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2005 Chrysler Minivans
Stow 'n Go

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Stow 'n Go will be a standard feature on the 2005 Chrysler Town & Country LX, Touring and Limited, and the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. Stow 'n Go will be an optional feature on the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SE.

Developed at a cost of more than $220 million, the Stow 'n Go system required significant changes to the existing Chrysler minivan platform. As a result, the next new Chrysler minivan - due in about two years - will use this same platform.

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Chrysler engineers assert - and, at least during this test, proved -- that second- and third-row seats will fold into the floor in approximately 30 seconds.

The in-floor storage area should prove to be a handy place for groceries, bags and miscellaneous items not in use while driving.

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Minivans. Not so long ago, they were a punch line. A description that made automaker reps shudder. Thought of as square, dull and boring, minivans had an image problem and no one wanted to torpedo sales by having a vehicle compared to a - gasp - minivan.

But that's changing - and fast. Minivans are back, at least according to recent consumer trends at Autobytel.com. Between the fourth quarter of 2003 and the first quarter of 2004, Autobytel purchase requests for leading minivans grew 29 percent. Notable minivans include the Nissan Quest, up 48%, the Kia Sedona up 24% and the Toyota Sienna, up 47 percent. This surge in popularity is driven largely by features and improvements made to new or recently redesigned models; among others, the 2004 Toyota Sienna has gained rave reviews, the Ford Freestar has been significantly improved and the Nissan Quest has added some needed styling appeal to the segment.

And now there's Chrysler's Stow 'n Go seating and cargo system, designed for the 2005 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan extended-wheelbase models. Stow 'n Go will be a standard feature on the 2005 Chrysler Town & Country LX, Touring and Limited, and the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. Stow 'n Go will be an optional feature on the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SE. Pricing is expected to be on average $3,000 less than current 2004 prices.

Developed at a cost of more than $400 million in around 18 months, the system required significant changes to the existing Chrysler minivan platform. As a result, the next new Chrysler minivan - due in about two years - will use this same platform.

Highlights of the Stow 'n Go system include:

Use of a high density foam in its seats, which enables seats of quality material and comfort to be folded into the floor.

Headrests do not need to be removed when folding seats down.

Second row seats flat into the floor, and when the seats are in use, the seat hold bins can double as a cargo area - with a false floor on top. All told, Stow 'n Go increases cargo area up to 12 cu.-ft.

The third row folds flat, either as one or in a 60/40 configuration.

Chrysler engineers assert - and, at least during this test, proved -- that second- and third-row seats will fold into the floor in approximately 30 seconds. More important, however, is the execution. The steps it takes to fold and raise the seats is easy to figure out and a snap to complete, even one handed. Though it has not yet been adequately tested, it seems reasonable that an adult could fold the seats down with a child or groceries in one hand.

The third row seat also flips completely rearward - a significant benefit for tailgaters or diaper changers.

Potential drawbacks include:

Back row seat headrests are placed low, in order to facilitate the fold-down feature. These may need to be adjusted for an adult to sit comfortably.

Spare tire is a mini, is located under the front passenger seat and requires a winch system to remove.

Based on a recent test of the system, Stow 'n Go does seem to add a new element of convenience and usable cargo area to Chrysler and Dodge minivans. And as consumers rediscover the convenience and utility of minivans, Chrysler is poised to raise the bar with what may well be an industry-leading seating and cargo system, one which serves as a precursor to future Chrysler minivans.
And that may well put the joke on its competitors in the reinvigorated minivan space.