Like the microwave, TV, and VCR another American innovation maybe ceded to foreign manufacturers: the minivan.
The financial troubles at Ford and GM may lead the two automakers to retreat from the market for minivans. The move would leave Chrysler, the creator of the minivan, as the sole American manufacturer in the segment. Of course Americans will not have a lack of minivans to choose from with models from Honda, Nissan and Toyota, but they may no longer have the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey as options after the 2006 model year, according to industry rumors.
Ford is expected to announce product changes on Monday, and based on comments coming from Dearborn, the executives are ready to retreat from money losing segments.
Meanwhile, analysts note that GM plans to end production at its sole minivan plant in Doraville, Ga. in 2008 puting into question the recently introduced Chevrolet Uplander/Saturn Relay line of minivans.
Neither Ford nor GM have had success in the U.S. minivan market. The two have always played catch up with Chrysler, which after more than 20 years continues to dominate the market, selling as many vehicles in the segment as Honda and Toyota combined.
In related news, Chrysler recently committed to investing in its minivan production line. —Matthew Wurtzel
See story from Reuters via ABC News
See story from USA Today
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