Dr.Z tells us, "Daimler-Chrysler invented the minivan". I understand he refers to the early 1980's Dodge Car-a-Van (great name, btw), but isn't it a HUGE mistatment of fact to claim that dubious title for DC when the VW "minivan" predates it by 20+ years? Huh?
2006: 'Daimler-Chrysler invented the minivan'. Not VW?
- Thread starter Auto-Union
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Semantics.
Who cares?
The term "Minivan" as it's used today, probably does get it's roots from Chrysler.
The Micro Bus, is what I remember of the VW.
It's still cooler.
Peace
Who cares?
The term "Minivan" as it's used today, probably does get it's roots from Chrysler.
The Micro Bus, is what I remember of the VW.
It's still cooler.
Peace
Apparently the nearsighted Dr. Z discounts rear engine mounting.
That would explain their crummy F1 program.
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Dr Zaius is pimping DC vehicles?
Apart from the VW Bully (or Bulli) ('68-'79), the VW Fridolin ('64-'73) was sort of a minivan, though most were made as transporters.
Apart from the VW Bully (or Bulli) ('68-'79), the VW Fridolin ('64-'73) was sort of a minivan, though most were made as transporters.
The VW bus was miserable. It's safe to say Chrysler invented the modern minivan.
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The Toyota Hiace could be called a minivan. It came out in the late '60s.
He's not far from the truth, he just left out two words.
Chrysler "invented the Chrysler Corporation minivan"
And the fact that it wasn't Daimler-Chrysler, it was Chrysler. Correct those two little details and he is spot on.
And if Henry Ford II hadn't fired Lee and hadn't run scared of the economy, the minivan would have come out at Ford first. But since Lee went to Chrysler and made a front-wheel-drive minivan, I am kind of glad it worked out the way it did. I like my rear-wheel-drive Aerostar.
The Chrysler corp mini-van wasn't Lee's baby. It was pretty much already designed when he went to Chrysler. Lee does get credit for haveing the good sense to get it to market in a tough environment as Chrysler was fighting to avoid going down the toilet.
Years ago I was stuck behind one in traffic. Everytime it started moving, it sounded like someone revving a lawnmower.
VW Bus and "mini-van" never appear in the same sentence. However VW Bus and "Lollapalooaza", "Woodstock", or "Bonnaroo" go together like hand in glove. I just can't see those yound or old hippie types driving to see a concert in a Windstar.
While it's obvious that the small van was somewhat popularized by VW decades ago, the "mini-van" as we know in today's terms, was made by Chrysler. Wasn't the original mini-van just a K-car body?
While it's obvious that the small van was somewhat popularized by VW decades ago, the "mini-van" as we know in today's terms, was made by Chrysler. Wasn't the original mini-van just a K-car body?
OK, here is an off-topic question. I LOVE the fact that Chrysler is actually mentioning their diesel Jeep Liberty in these Dr. Z commercials. I also LOVE the fact that they mention that there will more clean diesel auto forthcoming. I'm glad they have the guts to start advertising diesels (I wish VW would advertise their TDIs). But, is it just me or do others find this Dr. Z character annoying? The impression I get is that he is supposed to be somebody from Daimler. But he sounds like a bad impersonation of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Again, maybe it is just me, but the Dr. Z character is getting old, really quick.
Bryan, I agree. Rather than Dr. Z, John Cleese.
Isn't VW going to start rebadging DC minivans in the next year or so...or at least buying the minivan chassis from DC?
Kestas
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Chrysler was the first to come out with a modern minivan. In short order, everyone started copying the minivan with its FWD configuration and not the VW microbus.
Yes, the Caravan/Voyager was built on the same platform as the K-car. So was the Dodge 600 and Laser/Daytona.
Now, the word "minivan" is an aberration. With all the plus-sized "minivans", they're really just FWD "vans".
Yes, the Caravan/Voyager was built on the same platform as the K-car. So was the Dodge 600 and Laser/Daytona.
Now, the word "minivan" is an aberration. With all the plus-sized "minivans", they're really just FWD "vans".
In my opinion, the minivan began with Plymouth's 1930 version and style of what was called the panel truck, panel van, delivery van, or delivery truck. Ford and Chevy also came out with a 1930 panel truck (what I prefer to call them), but they had a boxy small truck look, not the classic look of the panel truck of which I believe the 1930 Plymouth was the forerunner. Here's a look at the 1930 Plymouth. This basic style and shape of the panel truck was made by various manufacturers into the late 40's or the 50's.:
http://www.allpar.com/history/plymouth/delivery-and-commercial-sedans.html
http://www.allpar.com/history/plymouth/delivery-and-commercial-sedans.html
JHZR2
Staff member
I dont find the DC character any more annoying than the VW unpimp my ride character... MB (or DC or jeep or whatever... its all MB technology) should tout more diesels, they have a long history of making the best passenger car diesels in the world.
If FWD the deciding factor on what makes a 'van' a 'mini van'? i.e. does our toyota previa not count, as, though its the size of the equivalent age grand caravan, its RWD. What about the astro and aerostar - theyre more truck based, yet are about the right size. VW eurovan?
JMH
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