Import brands, cars, crossovers, wheelbarrows, roller skates and patio furniture are apparently taking customers away from traditionally brisk-selling minivans, according to the Detroit Free Press. Minivans have made up to 12% of light-truck sales for several years, but so far in 2006, a 9.6% chunk's been taken out of that amount (call a math teacher). It's no surprise underachievers GM and Ford have been hit the hardest — with sales of their latest vans down 35.8% and 30.3%, respectively, this year. But the traditional segment leader, Chrysler, is also getting slammed — and it's hoping a redesign, coming in 2008, will make its Town and Country / Voyager more competitive with Toyota and Honda, which have been ticking off increasing sales of its Sienna and Odyssey vans. Atthe same time, GM and Ford hope new entries in the crossover segment will shore up their lines.
A HOT PRODUCT COOLS OFF: Minivan slump has automakers edgy Troubles of the domestic family hauler [Detroit Free Press]
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Nip/Tuck: Chrysler Pacifica Gets New Engine, Facelift for 2007 [internal]