Download Print Press Kit: 25th Anniversary of the Minivan Chrysler LLC Minivan Facts & Figures Auburn Hills, Mich. September 24, 2008 - Chrysler invented the minivan and manufactured the first minivan on November 2, 1983 In the first 25 years, Chrysler and Dodge have sold more than 12 million minivans—more than any other manufacturer in the world For the first half of 2008, the Chrysler Grand Voyager was the top-selling vehicle for the Company in markets outside North America Dodge Grand Caravan is the world’s best-selling minivan and has been for the past 25 years Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan still command more than 40 percent of the U.S. minivan market Dodge Grand Caravan is the best-selling minivan in Canada Since building the first minivan on November 2, 1983, Chrysler has received more than 260 industry awards from around the globe Chrysler sells minivans in more than 80 countries Chrysler began initial development work on the minivan in 1977 The original Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager “magic wagon” program received funding from the 1980 federal Chrysler Loan Guarantee Board and used $660 million of the $1.5 billion (U.S.) loan Advertising in the U.S. for the first minivan touted the vehicle as the “magic wagon” Chrysler expanded the minivan segment in 1987 with the introduction of long-wheelbase minivans: Dodge Grand Caravan and Plymouth Grand Voyager The original 1984 model-year minivans featured a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine producing 96 horsepower with an available three-speed automatic transaxle. The new fifth-generation Chrysler and Dodge minivans offer in North America a 4.0-liter six-cylinder that produces 251 horsepower with a standard six-speed automatic The Company’s first-generation minivans were 175.9 inches (446.8 centimeters) long, compared to today’s fifth-generation Chrysler and Dodge minivans at 202.5 inches (514.3 centimeters) long The Company’s first-generation minivans featured only two cup holders. Today’s fifth-generation Chrysler and Dodge minivans offer up to 14 cup holders The original first-generation minivan offered a standard three-passenger bench seat. Today’s fifth generation of Chrysler and Dodge minivans offer three unique seating systems including dual integrated child seats (1992), Stow ‘n Go® (2005) and Swivel ‘n Go™ (2008) Chrysler and Dodge minivans feature industry-first Stow ‘n Go seating and storage. No other minivan offers in-floor folding second- and third-row seating Early minivan research revealed that people wanted to see the end of the hood while driving. After considerable debate, designers decided to place a stand-up Chrysler Pentastar hood ornament on the front of the vehicle in order to further emphasize where the hood ended. Later, minivan research revealed a drop in concern for this issue. Chrysler discontinued the hood ornament on its minivans in 1996 Chrysler’s Windsor Assembly Plant continues to produce Chrysler and Dodge minivans for worldwide distribution, just like it did more than two decades ago Chrysler manufactured the world’s first electric-powered minivan in 1993. Between 1993 and 1995, 56 TEVans were built and sold exclusively for fleet use