Rise, fall and future of Minivans

SmartCat · 19th November 2019, 09:59

This short 10 minute video about minivans covers everything:

- History of minivan
- Practicality and rise to cult status among families
- 'Soccer Mom'/'Family Man' image reducing its desirability over time
- Arrival of cool looking crossover SUVs to fill the void
- Future of minivans as autonomous cars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShM0dj58tI4

GTO · 20th November 2019, 17:04

In the USA & many other markets, minivan sales have declined for one primary reason = IMAGE. They lack style, something that SUVs & Crossovers offer in abundance. So all those families looking at practicality have moved on to crossovers.

However, in India and many parts of Asia (e.g. Indonesia), minivans will continue to rock. For one, the mass market has no problem with their image, although some enthusiasts do (I can never think of a minivan as my primary car). Plus, our families are large and we value practicality a lot!

Read this article to know more about the iconic Dodge Caravan!

sarathlal · 20th November 2019, 17:17

Image = no, but the family practicality that it offers is unparalleled.
I badly wanted to buy a Pilot, but it was too difficult to do so after driving the Odyssey. Once you are pressed for time and having to run behind kids extra school activities, Odyssey behaved like a loyal servant aiding in each and every step.

Having said that, its not easy to lug it around when driving alone. Malls where parking spaces are narrow are nightmare. Very low mileage, bulk factor etc makes it a strict family car and not the one to drive with one or two folks.

20th November 2019, 17:04	#2
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,501 Thanked: 300,622 Times View My Garage	Re: Rise, fall and future of Minivans In the USA & many other markets, minivan sales have declined for one primary reason = IMAGE. They lack style, something that SUVs & Crossovers offer in abundance. So all those families looking at practicality have moved on to crossovers. However, in India and many parts of Asia (e.g. Indonesia), minivans will continue to rock. For one, the mass market has no problem with their image, although some enthusiasts do (I can never think of a minivan as my primary car). Plus, our families are large and we value practicality a lot! Read this article to know more about the iconic Dodge Caravan!
	(4) Thanks

20th November 2019, 17:17	#3
sarathlal Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 1,581 Thanked: 4,805 Times View My Garage	Re: Rise, fall and future of Minivans Image = no, but the family practicality that it offers is unparalleled. I badly wanted to buy a Pilot, but it was too difficult to do so after driving the Odyssey. Once you are pressed for time and having to run behind kids extra school activities, Odyssey behaved like a loyal servant aiding in each and every step. Having said that, its not easy to lug it around when driving alone. Malls where parking spaces are narrow are nightmare. Very low mileage, bulk factor etc makes it a strict family car and not the one to drive with one or two folks.
	(4) Thanks