By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com
On a day that Ford announced that it will officially cease production of its faltering Windstar minivan, pictures have leaked showing DaimlerChrysler's commitment to the minivan market it has dominated since 1984.
The all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and 2008 Dodge Caravan will officially be shown at the North American International Auto Show later this month, but pictures surfaced on various Web sites showing the front view of the new Chrysler van and the rear view of the Dodge model. It represents an important step for DaimlerChrysler as General Motors and Ford are both bowing out of the minivan race in favor of the more lucrative crossover market.
The squared body and wide, long hood gives both vans a more SUV-like appearance. The all-new design continues to the rear which is strikingly similar to the Dodge Durango and Nitro further adding a distinctive approach to these minivans. To keep up with the import minivans, the dual-sliding doors now feature roll-down windows and a new-and-improved, power-operated Stow-N-Go seating system will be available as well.
Ford halted production of the Windstar today a full four months early as it aims to focus primarily on the production of its all-new crossovers; the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. General Motors has hinted that the 2007 model year may be the last for its minivan line as well.