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All-New 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Extends Its Leadership

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The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan sets a new standard for the minivan segment with 35 new or improved features that make it the best vehicle to transport people and things.

“The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan offers the best amenities for today’s busy families,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Chrysler Group Marketing. “With three distinct seating and storage systems, a dual DVD system that plays different media at the same time, SIRIUS Backseat TV, real-time traffic and navigation, a premium center console that slides rearward 21 inches to reach the second-row passengers, pinpoint Light Emitting Diode (LED) reading lamps, YES Essentials® stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric, three powertrain options and industry-leading functionality, every member of the family will enjoy the journey.”

The newest ingredient for functional family seating is the all-new Swivel ’n Go™ seating system. Swivel ’n Go offers second-row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third-row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the floor of the second-row, third-row uncovered storage and fold-in-the-floor third-row seating.

“Chrysler Group is the leader in bringing innovations to the minivan segment, and those innovations seem to have an uncanny way of ending up in other products,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Chrysler Group Front-wheel-drive Product Team. “Integrated child safety seats, dual-zone temperature controls, a power liftgate and DVD entertainment are just some of the features that started in a minivan, but are now available in other vehicle segments.”

The industry-exclusive Stow ’n Go® seating and storage system, the only minivan seat system to offer both second- and third-row seats that fold into the floor, is still part of the 2008 Grand Caravan’s recipe for success. For 2008, both seating systems offer a minivan-first one-touch power folding third-row seat.

Design
The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan sports an all-new exterior and interior design that updates the classic minivan, giving it a contemporary, sporty profile with a thoughtful, tailored interior.

A more contemporary style with sheer, clean lines and an athletic stance is evident for 2008, along with distinctive design cues that make the Dodge Grand Caravan unmistakably a Dodge.

“The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan has grown up to reflect a contemporary, athletic style for today’s active families,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Chrysler Group Design. “Dodge offers upscale design cues without compromising the Dodge brand values of a bold, powerful, exciting and durable vehicle.”

The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan’s sportier exterior includes the distinctive crosshair grille on its chiseled front end. Design cues that are more contemporary in nature include clean, sheer lines; streamlined, leaner pillars; aerodynamic mirrors; wheel forms that that go all the way to the bottom of the bodyside; a new body-to-glass proportion similar to the Dodge Charger and a more settled appearance on the road.

To achieve more interior roominess, the Dodge Grand Caravan designers widened the roof by 6 inches, lowered the DLO drip line, gave the beltline more rake and lowered and pulled out the sill to create a better relationship with the tires. The tire size also was increased an inch, and the wheels were given a five-spoke design for an athletic feel. The wider roof adds interior head and shoulder room, and the lowered DLO helps achieve the new Charger-like glass-to-body proportion. These design cues result in a Dodge minivan that trades the familiar elliptical shape for one that is contemporary and sheer, with a protective look and athletic stance not previously seen in a Dodge Grand Caravan.

“But minivan design is truly about the interior,” said Creed. “And the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan offers an updated contemporary style inside, as well as outside.”

A modern look is created with a clean interior execution that adds more functionality than before. Sleeker pillars, clean interior lines and satin silver accents add to the feeling of spaciousness that was created by increasing the vehicle’s head and shoulder room.

With 35 new or improved features, no detail was overlooked to create a vehicle that functions well for numerous lifestyles.


Engineering
The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan offers three powertrains in North America, including a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine mated to a minivan-first six-speed transaxle that produces 240 hp (180 kW) at 6000 rpm and 253 lb.-ft. (343 N•m) of torque at 4100 rpm. A 3.3-liter V-6 engine that can be fueled with E85 is mated to a four-speed transaxle that produces 175 hp (131 kW) at 5000 rpm and 205 lb.-ft. (278 N•m) of torque at 4000 rpm. A 3.8-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed transmission that produces 197 hp (148 kW) at 5000 rpm and 230 lb.-ft. (312 N•m) of torque at 4000 rpm rounds out the powertrain line up.

The six-speed transaxle’s higher numerical first gear launches the new 2008 minivan more briskly than a four- or five-speed transaxle. It also provides smaller steps between ratios, which means the engine speed changes less with each shift and makes the shifts feel smoother and engages a more appropriate ratio for any driving situation.

“Chrysler Group is the first to offer a six-speed transaxle in a minivan,” said Chris Alaniz, Chief Engineer, Chrysler Group Minivan Team. “With a new 4.0-liter, V-6 aluminum engine and new six-speed transaxle, the 2008 Chrysler and Dodge minivans offer added performance and a smoother driving experience.”

Aerodynamic improvements have reduced wind noise, while high-strength and hot-stamped steel and improved structural body stiffness have reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) on the new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. Additional acoustic treatments also have improved interior quietness. The new twist-beam rear axle with coil springs and new front-wheel-drive suspension architecture provide improved stability and ride comfort, and prevent road noise and transmission harshness from entering the passenger compartment.

