldsmoboi November 4 2009 December 2010 Sales Chrysler Cheers amp Gears Forums Cheersandgears com Retrieved January 4 2011 Chrysler Sales Shoot Up 37 26 for 2011 Allpar com January 4 2012 Retrieved January 4 2012 Chrysler Group LLC Reports December 2012 U S Sales Increased 10 Percent Press release Chrysler Group LLC January 3 2013 Retrieved January 4 2013 Chrysler Canada Finishes Year With Best Sales Since 2000 Chrysler Press release January 3 2014 Retrieved March 6 2016 Chrysler Group LLC Reports December 2013 U S Sales Increased 6 Percent Press release Chrysler Group LLC January 3 2014 Retrieved January 6 2014 FCA US LLC Reports December 2014 U S Sales Increased 20 Percent PDF Press release FCA US LLC January 5 2015 Archived from the original PDF on December 22 2015 Retrieved January 7 2015 FCA US LLC Reports December 2015 U S Sales Increased 13 Percent PDF Press release FCA US LLC January 5 2016 Archived from the original PDF on January 8 2016 Retrieved January 7 2016 Stellantis Media FCA Canada is Top Selling Car Company in Canada for 2015 FCA US Reports 2016 December and Full year U S Sales Press release FCA North America January 4 2017 Retrieved January 4 2017 FCA Canada December and Full year 2016 Sales Press release FCA North America January 4 2017 Retrieved January 4 2017 Future of the Caravan Sergio semi confirms the rumors January 17 2018 Beresford Colin February 28 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan Production Coming to an End Car and Driver Retrieved February 28 2020 Waddell Dave May 8 2020 950 Windsor Assembly workers return next week demise of Caravan pushed back 3 months Windsor Star Retrieved May 12 2020 Stellantis Media Press Kit 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan Fact Sheet External links editDodge Grand Caravan Official website USA nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chrysler RT Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Chrysler minivans RT amp oldid 1206325015, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.