Chrysler cuts minivan prices by thousands

(I read in another article that this figures out to a 13% reduction in price on 2008 retail price!)

By Tim Higgins, Detroit Free Press

Chrysler Group announced Thursday that its new Dodge and Chrysler minivans, which will begin hitting the showrooms this August and September, will have thousands of dollars in extra content and cost thousands less than current models.

The suggested retail prices on the base model Dodge Grand Caravan will be about $2,000 less than the current model, and the base Chrysler Town & Country will be $3,585 less.

Chrysler hopes to price its minivans closer to what they actually sell for, and to use fewer incentives in the future on the supremely important vehicles, which are among Chrysler's top sellers.

Currently, Chrysler is selling minivans using about $4,500 worth of incentives, said Steven Landry, Chrysler executive vice president for North American sales.

"We want to get the MSRP closer to the transaction price," Landry said. He also said that the new minivans will have $2,000 of added value. MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.

The new minivan has 35 new or improved features, including swiveling second-row seats, and will provide all-row side curtain air bags and electronic stability control as standard features.

The 2008 Dodge Caravan will have an MSRP that ranges from $22,470 to $27,535, and the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country will range from $23,190 to $36,400.

Early production of the minivans began at Chrysler's Windsor assembly plant earlier this month, and production is to begin at its second minivan assembly plant near St. Louis on Sept. 4, the company said.

LINK: http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...minivans_N.htm