A family-friendly interior full of innovation complements the new powertrains. Chrysler Group engineers developed three distinct seating systems for the new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan. The industry-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system, the new Swivel ‘n Go seat system (both available with a minivan-first one-touch power folding third-row seat) and bench seating in both the second- and third-row.

Entertainment options are unmatched by competitors. With a minivan-first dual DVD system that can play different media at the same time, SIRIUS Backseat TV satellite streaming video featuring programming from Disney channel, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network Mobile, SIRIUS satellite radio, MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System that includes real-time traffic and navigation, a USB port, a 20 gigabyte hard drive with six gigabytes of music storage that can store approximately 1,200 songs and a jukebox that offers a customizable play list and dual A/V jacks with an inverter and 115v power outlet in the second-row, there is something to keep everyone entertained while traveling.

An ambient halo light package, second-row power windows, second- and third-row sunshades, remote start, a removable, rechargeable flashlight in the rear cargo area and a new D-pillar-mounted power liftgate button are some of the family-friendly innovations found in the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan.


Product Highlights
• The all-new Dodge Grand Caravan again raises the bar for the minivan segment. No other minivan in the marketplace offers the combination of functionality, flexibility and clever features available on the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan family of minivans

• More than 35 new or improved features that continue the Chrysler Group’s tradition of minivan innovation and leadership
o With all-new exterior and interior designs, three different seating and storage options, new, more powerful drivetrain options and clever interior features, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan has evolved to become a “family room on wheels” – a vehicle that offers the ultimate flexibility and utility for active lifestyles

• With the new Swivel ’n Go seating and storage system, the Chrysler Group minivans are the only minivans in the market to offer three distinct seating and storage systems
o Swivel ’n Go seating system is a new, unique seating and storage system that offers the storage bins of the Stow ’n Go® seating and storage system combined with second-row quad chairs that can rotate 180 degrees to face forward or rearward, along with a table that installs between the second- and third-row seats. The flexibility of the seat system allows for a variety of configurations, including easy ingress and egress, conversational seating without the table and just about any use with a table, from homework, to game playing, to meals on the go, to a home office on wheels
o The Stow ’n Go seating and storage system is still an industry exclusive available only on Chrysler Group minivans. They are the only minivans to offer fold-in-the-floor second-row seating (without the need to remove the seats) and fold-in-the-floor third-row seats
o A second-row bench seat with second-row storage bins and third-row fold-in-the floor seating also is available on the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

• The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is a “family room on wheels” because of its fun features, practical comforts and pleasant driving experience
o Fun features like the Swivel ’n Go seating and storage system, a dual DVD system that can play different media at the same time, SIRIUS Backseat TV, surround sound, hard drive media storage, LED pinpoint reading lamps, ambient halo lighting, a removable, sliding center console and removable flashlight in the tailgate give more options to families on the go
o Practical comfort features like the Stow ’n Go seating and storage system, heated first- and second-row cloth or leather seats, remote start, second- and third-row sunshades, personalized navigation backgrounds, YES Essentials stain-resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static seat fabric, an umbrella holder next to the driver’s seat, removable, dishwasher-safe cupholders, second-row power windows and third-row power folding seat provide the comforts of home while on the road
o An available new six-speed transmission and new 4.0-liter V-6 engine option offer an enlivened driving experience
• Safety continues to be paramount in the design of the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan. All-row side curtain air bags and an Electronic Stability Program are among the standard safety features on the 2008 Chrysler minivans. With innovations like a patented, energy-absorbing steering column, driver and passenger knee blocker, integrated child safety seats, LATCH, integrated booster seat (late availability), a rearview interior conversation mirror, available ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System and ParkView Rear Back-up Camera, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan ensures peace of mind when traveling


Model Lineup
Dodge Grand Caravan SE
Dodge Grand Caravan SXT


Safety and Security
Please refer to the safety glossary in the Safety and Technology section for descriptions of the following available features:

• Standard Supplemental All-row Side Air Bag Integrated Curtains (SABIC)
• Electronic Stability Program with Traction Control and Brake Assist
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Three-point Lap and Shoulder Belts for All Seating Positions with Automatic Locking Retractors
• Pretensioning and Load-limiting Retractors for Front Seat Driver and Passenger
• Advanced, Multistage Driver and Top-mounted Front Passenger Low-risk Deployment Air Bag
• Knee Blocker, Driver and Front Passenger
• Patented Energy-absorbing Steering Column
• Occupant Restraint Controller with Rollover Sensor (will Deploy SABIC in the Event of a Rollover)
• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) (Two in the Intermediate Row and Two in the Third-row Bench Seat)
• FOB Integrated Key
• Remote Start
• ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
• ParkView Rear Back-up Camera
• HomeLink® Universal Garage Door Opener
• Power Adjustable Pedals
• Remote Keyless Illuminated Entry with Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer Theft Deterrent System
• Power Sliding Passenger Doors
• Power Liftgate
• DoorAlert
• BeltAlert
• Brake/Park Interlock
• Power Heated Fold-away Mirrors
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Signal Mirrors
• UConnect® Hands-free Communication System with Bluetooth Compatibility


