Chrysler Pacifica takes the minivan upmarket

[carFlyer213]

Thanks to Chrysler Pacifica, Minivans sales is going up! But the downside is that the article says that Chrysler Pacifica is never going to be a sales leader.

Most will remember it was Chrysler that introduced us to this box-on-wheels concept of a people-hauler with the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager back in 1984. Since then, they have led the pack in minivan sales and still control about 65 per cent of the Canadian market with Grand Caravan and Pacifica sales lumped together.

Interestingly, at the end of November, 2016 minivan sales in Canada were actually up more than two per cent for the year to 85,064 units.

So predictions of the demise of the minivan may be a bit premature.

But the Pacifica itself is never going to be a sales leader, not because what it offers, but because of what it costs.

It is not an inexpensive vehicle, starting at $37,995 for the LX and $39,995 for the Touring.

Both are recent additions to the model line up that at launch early in 2016 featured the $43,995 Touring-L as the base model.

FCA’s big seller in the segment will continue to be the Grand Caravan, which was to be discontinued, but has now has been given a temporary reprieve since sales continue to flourish.

http://www.durhamregion.com/community-story/7082484-chrysler-pacifica-takes-the-minivan-upmarket/

 

[mark1tan]

Maybe Chrysler Pacifica won't become a sales leader but it's doing quite okay.

 

[newbie1]

Well I never really thought about this but yeah, if it is on the expensive side it may not be a leader at all. There is a line where middle class people won't spend any more money and wealthy people will spend a lot more - ruling out minivans all together for Range Rovers and other SUV models. If the Pacifica is over the line for the expenditures of the middle class this may lead to poor sales because in no way is the Pacifica looked at as a luxury vehicle by the truly wealthy.

 

[PluggedIn]

The price point is due to all the great features it has... so I think the market is for those who bought the Town and Country in the past. Definitely a bit upscale, but offering features that provide value for the price - including the fact that it's a hybrid. If we see more incentives for EVs, then that will boost its popularity...