As the minivan market heats up with new models from both Toyota and Honda, Dodge is now working on adding some mojo to its Grand Caravan lineup, dubbing the upcoming edition the “man van.”
Several Dodge dealers have been briefed on the upcoming man van, and in speaking with the Wall Street Journal, they discussed the automaker’s intentions with the new special edition people hauler, “A man van won’t generate huge sales, but it’s one of those vehicles that gets people talking and heads turning, ” said one dealer representative. “We need that [talking and head turning] now. I mean if it gets one guy to give the minivan a second look, its worth it.”
Toyota has recently launched an advertising blitz centered around the all-new Sienna minivan, equipped with 19-inch wheels and a 266 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Dodge has apparently taken notice of the buzz generated around the Sienna, including talk of its sport appeal, and now the automaker will add bits and pieces, such as a body kit, larger wheels and high-contrast stitching on interior seats and the steering wheel, suggested Accelerate Mpls.
Dodge has yet to officially confirm its intentions for a sport model, but expect details to follow soon now that the word is out. Expect the “man van” to gain a more official moniker, likely the R/T designation.
References
1.’ Chrysler to produce a “Man Van”…’ view
2.’Chrysler readies a manly minivan…’ view