Color Availability
• Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat
• Modern Blue Pearlcoat
• Bright Silver Metallic
• Brilliant Black Pearlcoat
• Stone White
• Sunburst Orange Pearlcoat (New)
• Marathon Blue Pearlcoat (New)
• Light Sandstone Metallic (New)


Manufacturing Information
2008 model year production start: July 2007 (Windsor), September 2007 (St. Louis South)
Production Location: Windsor Assembly Plant, Windsor, Ontario, Canada and St. Louis South Assembly Plant, Fenton, Mo.
4.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine: Trenton Engine Plant, Trenton, Mich.
3.8-liter V-6 Engine: Trenton Engine Plant, Trenton, Mich.
3.3-liter V-6 Engine: Trenton Engine Plant, Trenton, Mich.
Four-speed automatic transmission: Kokomo Transmission Plant, Kokomo, Ind.
Six-speed automatic transmission: Kokomo Transmission Plant, Kokomo, Ind.


Market Position
The minivan segment is a substantial part of the new-vehicle market that is expected to stay steady or slightly increase in the foreseeable future. Averaging 1.1 million minivans sold since 1993, roughly one of every 15 vehicles sold in the United States today is a minivan.

As the originator of the modern minivan, Dodge has pioneered more minivan innovations than any other brand in the marketplace and has been the sales leader for 23 consecutive years.

With all-new sporty, contemporary styling, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan offers unexpected features with unmatched adaptability and value to be the best all-around transportation option for young families.

“Owning a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is the equivalent of giving your family a hug every time you drive it,” said Murphy. “It lets families keep everything together and get it all done in an enjoyable way.”


Demographics
Target: Married couples
Age: 30 - 44 years old
Median Annual Household Income: $70,000
Education: College graduates (60%)
Household: Married with two or more children under the age of 12 living at home


Market Advantages
• Unmatched Interior Flexibility
o Only minivan to offer three distinct seating and storage systems including the industry exclusive Stow ‘n Go Seating and Storage System and the all-new Swivel ‘n Go seat system
• State-of-Art Technology – Next Generation In-Vehicle Entertainment
o SIRIUS Backseat TV - Satellite Streaming Video
o Dual DVD entertainment system that can play different media at the same time, a minivan first
o MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 20 gig hard drive
o Premium sliding center console with multiple storage options and slides rearward up to 21 inches
• Powertrain & Driving Dynamics
o Three powertrain options including a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine mated to a minivan-first six-speed transaxle
o Reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
o Improved Aerodynamics, ride and handling
• Interior Ambiance
o Halo and LED reading lamps create interior ambiance and allow customers to see each other, play games or do homework when it’s dark outside
o Thoughtful interior offers a place for everything


PRODUCT CHRONOLOGY
2007 Model Year

Two new exterior colors, Modern Blue Pearlcoat and Marine Blue Pearlcoat

2006 MODEL Year
New model lineup includes Dodge Caravan SE (short-wheelbase); Dodge Caravan SXT (short-wheelbase); Dodge Grand Caravan SE (long-wheelbase); and Dodge Grand Caravan SXT (long-wheelbase)
Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system is standard
Dodge Grand Caravan SE offers standard second-row intermediate bench seat with second-row covered storage bins and third-row 60/40 bench seat that folds into the floor. Stow ’n Go™ seating and storage system with second-row fold-in-the-floor low-back seats are optional
CD/DVD changer modified to play any CD or DVD—including MP3, DVD-audio, DVD-R and DVD-W—and includes “auto start” capability for DVD-audio and “easy start” feature for DVD-video (new for 2006)
BeltAlert, enhanced seat belt reminder system for driver
Telltale message in instrument cluster for unattached/loose fuel cap

