Intro from a Chrysler junkie...

[Peddler]

Hello from a former Chrysler employee and since the ‘70’s a Chrysler/FCA owner. In my first post here I mentioned I originated the Caravan. Let me explain... when I worked at Warren Truck where they made the large vans, popular in the ‘70’s, (I had a 127” wheelbase model back then) a gas crunch was happening so I entered a suggestion, complete with sketches and notes, that Chrysler should build a smaller, more efficient van to help beat the high gas prices of the time along with other benefits. Not long after, the Caravan was born. Coincidence? Who knows? I always wondered what kind of bonus the turkey who entered my suggestion got.
I’ve had almost every incarnation of Dodge minivans except for a few years with Jeep GC’s. Now a happy Pacifica owner, I’d love to see FCA raise the bar to new heights by making a version of the Pacifica more off-road ready with greater towing ability. Who knows, this very well could make a third popular category of rides along with today’s love affair with pickups and SUV’s.
Being a Detroit boy, I grew up with a love of everything automotive. What better place to be afflicted with this than the Motor City?
Since every Chrysler product I’ve owned was virtually trouble free, I’ve stuck with them for decades and quite a few vehicles. The Pacifica just reaffirmed my loyalty. FCA has proven they believe in innovating and I post in hopes someone at FCA hears my plea to raise the bar to unheard of levels by making a nice variety of minivans from safe, reliable family haulers to vans the outdoorsy, adventuresome crowd would glom onto.
I’m glad I found this board and hope to learn and possibly share here in the up coming days.

 

[UN4GTBL]

Welcome!

From what I remember from Lee Iaccoca's autobiography that I read a long time ago, they had a minivan presented to the management at Ford, but it was rejected. When he came to Chrysler he presented it again, and eventually it was approved? (I'm fuzzy on the details now)

However it was originated, the minivans have certainly been a great product for Chrysler over the years!

 

[devildodge]

Welcome. Sounds like an interesting career. Any chance you owned any Dodge StreetVans? Minivans are great, but I have a great interest in the Dodge Full size van.

Thanks for joining us. Glad to hear ththe Pacifica is working well for you.

I do like your idea about more towing and off road prowess in the Pacifica.

I will be sure to send that idea to FCA for you

 

[Ryan]

Welcome to the forums!

 

[redriderbob]

Welcome!

From what I remember from Lee Iaccoca's autobiography that I read a long time ago, they had a minivan presented to the management at Ford, but it was rejected. When he came to Chrysler he presented it again, and eventually it was approved? (I'm fuzzy on the details now)

However it was originated, the minivans have certainly been a great product for Chrysler over the years!

1976 Ford Carousel Design Study

I have read Iaccoca's autobiography probably a dozen times. Henry Ford II was against Hal Sperlich's idea behind the minivan and a front-wheel-drive architecture to compete with the Japanese. Ford spent a ton of money researching the minivan and front-wheel drive platform vehicles. When Henry Ford II fired Lee Iacocca, he allowed him to take the benders with all of the marketing, blueprints and case studies on both. The very next day he was hired as President of the dying Chrysler Corporation and presented a risky case to the board of directors about the K-car platform and minivan programs. Luckily, Chrysler had already had its European team working on the Horizon front-wheel-drive program and the board approved it as soon as Iaccoca could get the funds.

 

[redriderbob]

Hello from a former Chrysler employee and since the ‘70’s a Chrysler/FCA owner. In my first post here I mentioned I originated the Caravan. Let me explain... when I worked at Warren Truck where they made the large vans, popular in the ‘70’s, (I had a 127” wheelbase model back then) a gas crunch was happening so I entered a suggestion, complete with sketches and notes, that Chrysler should build a smaller, more efficient van to help beat the high gas prices of the time along with other benefits. Not long after, the Caravan was born. Coincidence? Who knows? I always wondered what kind of bonus the turkey who entered my suggestion got.
I’ve had almost every incarnation of Dodge minivans except for a few years with Jeep GC’s. Now a happy Pacifica owner, I’d love to see FCA raise the bar to new heights by making a version of the Pacifica more off-road ready with greater towing ability. Who knows, this very well could make a third popular category of rides along with today’s love affair with pickups and SUV’s.
Being a Detroit boy, I grew up with a love of everything automotive. What better place to be afflicted with this than the Motor City?
Since every Chrysler product I’ve owned was virtually trouble free, I’ve stuck with them for decades and quite a few vehicles. The Pacifica just reaffirmed my loyalty. FCA has proven they believe in innovating and I post in hopes someone at FCA hears my plea to raise the bar to unheard of levels by making a nice variety of minivans from safe, reliable family haulers to vans the outdoorsy, adventuresome crowd would glom onto.
I’m glad I found this board and hope to learn and possibly share here in the up coming days.

Welcome. Good to see another Metro Detroiter on here.