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Minivan Celebrates 25th Anniversary But How Much Longer Will it Be Around?

Chrysler is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the minivan with the new 25th anniversary edition 2009 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans to commemorate the minivan’s milestone.

Chrysler invented the minivan in 1983 and it became the ultimate family vehicle, popular with soccer moms who needed the room to drive around the kids and their friends. Since its invention, Chrysler has sold more than 12 million minivans.
The 25th anniversary 2009 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan models will be available this winter as special editions.
Dodge Grand Caravan
The Dodge Grand Caravan’s 25th anniversary is being celebrated with a new special edition model.
"Twenty-five years later, Chrysler and Dodge continue to dominate and innovate in this important segment," said Deborah Meyer, Chrysler vice president and chief marketing officer. "With numerous minivan segment-exclusive features including Stow ‘n Go seating and storage, and the best fuel economy rating, it is no surprise that Chrysler and Dodge minivans command more than 40 percent of the U.S. minivan market."
With SUVs and crossovers dominating the market, minivan sales are down about 15 percent this year. But since Ford no longer builds minivans and GM is exiting the segment soon, there isn’t too much competition left for Chrysler. How many more years will the minivan be around? With the station wagon making a slight comeback, it seems anything is possible.