WINDSOR, Ont. — Chrysler Group says its 2008 minivan lineup will have lower prices and more standard features than previous models.
For example, Chrysler says the manufacturer's suggested retail price for a Dodge Grand Caravan SE will start at $26,495, about of $3,800 less than from the previous entry model Dodge Grand Caravan.
The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring model will have a suggested retail price of $35,995, nearly $6,600 less than the previous generation.
In either case, the actual price that customers pay at the dealership will likely vary from the suggested price.
Chrysler and the other North American-based auto makers are undergoing major changes as they adjust to a chronic loss of market share to rivals based in Japan.
However, Chrysler has recently done better than General Motors Corp. or Ford Motor Co. in sales growth in the Canadian market.
Last month, DaimlerChrysler AG reported a 24.1 per cent increase in sales in Canada while Ford rose a slim 0.6 per cent and General Motors of Canada — still the largest auto maker — saw June sales fall 6.5 per cent from a year ago, according to industry data compiled by DesRosiers Automotive Consultants.
DaimlerChrysler has agreed to transfer an 80.1 per cent stake in its Michigan-based Chrysler unit to Cerberus Capital Management LP of New York.
Cerberus has agreed to pay DaimlerChrysler $1.4-billion (U.S.) and invest $6.1-billion in Chrysler, which has major manufacturing presence in Canada including at Windsor, where its minivans are made.
© Canadian Press
