Ford, Nissan to stop production of minivans early

Article Abstract:

Ford Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co Ltd will end their US joint venture that have produced the Mercury Villager and Quest because of declining sales in the country's competitive minivan market. Rather than produce 2004 models, Ford's Villager and Nissan's Quest will be discontinued after 2002. Introduced in 1992, Villager and Quest did not meet sales expectations, with combined sales reaching a peak of only 129,000 units in 1995. In year 2000, only 14,000 Villagers and 17,000 Quests were sold.

Japan, Foreign operations, Joint ventures, Ford Motor Co., Nissan Motor Company Ltd.

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Kia makes first go at minivan market

Article Abstract:

Kia Motors America will unveil the Sedona minivan at the New York International Automobile Show. The Sedona will be priced 20% cheaper than Dodge Caravans and Honda Odysseys, and help Kia differentiate itself from parent Hyundai. Kia will also introduce a new sports-utility vehicle that would be positioned against Mitsubishi's Montero Sport and Toyota's 4Runner. In early 2001, it rolled out the Optima sedan, as a value alternative to the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry.

Kia Motors America Inc.

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DaimlerChrysler leans on new minivans for strength

Article Abstract:

DaimlerChrysler AG has began distributing the redesigned Chrysler Voyager/Town and Country and Dodge Caravan minivans from a plant in Windsor, Ontario, on Jul 24, 2000. The release of the minivans, which is aided by over $100 million in advertising expenditures, is expected to bring improved earnings for the company as well as higher share prices. The company's Chrysler unit, which was able to reduce the usual ramp-up time by 40 days, holds 42% of the minivan segment.

Canada, DaimlerChrysler AG

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