2005 MODEL YEAR
Stow ’n Go seating and storage system with fold into the floor second and third row seating standard on most Grand Caravan models
Overhead rail system with three moveable/removable storage bins, rear HVAC controls available on most Grand Caravan models
Front advanced multi-stage air bags with passenger-side Occupant Classification System (OCS) on Grand Caravan SE Plus and SXT(a)
Driver-side inflatable knee blocker (inflates in conjunction with air bag deployment)
Three-row side-curtain air bags available (not available with Power sun roof or Entertainment Group #1)
DoorAlert, sliding door open/light flash feature activates exterior hazard lamps when sliding doors are opened
ParkSense rear park assist system available on Grand Caravan SXT
New exterior colors: Magnesium Pearl Coat, Linen Gold Metallic
New interior colors: Dark Khaki/Light Graystone
SWB (short-wheelbase): Caravan SE, SXT
LWB (long-wheelbase): Grand Caravan SE, SE Plus, SXT—mid-year model lineup change: Grand Caravan SE, SXT
Freshened front grilles and fascias
BeltAlert driver’s seat belt reminder system
UConnect® Hands-free Communication System with Bluetooth® wireless technology available
Factory-installed SIRIUS Satellite Radio available(b)
Removable center console now offered on Caravan SXT
Entertainment Group #1 with rear video offered
on Caravan
Navigation radio available on Grand Caravan SXT also includes six-disc CD/DVD changer
Grand Caravan SXT Premium Group split into two groups, adding new Leather Interior Group

2004 MODEL YEAR

New model lineup—Caravan SE and SXT; Grand Caravan SE, eX, SXT, SXT AWD; Caravan and Grand Caravan CV
New AM/FM radio with CD player standard sound system
New AM/FM radio with integrated six-disc CD changer
New exterior colors—Midnight Blue and Deep Molten Red
New interior colors—Khaki and Medium Slate Gray
New interior cloth trim—Vegas
New Grand Caravan Anniversary Edition (late availability)
New Popular Equipment Groups
Rear entertainment system includes a six-disc in-dash DVD/CD changer

2003 MODEL YEAR


New key and key fob
eC model discontinued
SE—adds remote keyless entry and AM/FM stereo radio with cassette and CD player optional
Grand Caravan SE models offer three-zone manual air conditioning
eL—Adds 3.8-liter V-6 engine—Optional
Sport—3.8-liter V-6 included with Grand Caravan Popular Equipment Package
ES—Adds power liftgate, removable center console, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), auto dimming mirrors, roof rack and steering-wheel mounted audio controls
New exterior colors—Satin Jade Pearl Coat, Butane Blue Pearl Coat and Brilliant Black Crystal
New exterior accent colors—Deep Gray and Deep Blue
Power adjustable pedals—Optional on all models (late availability)
Power sun roof—Optional on ES
Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System—Optional on Grand Caravan Sport, ES and eX
Six-disc CD changer replaces four-disc CD changer—Optional on Sport and ES

2002 MODEL YEAR


Grand Caravan SE and eX models added
Four-speed automatic transaxle standard with 2.4-liter engine (October 2001 production)
3.8-liter V-6 engine—Standard on ES
New Grand Caravan ES front fascia with bright inserts
Available front door-only power windows—SE
Available rear seat audio controls for AM/FM stereo radio with cassette, CD, wireless rear
Available rear cargo organizer becomes factory option (2001 mid-year introduction)
Available steering wheel radio controls added to the power accessory delay feature—ES
New exterior colors—Onyx Green Pearl Coat and Light Almond Pearl Coat

2001 MODEL YEAR


Grand Caravan eX model added mid-year
Refined 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V-6 engines
Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS) available on front-wheel drive models
Available industry-first power liftgate
Available power sliding doors and power liftgate with industry-first opening-direction obstacle detection and industry-first in-door motors
Completely redesigned interior—Seats, trim panels, instrument panel and instrument cluster
Available industry-first removable center console with power outlet
Available industry-first infrared sensing, three-zone automatic temperature control air conditioning
Available industry-first three-zone manual temperature control air conditioning
Intermediate and rear seats include LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
Driver and passenger multistage air bags(a)
Available supplemental side-impact air bags for front outboard occupants
Available security alarm system with Sentry Key® engine immobilizer
Available intermediate Quad Command seats

2000 MODEL YEAR


3.8-liter engine with all-wheel drive meets Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards in Northeast Trading Region states

1999 MODEL YEAR

New Grand Caravan ES model
3.8-liter engine with AutoStick® transaxle standard on ES
215/60R17 touring tires and 17-inch Crusader
cast-aluminum wheels standard on ES
ES and SXT appearance upgrade
SE appearance upgrade
LE, SE base and front appearance upgrade
New premium leather seating available on LE and ES
Next-generation driver air bag(a)
Child seat available with Quad-Command® seating
Intermediate and rear-seat head restraints standard on all models

1998 MODEL YEAR


Next-generation passenger air bag(a)
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) 3.3-liter V-6 engine available in states that do not adopt California emission regulations

1997 MODEL YEAR

Low-speed traction control available
Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with all-wheel drive
Enhanced accident response system

1996 MODEL YEAR
Completely redesigned body, chassis and interior
2.4-liter, DOHC, 16-valve SMPI V-6 engine

(a) Certified to federal regulations that allow less forceful air bags. Always use seat belts.
Remember, the back seat is the safest place for children.
(b) “SIRIUS” is a registered trademark of SIRIUS Satellite Radio I
 
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