All Cars, All the Time

Mulling the Minivan

It’s been much maligned as of late, but no matter what people say minivans still sell in large enough numbers to warrant serious resources from auto manufacturers. Lately both Ford and GM have professed to throwing in the towel on the classic minivan and instead both companies will be pitching crossovers designed to comfortably seat seven or eight passengers and their cargo. Mazda yanked the MPV from the USA market and is fielding the Mazda5 on the small end of the spectrum and the CX-9 on the larger end of the scale. Nissan has vowed that the Quest will live to see another generation, although they are reportedly looking at different ways to spark consumer interest. Chrysler will soon be showing the world its next generation minivan, but nothing too radical is expected. Looking forward to the 2009-10 timeframe when Toyota and Honda will be fielding their next generation entries there is a chance we may see some real innovation. According to an Automotive News article, both Honda and Toyota are disturbed by the downward trend in minivan sales and may try a unique approach to fluff up sales.

How do you “sexy up” a box? Nissan tried to shake things up with the interior of the Quest and subsequently retreated from its bold approach. On the other hand Chrysler developed middle row seats that folded into the floor and reaped big benefits from erstwhile very staid design changes. The “status quo” in minivan development has been one of refinement. This has promoted an environment of ”I’ll see your twin sliding doors and raise you power sliders. “ Not exactly stuff that raises the heartbeats of buyers everywhere, but also does not scare off the villagers (vague Mercury reference here) either.
As a minivan owner, I’ll throw my hat into the ring and suggest some suggestions:
1. Diesel power: Honda is reportedly looking into this already and I think it’s a great idea. Getting over 30mpg with the family bus would be great. Given the high mileage that vans typically rack up, it would seem to me that buyers would recoup an increase in purchase price relatively soon. Going hand in hand would be extended driving range between fill-ups. Not only for diesels but for all vans. Having a 750 or 1,000 mile range would be fantastic and a huge selling point.
2. Cargo area shouldn’t be a dungeon: Open up the hatch on most minivans and you’ll most likely see a deep well lined with cheap carpet. Why not spend some cash and dress the hatch area up? How about aluminum trim? Pergo style “hardwood” flooring? LED lighting? Make opening the hatch a moment of pride.
3. Increased seating flexibility: Yes, the seats flip and fold but could they do something else? How about having middle row chairs that can rotate to face backwards? Build the seatbelts into the seat frame and I don’t see why this couldn’t be done.
4. Delight and surprise: Besides ambient lighting, how about heated/cooled cup holders or mini fridges. Anything to keep the masses happy. A wealth of skylights can help as can different color fabrics, leathers and floor coverings.
5. Allow owners to change their minds: Replaceable seating inserts, dash appliqués, and anything else that can be done reasonably easily by the owner to change things up. It builds revenue for the dealership and keeps the customer happy.
6. Safety, safety, safety: Yes, minivans are already extremely safe but more can always be done. Anti-whiplash headrests should be standard on all vans. Helping to eliminate driver distractions and alerting drivers to dangerous situations should be a major goal.
7. Solve the riddle of the sliding door: Yes, sliding doors are tremendously helpful and power doors do make things even better but the doors are also a curse. Sliders can be balky and always seem to rattle. There is also the image that the sliding door conveys. I don’t know that traditional doors are the answer here, but there is certainly room for fresh thinking.
8. Coddle the driver. Mom and dad are hard working folks. Why are massaging seats relegated only to luxury cars? It’s another chance for a manufacturer to separate themselves for the competition. Certainly there are other comfort touches that would add only a few dollars to the bill but add immeasurable appeal.
9. Make it feel less like a van: Yes, the traditional American minivan is a giant, but what if you could make drive less like a giant? Four wheel steering perhaps? Adaptive ratio steering? Shrinking the perceived bulk would do wonders in making the van more acceptable for all drivers in the household.
10. Sexy styling: This is a tough one. Adding curves and sloping rooflines can greatly shrink the interior volume, but there just has be a new idea floating out there somewhere in some designers head. Minivan buyers may be conservative, but they are not made of stone.